Flying from Ottawa to Washington DC: what you need to know
Planning your trip begins with working out where you'll fly out of in Ottawa. Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is the city's main base, so explore your options for reserving a flight from Ottawa to Washington DC departing from here.
When jetting into Washington DC, step off the plane at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is another gateway to this city.
The average duration of a direct Ottawa to Washington DC flight is 1 hour 40 minutes.
To ensure you get on your Ottawa to Washington DC flight, leave enough time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
If you're heading away during a bank holiday or other peak period, give yourself extra time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at security and check-in will be longer.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Washington DC
At the moment, R 2,570 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 4,364. 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)
Depart from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) and fly straight through to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). If you're looking for a direct flight from Ottawa to Washington DC out of YOW, those are your landing options.
United Airlines is a well-known airline that offers direct Ottawa to Washington DC plane tickets leaving from YOW.
Located around 11 kilometres from central Ottawa, YOW can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Have an early flight from Ottawa to Washington DC? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels near Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport:
58.21% of flights leaving from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport land at their destination on schedule.
You'll find YOW at 50 Airport Road.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC takes around 15 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 6 kilometres away.
Getting there on public transport takes about 45 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Ottawa to Washington DC, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near DCA:
Hit the road running by picking up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and explore beyond Washington DC's main sights.
Get the best deal by reserving your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks ahead of your trip.
DCA is situated at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
After your flight from Ottawa to Washington DC has arrived, you can reach the city centre in around 50 minutes by car. Central Washington DC is approximately 40 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
You can expect the trip to take about 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near IAD. Unwind after your Ottawa to Washington DC flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt make picking up a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car quick and easy. These companies are located around or in the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Call dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from IAD one week in advance often means better deals and a greater range of vehicles.
You'll find Washington Dulles International Airport at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is roughly 40 kilometres from the centre of Washington DC. It'll take you about 50 minutes to get to the city centre by ride-share or cab once you've stepped off your flight from Ottawa to Washington DC.
The journey will take you roughly 1 hour 30 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Stay at a hotel near BWI and get from baggage claim to your bed in a snap. Whether you have a late Ottawa to Washington DC flight or just want a stress-free arrival, these accommodation options bring comfort closer to you:
Take control of the next chapter of your journey by picking up a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. Dollar, Thrifty and Budget make getting on the road effortless.
Around two weeks before your flight from Ottawa to Washington DC is the ideal time to book your ride from BWI. You're more likely to find a cheaper rate or pick up some early bird promotions.
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, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Washington DC:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are attractions you won't want to skip in Washington DC.
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.