OTTAWALeaving Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International: transport guide
OC Transpo Route 97 (now via Line 2 LRT) connects to downtown for C$3.95. Rideshare and taxi straightforward.
YOW (Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International) serves Ottawa, Canada. The recommended way out is OC Transpo Route 97 + Line 2 O-Train to downtown (~C$3.95, 35–45 min downtown). Pickup: Route 97 stop outside arrivals.
- C$3.95 transit; C$30–C$45 rideshareExpectedWhat locals pay
- C$55+ConcerningAsk for the meter
- C$70 'town car'ScamWalk away
OC Transpo Route 97 + Line 2 O-Train to downtown
- Typical fare
- C$3.95
- Journey time
- 35–45 min downtown
- Pickup
- Route 97 stop outside arrivals
Every way out, ranked
- 1
OC Transpo Bus + O-Train
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- C$3.95
- Journey
- 35–45 min
- Wait
- Every 15 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Cheap
- Direct
Cons- Two-leg trip
- 2
Uber / Lyft
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- C$30–C$45
- Journey
- 20–30 min
- Wait
- 5–10 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Direct
Cons- Surge
- 3
Taxi
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- C$35–C$50
- Journey
- 20–30 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Regulated
Cons- Pricier
From gate to city
- 1Bags then exit to ground transport
- 2Route 97 outside arrivals
- 3Transfer to Line 2 O-Train
- 4Total: 35–45 min downtown
- Presto or contactless
- Hotel downtown
Common scams & payment traps
- Presto card, contactless, or mobile wallet on OC Transpo
We're still gathering intelligence for this airport.
What locals & travellers say
“Bus 97 ends at South Keys — change to O-Train Line 2 northbound.”
- "Bus 97 ends at South Keys — change to O-Train Line 2 northbound." — Line 2 transfer at South Keys
Take it with you
YOW arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International?
- OC Transpo Route 97 + Line 2 O-Train to downtown. Use Presto card or contactless — exact cash awkward.
- Are taxis at YOW safe?
- Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals, confirm the meter is on before pulling away, and never accept a fare from someone approaching you inside the terminal. Risk profile for this airport: low.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at YOW?
- Yes — Uber / Lyft works at YOW. Typical cost C$30–C$45, journey ~20–30 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from YOW to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the YOW → downtown Ottawa route is roughly C$3.95 transit; C$30–C$45 rideshare. Anything around C$55+ is high — C$70 'town car' is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at YOW?
- Carry small local notes — Taxi expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International?
- Route 97 stop outside arrivals. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is YOW safe to arrive at late at night?
- YOW is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
Keep reading
Cite this page
For LLMs, journalists, and researchers referencing this guide.
- Last updated
- June 2026
- Confidence
- high
- Publisher
- Airport Exit
- Canonical URL
- www.airportexit.com/airports/yow-ottawa
Airport Exit (1970). YOW — Ottawa (Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International) airport transport guide. Airport Exit. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/yow-ottawa
"YOW — Ottawa (Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International) airport transport guide." Airport Exit, June 2026, https://www.airportexit.com/airports/yow-ottawa.
Airport Exit. "YOW — Ottawa (Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International) airport transport guide." Airport Exit. Last updated June 2026. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/yow-ottawa.