Flying from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Ottawa: what you need to know
Ottawa's timezone is UTC-5, which is the same as Durham (the location of Raleigh-Durham International Airport).
For a relaxed start to your RDU to Ottawa flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months like June, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight when you travel during high season in general.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your journey and perhaps even visit a new city. When searching for plane tickets from RDU to Ottawa, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Top options include:
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
RDU is around 16 kilometres from central Durham. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a taxi from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 45 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near RDU. Whether you're catching an early flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels put convenience first:
78% of flights departing from Raleigh-Durham International Airport land at their destination on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Ottawa
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa flight is RM1,107. The cheapest price for a return flight is RM2,782. Remember fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from RDU to Ottawa if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird discounts.
Scoring cheap tickets from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa is more likely if you're flexible with your travel dates. Use the 'Whole month' function to get the lowest fares across each month and score an epic deal.
There's no need to check in daily to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from RDU to Ottawa.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Ottawa
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is around 14 kilometres from central Ottawa. If you're opting for a ride-share or a taxi, the drive will take roughly 20 minutes.
It takes around 35 minutes when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa. Check in to one of these accommodation options near YOW instead:
To secure the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from RDU to Ottawa.
YOW is located at 50 Airport Road.
Best time to go to Ottawa
January is the quietest month for flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa, while July is the most popular. Pick the best time to go to Ottawa based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa plane ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Ottawa, with temperatures ranging from 14ºC (57ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between -19ºC (-2ºF) and -2ºC (28ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from RDU to Ottawa around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Ottawa
Start your Ottawa trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Ottawa, explore our selection of hotels including:
Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal National Historic Site are just two of the leading attractions to put on your Ottawa travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa.
Explore more of Canada
Ottawa will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of Canada waiting to be discovered. Around 354 kilometres southwest of Ottawa, a trip to Toronto will keep you on the move. Start with attractions like CN Tower, The Top CN Tower and Royal Ontario Museum.
Around 153 kilometres east of Ottawa, Montreal is another essential stop in Canada. No visit is complete without checking out Cirque du Soleil - KURIOS, Montreal Botanical Garden and Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal.
