Travelling from Chicago to Ottawa: what you need to know
Begin planning your holiday by considering where you'll board your flight from Chicago to Ottawa. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) are the main airports in Chicago.
Hop off the plane at Ottawa International Airport (YOW), the primary gateway of Ottawa.
The average duration of a direct Chicago to Ottawa flight is 2 hours 15 minutes.
The timezone in Ottawa is UTC-5, which is one hour ahead of Chicago.
With 20 flights a week between the two airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is the busiest route. Hop on the first flight from Chicago to Ottawa with United Airlines at 07:15. If you prefer to make the most of your day before jetting off, the latest flight from ORD to YOW is with United Airlines at 18:20.
To ensure you catch your Chicago to Ottawa flight, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
During popular months such as July, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight when you travel during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Ottawa
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap Chicago to Ottawa flights if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Chicago to Ottawa throughout the entire month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Getting a cheap flight from Chicago to Ottawa is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when there's a better deal.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' Chicago to Ottawa flights.
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Jet off from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on a nonstop flight from Chicago to Ottawa. From ORD, you can fly directly to Ottawa International Airport (YOW).
United Airlines is a popular airline that offers direct Chicago to Ottawa plane tickets from ORD.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save on your Chicago to Ottawa flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular options:
New York Newark Airport (EWR)
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL)
Located around 26 kilometres from central Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport will take roughly 45 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Chicago to Ottawa? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays near Chicago O'Hare International Airport:
When it comes to Chicago O'Hare International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 70% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Break up your Chicago to Ottawa flight with a stop so you can recharge or tick a new place off your list. Top stopovers between Chicago Midway Airport and Ottawa are:
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Washington Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA)
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
On public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 14 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 25 minutes.
Start your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Chicago to Ottawa, kick back in one of these hotels near Chicago Midway Airport:
As far as flight punctuality goes, Chicago Midway Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 76%.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Ottawa
Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is approximately 11 kilometres from central Ottawa. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 20 minutes.
It usually takes 35 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
Reserve a hotel near YOW if you have a late flight from Chicago to Ottawa. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Ottawa International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Alamo or Budget to explore Ottawa and beyond.
To lock in the lowest price, book your ride from Ottawa International Airport around two weeks ahead of your Chicago to Ottawa flight.
You'll find YOW at 50 Airport Road.
Ottawa Gatineau Airport (YND)
If you're staying in Ottawa's centre (or just want to explore straight away), the city is around 14 kilometres from Ottawa Gatineau Airport (YND). Keep an eye out for any information desks to help direct you after hopping off your flight from Chicago to Ottawa.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near YND. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Chicago to Ottawa:
Save time at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Reserve your ride from YND ahead of time so you can just grab the keys and be on your way.
Best time to go to Ottawa
It's time to work out your trip dates for your flight from Chicago to Ottawa. July is the busiest month to travel to Ottawa. If you like a more relaxed vibe, go in November.
Book a Chicago to Ottawa ticket departing in July if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Ottawa to range from 14ºC to 28ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Ottawa in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -19ºC and -2ºC on average.
More about Ottawa
Start your Ottawa trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Chicago to Ottawa, browse our range of hotels including:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Rideau Canal National Historic Site, Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa are must-visits when exploring Ottawa.
Explore more of Canada
You've visited Ottawa, now it's time to explore other corners of Canada. Travel around 354 kilometres southwest to Toronto to check off its top attractions. From CN Tower to Royal Ontario Museum and Toronto Islands, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
If you're interested in discovering another major destination in Canada, head for Montreal, roughly 161 kilometres east of Ottawa. Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Montreal International Jazz Festival and Cirque du Soleil are key highlights.