YOWCYOWLarge Airport

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport

Ottawa, Canada374 ft elevation

Plan transport

IATA

YOW

Three-letter passenger code.

ICAO

CYOW

Operational aviation identifier.

Elevation

374 ft

The elevation is typical for the region.

Coordinates

45.32, -75.67

Ottawa map position.

Airport scale

Large Regional Gateway

The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport overview

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) serves Ottawa, Canada. It is listed as a large regional gateway, so this guide focuses on practical location context, airport identifiers, nearby alternates, and the details travelers can verify before planning a route through YOW.

The airport sits at 374 feet above sea level. Its coordinates are 45.3225, -75.6692, which helps travelers compare the airport with city access points and other airports in Canada.

Nearby alternatives include Ottawa / Rockcliffe Airport (YRO) and Ottawa / Gatineau Airport (YND). Compare those pages when checking backup airports, local access, or regional routing across North America.

YOW planning callout

For North American airports, parking, rental-car shuttles, and rideshare pickup zones can add meaningful curb-to-gate time. For this page, compare YOW with nearby airport links and the Canada country guide before finalizing route choices.

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport unique facts

YOW fact 1

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport uses IATA code YOW and ICAO code CYOW.

YOW fact 2

YOW serves Ottawa in Canada.

YOW fact 3

In this directory, it ranks #264 by estimated passenger scale among listed Canada airports.

YOW fact 4

Across North America, this airport ranks #2729 in the current featured airport set.

YOW fact 5

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is classified as a large regional gateway, based on airport type and available passenger estimates.

YOW fact 6

YOW sits 374 feet above sea level.

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport facilities

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport restaurants

At YOW, check whether dining is concentrated landside or airside before settling near the gate.

YOW lounges

For Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, lounge access usually depends on airline, alliance status, cabin, or paid-entry rules.

YOW WiFi

Use airport WiFi for maps, airline alerts, and transport bookings before leaving Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport.

Ottawa airport parking

For departures from Ottawa, compare terminal-adjacent parking with long-stay lots and shuttle timing.

YOW accessibility

Request mobility assistance with your airline before traveling through Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport; same-day help can be slower at peak times.

YOW ATMs

ATMs are most useful for small arrival cash needs in Canada; compare fees before withdrawing large amounts.

YOW currency exchange

Currency desks at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport are convenient after arrival, but city rates may be better for larger exchanges.

YOW car rental

Save YOW as your return point and follow airport rental-car signs rather than only city directions.

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport airport hotels

Airport hotels near Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport are useful for early departures, long layovers, and weather-sensitive connections.

YOW medical help

For urgent health needs at YOW, ask airport staff for first aid or the nearest medical room.

YOW charging

At Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport, charge devices before boarding if you rely on mobile boarding passes, maps, or rideshare pickup.

YOW business travel

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport business travelers should verify lounge, workspace, and fast-track options before peak departure waves.

YOW family travel

Families using YOW should confirm stroller rules, family rooms, and walking distances before security.

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport terminals

YOW terminal planning

Terminal layouts at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport can change by airline, route, and operating day. Confirm your YOW terminal after check-in, then use airport signage for transfers, baggage claim, and ground transport.

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport transportation

YOW taxi and rideshare

Taxi or rideshare is the simplest choice at YOW when arriving late or carrying luggage into Ottawa.

YOW train or metro

If rail is available at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, compare it against traffic-sensitive road transfers before choosing a taxi.

YOW bus and coaches

Bus service is usually the best-value option for Ottawa, but confirm stop location and operating hours for early departures from YOW.

YOW driving and car rental

For rental cars, save the airport code YOW in navigation and follow terminal-specific return signs rather than only city-center directions.

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport location

YOW

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport

45.3225, -75.6692

Ottawa / Rockcliffe Airport

15 km from YOW

Ottawa / Gatineau Airport

24 km from YOW

Smiths Falls-Montague (Russ Beach) Airport

47 km from YOW

Ogdensburg International Airport

73 km from YOW

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport traveler tips

YOW tip 1

Check the departure board before settling in; smaller schedules can cluster around a few busy waves.

YOW tip 2

Weather delays are usually more tied to regional systems than airport elevation.

YOW tip 3

For international departures, leave time for document checks before security as well as any terminal train or shuttle.

YOW tip 4

For photos and window views, note the field orientation around 45.32 latitude and -75.67 longitude.

YOW tip 5

Morning departures are often smoother when you pre-book parking, rideshare, or rail tickets.

YOW tip 6

For North American airports, parking, rental-car shuttles, and rideshare pickup zones can add meaningful curb-to-gate time.

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport FAQ

Where is Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport located?

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is located in Ottawa, Canada, at coordinates 45.3225, -75.6692.

What is the IATA code for Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport?

The IATA code for Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is YOW. Its ICAO code is CYOW.

Is Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport a large airport?

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is classified as a large airport in the OurAirports dataset and reads as a large regional gateway in this guide. The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

How early should I arrive at YOW?

For Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, arrive earlier during morning and evening departure banks. International travelers should generally plan more buffer than domestic travelers, especially if bags or document checks are involved.

What elevation is Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport?

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is 374 feet above sea level; The elevation is typical for the region..

Does Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport have scheduled airline service?

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is marked as having scheduled service in the current airport dataset.

What city does YOW serve?

YOW primarily serves Ottawa and the surrounding region.

Are there nearby airports to YOW?

Nearby comparison airports include Ottawa / Rockcliffe Airport (YRO) and Ottawa / Gatineau Airport (YND).

What transport should I check first at YOW?

For North American airports, parking, rental-car shuttles, and rideshare pickup zones can add meaningful curb-to-gate time. For Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, compare fixed-link transit, official taxis, rideshare pickup, and hotel transfer options before arrival.

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport related airports

YEG

Edmonton International Airport

Edmonton, Canada

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

2,373 ft

North AmericaGuide

YHZ

Halifax / Stanfield International Airport

Halifax, Canada

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

477 ft

North AmericaGuide

YLW

Kelowna International Airport

Kelowna, Canada

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

1,421 ft

North AmericaGuide

YQB

Quebec Jean Lesage International Airport

Quebec, Canada

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

244 ft

North AmericaGuide

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