Flying 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 observes the UTC+11 timezone.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your YOW to Melbourne flight.
Travelling during a popular month such as August? School holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines and delays at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
Located around 11 kilometres from the centre of Ottawa, YOW can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 45 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays close to YOW:
Of all flights departing from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, 58.21% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
YOW's address is 50 Airport Road.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Melbourne
R 11,719 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne flight. Return plane tickets start from R 22,076. 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)
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is around 24 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne. If you're opting for a ride-share or a cab, the drive takes about 30 minutes.
Travelling to the centre on public transport typically takes 40 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near MEL:
Travel at your own speed with a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast or Sixt and find adventure across Melbourne and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport around four weeks before your flight from YOW to Melbourne can help you lock in the lowest rate.
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 navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 50 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Relax and unpack not long after your YOW to Melbourne flight at Corio Bay Motel. This comfortable accommodation option is a quick drive from AVV.
Sixt, Kangaroo Rental and yesaway car hire make picking up an Avalon Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Securing your ride from AVV three weeks in advance often means better prices and a greater selection of vehicles.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Set your sights on the city centre after your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne has landed. Central Melbourne is about 19 kilometres from Essendon Airport (MEB) and takes roughly 25 minutes to get to by car.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Enjoy a more relaxed start to your trip by choosing a hotel near MEB after your YOW to Melbourne flight. Recover from your travel day or simply give yourself time to get your bearings in a new city at:
Whether you'd like a compact for a solo trip or a roomy SUV to fit the family, you'll find the perfect Essendon Airport rental car for your needs. Check out the types of wheels available from names such as East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar.
Rental providers sometimes offer deals for early bookings, so reserve your vehicle from MEB a few weeks in advance of your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne. Plan ahead and your wallet will thank you.
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
After booking your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Melbourne, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Melbourne:
National Gallery of Victoria and Federation Square are just two of the leading attractions to put on your Melbourne itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Eureka Skydeck 88.
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.