$173 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Ottawa (YOW)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Ottawa (DCA-YOW)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $173 for one-way flights and $371 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

United
Air Canada
United
United
United
United
Air Canada
Air Canada
United
WestJet
Flights from Washington (DCA) to Ottawa (YOW)
Origin airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
Macdonald-Cartier Intl.
Airlines serving
Air Canada, United, WestJet
Roundtrip price
$286
Distance
452 mi

Washington to Ottawa Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington to Ottawa

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Washington to Ottawa are during the month of June. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Washington to Ottawa with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Ottawa

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington to Ottawa: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Washington to Ottawa

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Washington to Ottawa in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $173 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Washington to Ottawa flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Washington to Ottawa airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to fly from National Airport to YOW?
A direct flight with Air Canada takes roughly 1 hour and 31 minutes. Grab a seat on the 12:55PM flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and reach Ottawa Intl. Airport at 2:26PM. Snag a great deal on this route when you use Expedia to arrange your trip.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Macdonald-Cartier Intl. Airport (YOW) last minute?
Booking your flight from National Airport to Ottawa International Airport at the last minute could save you money if you get lucky and find an awesome deal. However, fares don’t typically get cheaper as the departure date nears. If you hold out, flights could also be booked out or the best seats taken. If you don’t want to hedge your bets, book well in advance of your departure date. Keep in mind that some of the best deals can be found up to 12 months in advance. If your preferred airline hasn’t released tickets yet, check back regularly as offers are constantly updated on Expedia.
What airline has the least delays from National Airport to Ottawa International Airport?
With an on-time performance rate of 67%, Air Canada is the airline most likely to fly you from National Airport to YOW without any delays. Flight delays can be an excuse to head to the airport bar. However, they can also result in a missed connection that ruins your entire vacation. You can stay updated about delays by reviewing your flight status through the free Expedia App before heading to the airport. If you’re already there and your plans will be significantly impacted, visit your airline’s customer service desk to find out what your options are.
What airports do you fly into for Ottawa from Washington?
Macdonald-Cartier Intl. Airport (YOW), Ottawa-Rockcliffe Airport (YRO) and Ottawa Executive Airport (YND) are your options when connecting from Washington to Ottawa. About 7 mi south of the center of Ottawa, Macdonald-Cartier Intl. Airport (YOW) is the city’s main gateway. Think about factors such as flight departure and arrival times and the distance to your hotel before deciding where you fly into. Parliament Hill and University of Ottawa are two great attractions to put on your must-see list when you arrive.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from DCA to YOW?
Between 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM is when you’ll find many Air Canada flights jetting off from DCA to YOW. Our suggestion? Book a flight that departs in the morning. With air traffic yet to build up around airports, your odds of jumping on a delay-free flight are better.
Can I change the date of my flight from DCA to Ottawa Intl. Airport?
We know plans can get upended, so Expedia is here to help make things as easy as possible. First, find your DCA to Ottawa International Airport itinerary through the Expedia Trips portal and check the ticket rules and conditions regarding changes. If you purchased your airfare in the last 24 hours, some carriers will let you cancel at no cost and organize new flights. If you bought your fare more than 24 hours ago, get in touch with us via our Customer Service portal to run through your options.

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*Available to One Key members.