Car Hire Ottawa Airport (YOW)
Looking for car hire at Ottawa Airport? Rhino Car Hire helps you compare rental cars from trusted suppliers at Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW), giving you the freedom to explore Canada's capital region and beyond at your own pace.
Whether you're visiting for business, sightseeing, family holidays, government travel or a wider road trip through Ontario and Québec, collecting your rental car at the airport is one of the easiest ways to start your journey.
Compare prices, choose your vehicle and book your Ottawa Airport car hire today.
Why Hire a Car at Ottawa Airport?
Ottawa is perfectly positioned between Ontario and Québec, making it an excellent starting point for exploring eastern Canada.
Hiring a car at Ottawa Airport allows you to:
• Explore Ottawa and the National Capital Region
• Visit nearby towns, parks and countryside
• Travel easily between Ontario and Québec
• Discover scenic road-trip routes
• Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel
A rental car is ideal for visitors looking to see more than just the city centre.
Ottawa Airport Quick Facts
• Airport Name: Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport
• IATA Code: YOW
• Distance to Downtown Ottawa: Approximately 12 km
• Driving Side: Right-hand side
• Main Travel Region: Eastern Ontario
• Popular Destinations: Ottawa, Gatineau, Montréal and Kingston
Explore Ottawa
Canada's capital city combines historic landmarks, national museums and beautiful green spaces.
Popular attractions include:
• Parliament Hill
• Rideau Canal
• ByWard Market
• Canadian Museum of History
• National Gallery of Canada
Ottawa offers a mix of culture, history and outdoor activities throughout the year.
Popular Destinations from Ottawa Airport
Gatineau
Located just across the river in Québec, Gatineau offers parks, museums and easy access to outdoor recreation.
One of Canada's most vibrant cities, known for its culture, food, architecture and festivals.
Kingston
A historic waterfront city located on Lake Ontario and the gateway to the Thousand Islands region.
Mont-Tremblant
A popular year-round destination offering skiing, hiking, golf and mountain scenery.
Known for scenic countryside, rivers, forests and outdoor adventures.
Best Road Trips from Ottawa Airport
Ottawa to Montréal
A popular route linking two of Canada's most important cities.
Ottawa to Kingston
Travel through eastern Ontario's countryside and historic communities.
Laurentians Explorer
Head into Québec's mountain region to discover lakes, forests and outdoor recreation.
Ottawa Valley Scenic Drive
Explore charming towns, riverside landscapes and beautiful natural scenery.
Explore More of Ontario and Québec
Many visitors use Ottawa Airport as the starting point for a wider eastern Canada adventure.
Popular onward destinations include:
• Montréal
• Gatineau
• Kingston
• Mont-Tremblant
• Toronto
• Québec City
A rental car makes it easy to combine several destinations into one memorable journey.
Driving from Ottawa Airport
Ottawa Airport provides excellent access to Ontario's and Québec's motorway networks.
Approximate driving times:
• Downtown Ottawa – 20 minutes
• Gatineau – 25 minutes
• Kingston – 2 hours
• Montréal – 2 hours
• Mont-Tremblant – 2 hours
• Toronto – 4.5 hours
Roads throughout the region are generally well maintained and easy to navigate.
Choosing the Right Rental Car
Economy Cars
Ideal for city breaks and business trips.
Compact Cars
Perfect for couples and shorter journeys.
SUVs
Popular for family holidays and winter travel.
Family Vehicles
Suitable for groups and additional luggage.
Premium Vehicles
A popular choice for government and business travellers.
Driving in Canada
Before setting off, keep these useful tips in mind:
• Drive on the right-hand side of the road
• Speed limits are displayed in kilometres per hour
• Winter conditions can affect travel between November and March
• Snow tyres may be advisable during winter months
• Fuel stations are widely available on major routes
Book Your Ottawa Airport Car Hire Today
Rhino Car Hire makes it easy to compare rental cars at Ottawa Airport. With trusted suppliers, competitive prices and convenient airport collection, you can start exploring eastern Canada from the moment you arrive.
Search, compare and reserve your Ottawa Airport car hire today.