Travelling from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Melbourne: what you need to know
Melbourne is 15 hours ahead of Ottawa, where Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is located. Melbourne follows the UTC+11 timezone.
Give yourself enough time to make your YOW to Melbourne flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak time like a bank holiday? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Located around 11 kilometres from central Ottawa, YOW can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near YOW. Whether you're catching an early flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are a convenient choice:
Of all flights departing from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, 58.21% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
YOW is located at 50 Airport Road.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Melbourne
R 9,936 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne flight. Return flight tickets start from R 29,954. These fares can change based on demand and availability.
To pick up cheap flights from YOW to Melbourne, book early. Airlines typically offer lower fares when flights are first released.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, make the most of the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the lowest price across every month when looking for your Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne ticket.
There's no need to check in daily to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you when there's an even better deal on cheap flights from YOW to Melbourne.
Find a cheap flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
The distance from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne is roughly 24 kilometres. It'll take you around 30 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It typically takes 40 minutes to get there using public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne. Stay at one of these accommodation options near MEL instead:
Follow your own route with a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt and discover more of Melbourne and beyond.
For the lowest price, book your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport around four weeks in advance of your flight from YOW to Melbourne.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
The centre of Melbourne is about 56 kilometres from Avalon Airport (AVV). Once your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 50 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take roughly 2 hours 5 minutes on public transport.
Corio Bay Motel is one accommodation option within a short drive of AVV. Drop your bags here after your YOW to Melbourne flight and then hang the 'Do not disturb' sign to get some rest.
Forget about public transport timetables or cab lines. Grab an Avalon Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare availability and rates from Sixt, Kangaroo Rental and yesaway car hire.
Don't pay more than you need to. Securing your ride three weeks ahead of your arrival at AVV can help you lock in a better rate.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Find your way to the city centre after your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne has landed. Central Melbourne is around 19 kilometres from Essendon Airport (MEB) and takes roughly 25 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
The journey will take around 1 hour 15 minutes by public transport.
Check in to a hotel near MEB and get from baggage claim to bedtime in a flash. Whether you're coming in on a late YOW to Melbourne flight or just want to keep your travel plans simple, these stays bring comfort closer to you:
Put yourself in the driver's seat of the next part of your journey by picking up an Essendon Airport rental car. East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar will get you on the road.
If you'd like a certain kind of vehicle, booking early increases your chances of snagging what you want. Book your ride from MEB at least a few weeks ahead of your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Visit Melbourne in high season if you prefer a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne during low season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
When booking your Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne flight ticket, think about what kind of weather works for you. January is the warmest month in Melbourne, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC (54ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
July has average temperatures of between 4ºC (39ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from YOW to Melbourne around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Melbourne
Start your Melbourne trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square and Eureka Skydeck 88 are essential stops on your Melbourne itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
Canberra is just one of the many places in Australia waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Melbourne. Around 467 kilometres away to the north-east, well-known attractions include Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House.
Around 451 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, Launceston is another favourite stop in Australia. Experience major highlights starting with City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience.