Ottawa Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Ottawa Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

Found these fantastic level, flat leather benches that — believe it or not — looked more like mattresses than seating. The best bedding I’ve ever had in an airport. – Ray

YOW Airport Overview

Ottawa Airport Guide — Charging ports are located at most of the boarding gates by the seating area. (Photo courtesy of crafted axe / January 2020)

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Ottawa Airport.

What to Expect

Ottawa Airport (code: YOW) has a single terminal spread over three levels. Travellers here appreciate the efficient security lines and free WiFi. A few restaurants and shops will help you pass the time, and one eatery stays open 24 hours in the pre-Secure area. A few airport lounges offer additional creature comforts for travellers willing to pay the entry fee.

Sleeping in Ottawa Airport

Because security checkpoints close nightly, all overnight campers are restricted to staying in the pre-security landside areas until the early morning. Travellers recommend grabbing a couch by the windows as long as you’re there early enough. Bring along earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, as airport noise is common. Reviewers have reported being questioned by staff while waiting overnight.

Prefer an uninterrupted night of sleep? See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Ottawa Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

Airport Hours

The terminal is open 24 hours. Security screening hours vary by season:

May – November: approximately 4:00 AM until the last departing flight
November – April: approximately 3:00 AM until the last departing flight

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are a small number of rocking chairs near some gates. These are intended for short-term sitting and are not designed for sleeping. Dedicated rest or quiet zones are not available. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

As with any public space, take precautions with belongings. Keep valuables secured and bags locked or looped around you while resting.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Ottawa Airport:

Alt Hotel Ottawa Airport – Connected to the terminal by an indoor walkway.

More hotels near the airport

Fairfield Inn & Suites (0.8 mi)
Hilton Garden Inn (0.9 mi)
Homewood Suites by Hilton (1.4 mi)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (1.4 mi)
Hampton Inn by Hilton (1.4 mi)

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter through a lounge membership program.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic/International Departures, near Gates 17 and 18. Hours: 4:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Tue–Sat) • 4:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Sun–Mon). Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes – quiet room. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Air Canada Business Class and eligible Premium Rouge passengers • Aeroplan Elite members • Star Alliance Gold members • Maple Leaf Club members • Eligible premium credit cards • Eligible Air Canada fare lounge passes.
Aspire Lounge – Location: Airside, Domestic/International Departures, to the right of Gate 18, following signs toward Gate 20. Hours: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes (from CAD $31) • Priority Pass • DragonPass • LoungeKey • Select credit card access.

Both lounges are located in the Domestic/International departures area and are not accessible to passengers departing on U.S. transborder flights.

Drinking Water

Thirsty? Water fountains and bottle-filling stations are available both landside and airside.

Food & Drinks

Food outlets operate on limited schedules, with most opening around 4:30 AM. There are no 24-hour food options, so overnight travellers should plan accordingly.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and coat check services are provided by PARS 2000. Luggage Storage Rates: $7.00/day • $10.00/overnight • $40.00/week • $85.00/month. Winter coat/boot storage is also available, and storage spaces are big enough to store the belongings of 2-4 passengers. Location: Arrivals Hall, landside, Level 1. Hours: Open 24 hours.

Mobile Charging

A reader reports charging ports near seating areas at most boarding gates.

Showers

Showers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Ottawa Airport.

Security & Safety

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Ottawa Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Chapel – An interfaith chapel is available landside on Level 1. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

Family Services

Baby Care Facilities – Breastfeeding Rooms are available for feeding and changing babies in privacy. Each room includes a changing table and a rocking chair. All Breastfeeding Rooms are accessible 24 hours.
Child Care Rooms – Most restrooms throughout the terminal have adjacent nursing rooms.
Children’s Play Areas – A small play area is located near Gate 19 in the domestic/international holdroom.

Information Desk – An information booth is located landside in the Arrivals Area.

Luggage

Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available free of charge.
Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
Luggage Wrapping – A luggage wrapping service is available landside on Level 3. Hours: 12:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Money

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available landside and airside. Fees may apply, so travellers should check with their bank before departure.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange kiosks are available landside and airside, with varying hours.
ReadySTATION cash conversion kiosk – Converts cash into a prepaid Mastercard that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Hours: Open 24 hours.

Observation Deck – An observation deck is available landside on Level 3, offering views of aircraft movements.
Shoe Shine – Shoe shine service is available airside near Gate 15. Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available airside in Canadian/International and US Departures.
Smoking – A designated smoking area is located outdoors at the north end of Level 1 in Parking Lot 02.

Airlines

Ottawa Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Air France • Air North • Air Transat • Canadian North • Flair Airlines • PAL Airlines • Porter Airlines • Sunwing Airlines • United Airlines • WestJet.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Bus route 97 runs between the airport and downtown Ottawa. There is a ticket machine on Level 1, or fares can be purchased in cash directly on the bus. For timetables, fares and a route map, visit the OC Transpo website.

Car Rentals

On-site car rental agencies include Alamo • Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Hertz • National.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxi

All licensed taxis, limousines and shuttles pick up passengers on Level 1 and drop off on Level 3.

Last updated: 2026-01-28

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.