Travelling from Ottawa to Washington DC: what you need to know
Planning your getaway starts with working out where you'll fly out of in Ottawa. Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is the city's main airport, so check out your options for booking a flight from Ottawa to Washington DC jetting off from here.
When flying into Washington DC, hop off the plane at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is another way to get to this city.
The average duration of a direct Ottawa to Washington DC flight is 1 hour 40 minutes.
Allow plenty of time to make your Ottawa to Washington DC flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're taking off during a major holiday or other peak period, allow extra time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Washington DC
At the moment, R 2,557 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Ottawa to Washington DC. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 4,327. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To secure cheap Ottawa to Washington DC flights, book your journey two months before your departure date.
The best month for picking up cheap plane tickets from Ottawa to Washington DC is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates offering the lowest fares.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Ottawa to Washington DC.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Or sort your Ottawa to Washington DC flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Ottawa
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
You can book a direct flight from Ottawa to Washington DC taking off from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). Board your plane at YOW and then touch down at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Reserve your Ottawa to Washington DC plane tickets with United Airlines. This airline is a top pick for direct flights from YOW.
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 is roughly 45 minutes.
Need a handy hotel close to Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Ottawa to Washington DC, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
When it comes to Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 58.21% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
YOW is located at 50 Airport Road.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
The distance from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC is approximately 5 kilometres. It'll take you about 15 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It usually takes 45 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Ottawa to Washington DC. Check in to one of these accommodation options near DCA instead:
Travel at your own pace with a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and discover more of Washington DC and beyond.
To get the lowest price, reserve your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport about four weeks ahead of your Ottawa to Washington DC flight.
The address for DCA is 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
After your flight from Ottawa to Washington DC has arrived, you can make your way to the city centre in about 50 minutes by car. Central Washington DC is approximately 40 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 10 minutes or so.
There are some comfortable places ready to welcome you near IAD. Settle in and get cosy after your Ottawa to Washington DC flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Forget about public transport schedules or cab lines. Grab a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the availability and rates from Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt.
Get the pick of the lot. Securing your ride from IAD one week ahead of time often means better deals and a wider selection of vehicles.
Washington Dulles International Airport can be found at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is around 40 kilometres from central Washington DC. It'll take you about 50 minutes to reach the city centre by ride-share or cab once you've hopped off your flight from Ottawa to Washington DC.
Public transport can take you there in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you don't want to make the trip into the centre, choose a hotel near BWI. Settle in at one of these stays after your Ottawa to Washington DC flight:
Start your journey without worrying about how to arrive at your destination with a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. Book your wheels with trusted suppliers here like Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
About two weeks before your flight from Ottawa to Washington DC is a good time to book your ride from BWI. You're likely to snag a better deal or get access to early bird discounts.
Best time to go to Washington DC
It's time to figure out your dates for your flight from Ottawa to Washington DC. February is the busiest month for a trip to Washington DC. If you like a quieter vibe, go in May.
The warmest month in Washington DC is July, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC (66ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your Ottawa to Washington DC ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
Look for cheap flights from Ottawa to Washington DC in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF) on average.
More about Washington DC
Once you've booked your flight from Ottawa to Washington DC, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these options your base for exploring Washington DC:
White House Historical Association and The White House are a couple of leading attractions to put on your Washington DC travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at National Mall.
Explore more of United States
New York is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Washington DC. Around 322 kilometres to the north-east, its top attractions include Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Around 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC, Philadelphia is another favourite stop in United States. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.