Travelling from Ottawa to Montreal: what you need to know
All exciting adventures set off from Ottawa's main airport, Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). Check out your options for booking a flight from Ottawa to Montreal departing from this base.
When it comes to landing in Montreal, Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is a key hub. St. Hubert Airport (YHU) is another.
On average, direct flights from Ottawa to Montreal take 49 minutes. Montreal and Ottawa share the same timezone (UTC-4), which means you won't have to change your watch once you land.
With 66 flights a week between the two airports, Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is the busiest route. Board the earliest flight from Ottawa to Montreal with Air Canada at 05:55. If you'd like to make the most of your day before leaving, the latest flight from YOW to YUL is with Air Canada at 20:55.
To ensure you get on your flight from Ottawa to Montreal, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
You'll likely experience longer lines in popular months such as August and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
You don't need a visa or passport to fly within Canada. You will need a valid proof of identity however, such as a driver's licence or an ID card. Put them on your packing checklist once you've booked cheap flights from Ottawa to Montreal.
Flying from Ottawa
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
You can reserve a direct flight from Ottawa to Montreal leaving from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). Begin your trip at YOW and arrive at Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
Air Canada is a popular carrier that operates direct flights from Ottawa to Montreal taking off from YOW.
Travelling from central Ottawa to YOW takes around 43 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 13 kilometres in 19 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
After a leisurely start to your journey? Stay near Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Ottawa to Montreal or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Arriving in Montreal
Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to the centre of Montreal takes about 25 minutes by car. It's approximately 26 kilometres away.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey of roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Reserve a hotel near YUL if you're catching a late flight from Ottawa to Montreal. Check in to one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
St. Hubert Airport (YHU)
St. Hubert Airport (YHU) is about 40 kilometres from the centre of Montreal. After your flight from Ottawa to Montreal, expect a drive time of approximately 35 minutes to reach the heart of the city.
You can expect the trip to take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Ottawa to Montreal, tuck yourself in at a hotel near YHU. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Montreal
R 2,172 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Ottawa to Montreal. A return flight starts at R 5,923. These fares can change depending on availability.
Get cheap tickets from Ottawa to Montreal by booking at least 9 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
The cheapest month for tickets from Ottawa to Montreal is May. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest travel date.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. You'll be notified straight away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you from searching for cheap tickets from Ottawa to Montreal every day.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Ottawa to Montreal.
Best time to go to Montreal
It's time to work out your travel dates for your flight from Ottawa to Montreal. August is the most popular month for a trip to Montreal. If you want a more peaceful vibe, go in February.
Before locking in your flight from Ottawa to Montreal, think about the kind of weather you like. July is the warmest month in Montreal, with the temperature ranging from 14ºC to 28ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, lock in a cheap ticket from Ottawa to Montreal in January when temperatures average between -19ºC and -2ºC.
More about Montreal
Start your Montreal trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Ottawa to Montreal, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
Every great journey has to include some sightseeing. Mount Royal Park, Montreal Botanical Garden and Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal are must-do's during your Montreal adventure.
Complete your Montreal trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Ottawa to Montreal to track down amazing deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus you'll find all the info you need to drive in Montreal, from the most popular rental company to the average daily price.
