Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International Airport (YOW) Taxis

Ottawa International Airport is located a few kilometres to the south of Ottawa city, and is one of the larger airports in the Ontario region of Canada. In the whole country, the airport is rated as the sixth busiest in terms of passenger traffic, as it handles just over 4.5 million passengers per annum. The airport is served by a large number of airline carriers, and is well equipped with facilities for arriving and departing passengers. Airport taxis form part of the ground transportation options for passengers, and are a convenient way to travel to various locations nearby. Ottawa International Airport taxis are also quite reasonably priced, although they may be more expensive than the buses available.

Ottawa Airport, with the official airport code of YOW, is otherwise referred to as the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, and is found 10.2km, or 6.3 miles from downtown Ottawa. It is in the Riverside South area, nearby to the Hylands Golf Club, Gloucester Glen, Blossom Park and Merivale. The airport consists of a single terminal building that was built and opened for business in 2003, and which handles all arrival and departure procedures for the airport’s domestic and international flights. This terminal replaced the older facilities of the airport. Arriving passengers will enter the building on the ground floor level, and will find their baggage reclaim carousels in the public area if arriving on a domestic flight, or in the Canada Customs Hall if on an international flight. The exit of the terminal building is nearby, and outside of the arrival area, passengers will find the Ottawa International Airport taxis in the taxi rank.

The airport taxis do not require a reservation for their services. They are always available outside of the terminal building, especially at times of arrival flights. The airport is open twenty-four hours a day, and transport options are generally available at all times as well. However, passengers arriving on early morning flights may like to reserve a taxi. Passengers are also welcome to make a reservation for any time, for their own convenience, and the official airport taxi company can be contacted at the following telephone number: 613-523-1234.

The airport of Ottawa is completely accessible to disabled passengers, with adapted toilet facilities, clear walkways and elevators to the upper levels. Suitable transport services are also available. Para Transpo is a company that provides accessible vehicles for passengers with reduced mobility challenges, and they can be contacted at 613-244-4636 for further information, or reservations for their services can be made at 613-244-7272. The company has a website as well, at http://octranspo.com. Airport taxis that can be used by persons in wheelchairs may also be possible to arrange. Special vehicles are recommended to be reserved in advance of your arrival. Alternatively, airport staff members at the information counters of Ottawa Airport may be able to offer assistance with the arrangement of accessible transport.

In Canada, and at Ottawa International Airport, taxis are metered vehicles, which means that they are equipped with a device that records the length of the journey in kilometres, and charges are made accordingly. The fare charged is usually based on a ‘per kilometre’ rate, but the first few hundred metres could be more expensive. The rate charged per kilometre may also vary depending on the total distance of the journey. In addition to a set rate at the beginning of the taxi trip, and the metered rates applicable, passengers may need to pay extra for luggage loaded, animals transported in the vehicle or for more than four adult passengers. The taxi drivers at Canadian airports are usually quite friendly and co-operative, and more than willing to explain the charges that will be applicable to your journey. It is recommended to discus all charges with your driver before leaving Ottawa Airport. Information regarding taxi fares may also be provided at the general information counters of the airport, found at various points in the terminal building.

Since that the city of Ottawa is not very far from the airport, a taxi is a viable means of transport. The cost of a taxi to the city will be around $29.00, but the final price will depend on your destination, and also perhaps the time and day of the week that you travel, as taxis can be more expensive on Sundays and public holidays, and later at night. Similar to a taxi service, private transfers can be arranged from most airports. A private transfer may require an advanced reservation, and may be ideal for larger groups of passengers, as larger vehicles are available. Passengers are usually charged individually, therefore, depending on the size of the group, a taxi service may or may not be less expensive that a private transfer service.

In addition to taxis, limousines can also be arranged to or from Ottawa International Airport. A limousine can be hired directly upon your arrival at the airport, or in advance over the telephone. The number to contact for a more prestigious form of transport is 613-523-1560 (toll-free: 1-888-901-6222).

Taxis are available from the city for transport to the airport as well. They are found at many of the main pubic areas of the city, or can be called to collect you from your residence, hotel or place of business. Many passengers prefer the services of the Ottawa International Airport taxis as they provide a quick and convenient form of transport to any destination. They will also take you to the curb-side of your choice destination, rather than to a bus or train station, from where transport may still be required.