Flying from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Ottawa: what you need to know
Durham (the location of Raleigh-Durham International Airport) and Ottawa share the same timezone — UTC-4.
Leave enough time to get on your RDU to Ottawa flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Heading off during a peak period like school or public holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. For peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a break from traveling and maybe even tick a new city off your list. When searching for flight tickets from RDU to Ottawa, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Located around 16 kilometers from central Durham, RDU can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). Traveling on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these hotels near RDU:
Raleigh-Durham International Airport earns top marks for on-time performance. 80.09% of flights that take off from RDU arrive at their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Ottawa
The best price we've found for a one-way Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa flight is $153. The cheapest price for a return flight is $312. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from RDU to Ottawa if you book early. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa throughout the entire month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel dates are flexible.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from RDU to Ottawa by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when fares go down.
Find an affordable flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa with the help of our filters. Select your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Ottawa
Ottawa Gatineau Airport (YND)
Ottawa Gatineau Airport (YND) to central Ottawa takes around 20 minutes to reach by car. The center is roughly 24 kilometers away.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Stay a stone's throw from the terminal if you're jetting in on a late flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa. Meilleure Auberge is one option near YND. Or check in and relax at Lovely Room 4mins From Gatineau-Ottawa Airport before heading to your final destination.
Pick up an Ottawa Gatineau Airport rental car and discover corners of Ottawa that aren't the typical tourist stops. Find your ideal set of wheels with Hertz.
Improve your chances of getting a great deal by booking early. Reserving your vehicle from Ottawa Gatineau Airport at least a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from RDU to Ottawa is a smart move.
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
The center of Ottawa is around 13 kilometers from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). After your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should be around 20 minutes.
Traveling by public transport will take about 45 minutes.
You'll find some great places to drop your things at near YOW. Tuck yourself in and get cozy after your RDU to Ottawa flight at any of these well-located options:
Routes Car Rentals, Alamo and Budget make picking up an Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport rental car easy and quick. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Reserving your ride from YOW two weeks ahead of time often means better prices and a wider selection of vehicles.
You can find Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport at 50 Airport Road.
Best time to go to Ottawa
Carefully consider your dates before booking your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa. The city buzzes during high season, but hotel prices are generally higher and top attractions can get busy. Go to Ottawa in the off-season if you like a quieter vibe.
Before booking a Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa flight ticket, think about the kind of weather you prefer. July is the warmest month in Ottawa, with temperatures ranging from 13ºC (55ºF) to 27ºC (81ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from RDU to Ottawa in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -19ºC (-2ºF) and -2ºC (28ºF) on average.
More about Ottawa
Start your Ottawa trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa, explore our range of hotels including:
Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill are a couple of top-rated attractions to add to your Ottawa itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to National Gallery of Canada.
Explore more of Canada
You've visited Ottawa, now it's time to discover other corners of Canada. Travel about 354 kilometers south-west to Toronto to tick off its top sights. From CN Tower to Royal Ontario Museum and Go Tours Canada - Distillery District, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If there's time to check out another major stop in Canada, consider Montreal, about 153 kilometers east of Ottawa. Mount Royal Park, Montreal Botanical Garden and Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal are key highlights.
