Flying from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Washington DC: what you need to know
The average time for a direct flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC is 1 hour 35 minutes.
Washington DC and Ottawa (where Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is located) are both in the UTC-4 timezone. That means there's no time difference to adjust for.
With 23 flights a week between the two airports, Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the busiest route. United Airlines operates the earliest flight at 05:45. If you prefer to make the most of your day before you fly, the last departure from YOW to IAD is with United Airlines at 19:30.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your YOW to Washington DC flight. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're jetting off during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at security and check-in will be longer.
Direct Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC tickets are available for booking. Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) will be your arrival point.
Be on the lookout for promotions from United Airlines. This carrier operates direct flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC.
YOW is around 11 kilometres from central Ottawa. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 45 minutes.
In search of a hotel close to YOW? If you've booked an early flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC, these accommodation options put the terminal practically at your doorstep:
When it comes to Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport's on-time performance, 58.21% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
The address for YOW is 50 Airport Road.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Washington DC
$265 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC flight. Return flight tickets start at $453. These prices can change based on availability and demand.
Score cheap flights from YOW to Washington DC by booking one month ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
May is the best month for picking up an incredible deal on Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC tickets. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
You don't need to check in daily to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you the moment there's an updated deal for cheap flights from YOW to Washington DC.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
The distance from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC is roughly 8 kilometres. It takes around 15 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It'll take around 45 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near DCA:
Begin your adventure 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.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from YOW to Washington DC.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is around 56 kilometres from central Washington DC. Following your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC, it'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
The trip will take about 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places to park your luggage (and yourself) near IAD. Unwind and get cosy after your YOW to Washington DC flight at any of these well-located options:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and set off in the blink of an eye.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride one week ahead of your arrival at IAD will help you save.
The address for Washington Dulles International Airport is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is about 48 kilometres from central Washington DC. It'll take you about 50 minutes to reach the city centre by cab or ride-share after your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC.
If you travel by public transport, the journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Book a hotel near BWI and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you have a late YOW to Washington DC flight or just want to keep your travel plans simple, these accommodation options bring comfort closer to you:
Put yourself in the driver's seat 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/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC is a good time to secure your ride from BWI. You're more likely to land a better deal or catch some early booking discounts.
Best time to go to Washington DC
Plan your trip to Washington DC during the high season if you prefer a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices are usually higher. Alternatively, book flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's less crowded.
Before booking an Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC flight ticket, think about the kind of weather you prefer. July is the warmest month in Washington DC, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from YOW to Washington DC in January when temperatures average between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Washington DC
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Washington DC right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Washington DC:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to work out where to start. The White House, White House Historical Association and National Mall are highlights which should feature on every Washington DC itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've done Washington DC, now it's time to explore other corners of United States. Journey about 322 kilometres north-east to New York to tick off its popular sights. From Statue of Liberty to Central Park and Empire State Building, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Philadelphia is another essential stop in United States and is around 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC. No journey is complete without a visit to Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.