Flying from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Washington DC: what you need to know
Expect to be in the air for 1 hour 36 minutes. On average, that's the time it takes for a direct flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC.
Washington DC's timezone is UTC-4, which is the same as Ottawa (the location of Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport).
The most popular route is from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). You can select from 29 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to get on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from YOW to IAD is the 09:45 United service. If you'd rather travel later, the last departure is at 19:32 with United.
To ensure you get on your flight from YOW to Washington DC, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months like August, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight when you travel during a peak period in general.
Nonstop flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Washington DC are available for booking. Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is where you'll complete your journey.
United is a well-known carrier that offers direct flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC.
If you hold a passport from Canada and want to travel to United States for tourism purposes, you won't need a visa. However, entry and visa requirements may differ based on the length of your trip and are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, check with your destination's nearest embassy or consulate before booking a cheap ticket from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC.
YOW is about 13 kilometres from central Ottawa. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 19 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be approximately 43 minutes.
Want a convenient hotel near YOW? If you're catching an early flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your check-in counter:
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Washington DC
$246 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $432. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares can change.
To secure cheap tickets from YOW to Washington DC, book your trip 9 months ahead of your departure date.
The cheapest month for tickets from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC is May. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest day to fly.
Set up a Price Alert for flight tickets from YOW to Washington DC. You don't need to look every day to find out if prices have fallen. We'll let you know as soon as there's a change in price.
Tailor your travel plans with filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC takes around 16 minutes by car. It's approximately 8 kilometres away.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of about 43 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near DCA if you're catching a late flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC. Select one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
After your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in around 51 minutes by car. Central Washington DC is approximately 56 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
You can also travel using public transport, which typically takes 3 hours and 26 minutes.
After your flight from YOW to Washington DC, settle in at a hotel close to IAD. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Washington DC
It's time to plan your dates for your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC. July is the most popular month to visit Washington DC. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, go in May.
When booking your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC, think about the kind of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Washington DC, with the temperature ranging from 19ºC to 33ºC.
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from YOW to Washington DC in January when temperatures average between -6ºC and 10ºC.
More about Washington DC
After booking your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC, think about where to rest your head in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Washington DC:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are must-do's during your Washington DC adventure.
Complete your Washington DC trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC isn't the only thing we're good at. Check out our car rentals in Washington DC and have more freedom to explore. We find deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. Instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.