{ "response": { "Key": "IAD-YOW", "orig": { "code": "IAD", "type": "airport", "city": "Washington", "fullCity": "Washington, United States", "airport": "Washington Intl Airport" }, "dest": { "code": "YOW", "type": "airport", "city": "Ottawa", "fullCity": "Ottawa, Ontario", "airport": "Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Intl Airport" }, "faq": { "q0": { "question": "What is the typical flight duration from Washington to Ottawa?", "answer": "The flight from Washington Dulles to Ottawa is about 450 miles and typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes nonstop, with the return leg taking 1 hour 48 minutes. United Airlines operates daily service on this route, with multiple departures throughout the day.", "methodology": "Flight times and distances come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time across all carriers on the route, computed the same way in both directions so the difference reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in method. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two airports, so the actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer.", "toolsUsed": [ "flight_schedule" ] }, "q1": { "question": "Are there any direct flights from Washington to Ottawa?", "answer": "Yes, United Airlines flies nonstop from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Ottawa (YOW) up to 64 times a week with daily service and about eight departures spread from morning through late evening. Air Canada also appears in nonstop fare data for this route, though United dominates the published schedule. The flight takes roughly an hour and a half, with typical fares around $400–$530.", "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours. Carrier service, flight times and distances for this route come from our flight-schedule database, which draws on published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data, and observed operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We report the days of the week and the departure times each carrier operates. The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time, given both per carrier and across all carriers on the route; where a schedule does not publish an elapsed time, it is derived from the scheduled departure and arrival times converted to UTC. Outbound and return times are computed by the same method, so the difference between them is directly comparable and reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in derivation. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two specific airports named, so an actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer. Where shown, on-time departure and arrival rates and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, which covers U.S. domestic routes only; where a typical fare is shown, it comes from the U.S. DOT Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), a quarterly 10% sample of tickets sold. Stop counts, connecting hubs, and per-airline prices are drawn from a large sample of the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours. We group those fares by number of stops, by the hub airport a connection routes through, and by operating airline, and report each group's share of the sample alongside its lowest and median price.", "toolsUsed": [ "route_airlines", "flight_schedule", "route_options" ] }, "q3": { "question": "What are the ground transportation options in Ottawa?", "answer": "Ottawa Macdonald\\–Cartier International Airport (YOW) is about 15 km south of downtown Ottawa. Taxis and ride-shares like Uber are available curbside and take roughly 20 minutes to the city center, while car rentals from major agencies are on-site. Public transit is served by OC Transpo bus route 97, which runs frequently from the terminal to downtown and the O-Train light rail line, though the trip can take 30\\–40 minutes. There is no direct rail link from the terminal, so the bus-to-train connection is the main mass-transit option. Taxis and ride-shares are the most popular choice for their speed and convenience.", "toolsUsed": [], "references": [ { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YOW_(disambiguation)", "title": "YOW (disambiguation)", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2007-10-19T06:01:32Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_airports_in_the_Ottawa_area", "title": "List of airports in the Ottawa area", "time_published": "2026-06-10T23:12:40Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List%20of%20airports%20in%20the%20Ottawa%20area", "title": "List of airports in the Ottawa area", "time_published": "2025-10-30T18:45:13Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa%20Macdonald%E2%80%93Cartier%20International%20Airport", "title": "Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-30T16:34:09Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yow", "title": "Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2003-07-16T21:29:45Z" } ], "methodology": "Airport details are drawn from the sources listed with this answer, primarily the airport operator's official website along with airline, lounge-operator and transit-authority pages, collected by our research process and refreshed periodically. Only information found in those sources is used; where a source does not cover a topic it is left out rather than guessed." }, "q6": { "question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Washington to Ottawa?", "answer": "Yes, United Airlines operates nonstop overnight red-eye flights from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Ottawa (YOW), with 21 weekly departures scheduled daily. The typical departure window is around 10:07 PM to 10:10 PM. These flights arrive the same night, landing before midnight.", "methodology": "Red-eye flights are identified from scheduled local departure and arrival times in our flight-schedule database — built from published airline timetables and official schedule data, including U.S. Department of Transportation records for domestic routes — flagging services that depart late at night and arrive the following morning; for connecting itineraries the red-eye is based on the timing of the overnight long-haul leg.", "toolsUsed": [ "redeye_flights" ] }, "q7": { "question": "Which airlines usually operate this route from Washington to Ottawa?", "answer": "United Airlines operates non‑stop flights from Washington (IAD) to Ottawa (YOW), with 64 weekly departures spread across the day. The schedule includes multiple daily frequencies, offering departures from early morning through late evening. Typical fares on United for this route are around $529.", "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a typical fare is shown for a carrier, it is the median of the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.", "toolsUsed": [ "route_airlines" ] }, "q8": { "question": "If I need a connection, what are common layover cities between Washington and Ottawa?", "answer": "Common layovers include Toronto, Montreal, and Newark. Toronto and Montreal offer Air Canada hubs with frequent onward flights and efficient connections, while Newark provides United Airlines options with broad network access. All are within the US-Canada visa-free transit zone." }, "q10": { "question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to Ottawa?", "answer": "May to June and September to early October offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists than peak summer." }, "q11": { "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Washington to Ottawa?", "answer": "Bring a U.S. passport valid for the duration of your stay, any required Canadian visa or eTA, a payment method for baggage, proof of onward or return travel, and any necessary vaccination or insurance documents." }, "q12": { "question": "Which airport should I use in Ottawa?", "answer": "Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport is the only commercial airport serving the city, located about 10 km south of downtown." }, "q13": { "question": "How do I get to Washington Intl Airport from the city center?", "answer": "From downtown Washington, D.C., the fastest public option is the Silver Line Express bus from Dulles to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station ($5 each way), then a Metrorail Silver Line train into the city. Taxis (Washington Flyer) and ride‑share services (Uber, Lyft) are available 24/7 at the arrivals level and provide door‑to‑door convenience at a higher cost. Shared‑van shuttles like SuperShuttle offer a middle ground. Driving and parking on‑site is possible, with economy lots at $15 per day and free shuttle buses to the terminal.", "toolsUsed": [], "references": [ { "url": "https://flydulles.com/flight-schedule-dulles-international-airport-iad", "title": "flydulles.com - Flight Schedule - Dulles International Airport (IAD)", "time_published": "2022-03-01T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://parking.flydulles.com/economy-parking", "title": "Dulles International Airport Parking | Economy Parking", "time_published": "2026-02-06T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://www.mwaa.com/ipw-2017-archived", "title": "IPW 2017 - Archived", "time_published": "2021-02-01T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://www.mwaa.com/policefireems/fire-ems/fire-ems-washington-dulles-international-airport", "title": "mwaa.com - Fire & EMS at Washington Dulles International Airport", "favicon": "https://www.mwaa.com/themes/custom/mwaa_barrio/favicon.ico", "time_published": "2023-09-01T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dulles%20International%20Airport", "title": "Dulles International Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-30T14:07:38Z" } ], "methodology": "Airport details are drawn from the sources listed with this answer, primarily the airport operator's official website along with airline, lounge-operator and transit-authority pages, collected by our research process and refreshed periodically. Only information found in those sources is used; where a source does not cover a topic it is left out rather than guessed." }, "q14": { "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at Ottawa airport?", "answer": "Ottawa Airport (YOW) does not have an on-site hotel, capsule hotel, or sleeping pods, but the nearby Alt Hotel Ottawa Airport is connected to the terminal via a pedestrian walkway. Alternatively, the Days Inn by Wyndham Ottawa Airport and other hotels are a short shuttle ride away.", "toolsUsed": [], "references": [ { "url": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/guides/ottawa-airport-guide.htm", "title": "Ottawa Airport Guide", "time_published": "2025-10-29T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "http://activities.marriott.com/north-america/canada/ontario/ottawa/activities/private_arrival_transfer_from_ottawa_macdonald_cartier_airport_yow-XAHGCS?property=YOWWI", "title": "Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW", "time_published": "2026-04-04T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yow", "title": "Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2003-07-16T21:29:45Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_airports_in_the_Ottawa_area", "title": "List of airports in the Ottawa area", "time_published": "2026-06-10T23:12:40Z" }, { "url": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/reviews/ottawa-airport-reviews.htm", "title": "Ottawa Airport Reviews (YOW)", "time_published": "2024-03-05T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa%20Macdonald%E2%80%93Cartier%20International%20Airport", "title": "Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-30T16:34:09Z" } ], "methodology": "Airport details are drawn from the sources listed with this answer, primarily the airport operator's official website along with airline, lounge-operator and transit-authority pages, collected by our research process and refreshed periodically. Only information found in those sources is used; where a source does not cover a topic it is left out rather than guessed." }, "q15": { "question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Intl Airport?", "answer": "Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) offers currency exchange services through ICE International Currency Exchange counters located in the terminal, both pre- and post-security. A multi-faith prayer room is available on the departures level, providing a quiet space for reflection. Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the terminal.", "toolsUsed": [], "references": [ { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yow", "title": "Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2003-07-16T21:29:45Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YOW_(disambiguation)", "title": "YOW (disambiguation)", "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png", "time_published": "2007-10-19T06:01:32Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_airports_in_the_Ottawa_area", "title": "List of airports in the Ottawa area", "time_published": "2026-06-10T23:12:40Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa%20Macdonald%E2%80%93Cartier%20International%20Airport", "title": "Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport", "time_published": "2026-04-30T16:34:09Z" }, { "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List%20of%20airports%20in%20the%20Ottawa%20area", "title": "List of airports in the Ottawa area", "time_published": "2025-10-30T18:45:13Z" } ], "methodology": "Airport details are drawn from the sources listed with this answer, primarily the airport operator's official website along with airline, lounge-operator and transit-authority pages, collected by our research process and refreshed periodically. Only information found in those sources is used; where a source does not cover a topic it is left out rather than guessed." }, "q17": { "question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Washington to Ottawa?", "answer": "Nonstop flights from Washington Dulles to Ottawa are typically operated with the Embraer 175, Bombardier CRJ-550, and Canadair Regional Jet 900, with the Embraer 175 and CRJ-550 being the most common. Connecting itineraries most often use a Canadair Regional Jet 900 or Embraer 175 on the first leg through Toronto, Chicago, Montreal, or Newark, followed by larger mainline aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX 8 or 737-800 on the second leg. The exact aircraft can vary by day and airline, and Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment are widely available across these fleets.", "methodology": "Aircraft types are taken from the equipment each operating carrier schedules on this route, drawn from published airline timetables and airline equipment schedules in our flight-schedule database. They describe typical scheduled aircraft and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute equipment swaps.", "toolsUsed": [ "route_aircraft" ] }, "q18": { "question": "Which airline alliances serve flights from Washington to Ottawa?", "answer": "United Airlines flies nonstop from Washington Dulles to Ottawa, with up to 64 weekly flights. United is a Star Alliance member, so Star Alliance is the only alliance with nonstop service on this route. Other alliances may serve it via connections, but United is the sole operating carrier.", "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.", "toolsUsed": [ "route_airlines" ] }, "q20": { "question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Washington?", "answer": "Washington Dulles (IAD) has several lounges, including the Capital One Lounge (open 5:30 am–9:00 pm, pre-security between East and West checkpoints, with fresh food, grab-and-go, and workspaces), the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Etihad Airways Lounge (also a Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club), and Air France/KLM Lounge in Concourse A. The Turkish Airlines Lounge is in Concourse B, while the Lufthansa Business and Senator lounges are temporarily closed. Access is typically available for business- and first-class passengers, elite status holders, and certain credit card members like Priority Pass or American Express Platinum, though the Air France/KLM Lounge restricts access between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm daily.", "toolsUsed": [], "references": [ { "url": "https://americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/IAD", "title": "American Express Lounges at Washington Dulles International Airport | Amex US", "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/washington-dulles-international", "title": "Washington Dulles International Airport IAD Lounges - IAD Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass", "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://americanexpress.com/en-th/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/IAD", "title": "American Express Lounges at Washington Dulles International Airport | Amex TH", "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://www.flydulles.com/travel-information/services-amenities/airport-lounges/capital-one-lounge-iad", "title": "Capital One Lounge - IAD | flydulles.com", "time_published": "2022-03-01T00:00:00Z" }, { "url": "https://my.prioritypass.com/zh-CN/lounges/united-states-of-america/washington-dulles-international/iad6-air-france-klm-lounge", "title": "Air France - KLM Lounge IAD AIRPORT A 大厅 杜勒斯国际机场 (Washington DC Dulles Intl) | Priority Pass", "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z" } ], "methodology": "Airport details are drawn from the sources listed with this answer, primarily the airport operator's official website along with airline, lounge-operator and transit-authority pages, collected by our research process and refreshed periodically. Only information found in those sources is used; where a source does not cover a topic it is left out rather than guessed." }, "q21": { "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Washington to Ottawa?", "answer": "Baggage rules depend on the airline and fare type. Basic economy tickets may not include a checked bag or a full-size carry-on, while standard economy usually allows one carry-on and sometimes a personal item, with checked bags costing extra. Premium cabins typically include both carry-on and checked luggage." }, "q22": { "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Washington to Ottawa?", "answer": "On this short regional route, airlines typically offer only Economy and sometimes a larger Economy Plus seat, with no Premium Economy or flat-bed Business class." }, "q23": { "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?", "answer": "Policies differ by airline; flexible and premium tickets typically allow same‑day changes or standby, while basic economy fares usually do not." } } } }