Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Ottawa. Ottawa / Rockcliffe Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 20 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Before You Step Outside YRO
Three things to verify before you walk out of YRO:
- Can you legally enter Canada? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 20-minute journey each way by OC Transpo Bus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CAD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from Ottawa / Rockcliffe Airport to Downtown
From YRO, the OC Transpo Bus gets you to Ottawa in around 20 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 40 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the OC Transpo Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
Two recommendations for your time in Ottawa:
Start with Parliament Hill. Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Then, if time allows, make your way to National Gallery of Canada. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside YRO, you can spend time at Canada Aviation and Space Museum or try Rockcliffe Park Pathway Stroll. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Eating Well on a Ottawa Layover
For food in Ottawa, local travelers recommend Riviera. If you have time for a second stop, Atelier is another popular pick.
Back at YRO, Fraser Cafe is the go-to. The SconeWitch (New Edinburgh) rounds out your in-terminal options.
How Much Money You’ll Need
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Ottawa:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $19 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $39 USD total.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at YRO can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Ottawa for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
WiFi at YRO should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Canada and you’re good to go.
Sleep & Lounge Options at YRO
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at YRO, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Ottawa is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Ottawa.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.