Frequently asked questions

Question 1

Which airport serves Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Ottawa is served by Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, IATA code YOW, ICAO code CYOW. The airport is located around 15 km south of Ottawa city centre and is the sixth busiest airport in Canada, handling 4.87 million passengers in 2025, and ranked 5th in the world among airports with under 5 million passengers by Skytrax. The complex has a single modern terminal with separate zones for domestic and international flights, duty-free shops, restaurants, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and currency exchange counters. The airport is the main hub for Porter Airlines, a focus city for Air Canada and Air Transat, and features US border preclearance facilities, one of only nine Canadian airports with this advantage. It offers direct connections to major North American cities and European destinations. Book your ticket and land in the capital of Canada.

Question 2

How do you get from Ottawa airport to the city centre?

Accepted Answer

The airport is 15 km from Ottawa city centre, and the journey takes around 20 minutes. The most convenient public transport option is the O-Train light rail Line 4, with a station directly in the terminal on the departures floor, connecting the airport to the O-Train network with links to lines 1 and 2. OC Transpo Route 97 provides frequent express bus service to the city centre via a dedicated BRT transitway. Taxis are available at the arrivals exit and reach the centre in around 20 minutes, with fares of around 35 to 50 Canadian dollars. Uber and other ride-hailing services are available from the designated pick-up area. Car rental is available in the terminal with several international operators. In winter, plan extra time for icy or snowy conditions. Book your ticket and plan your arrival in Canada's National Capital.

Question 3

Is Ottawa safe to visit?

Accepted Answer

Ottawa is one of the safest capitals in the world for tourists. Canada holds a Level 1 advisory from the US State Department, the lowest possible, and Ottawa as a capital city benefits from a significant police presence and a low violent crime rate compared to other major Canadian cities. The main tourist areas, including Parliament Hill, Byward Market, the Rideau Canal, and the national museums, are safe and busy. The main risks for tourists are car break-ins (do not leave visible items), pickpocketing in crowded areas, and extreme weather during the winter season. Winters in Ottawa are severe, with temperatures that can drop below -25°C with heavy snowfall: dress accordingly and plan transfers with extra time. Tap water is safe to drink. Recreational cannabis is legal in Ontario. Book your ticket and discover the beautiful and vibrant National Capital of Canada.

Flights from cities from Moldova to Ottawa