YOWOttawa·Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International·Ottawa, Canada
Recommended minimum50 minutes
Concourses
3
Domestic/Transborder Zone, International Arrivals Zone, US Preclearance Zone
Max Transit
15m
via walking
Avg. Security
15m
Primary Hub
Domestic → Domestic
35min
Domestic → International
45min
International → Domestic
50min
International → International
60min
Ottawa skylinePhoto by Surja Raj on Pexels
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
All operations happen within a single terminal building, so passengers move between zones entirely on foot via connecting corridors. Passengers arriving internationally must clear Canadian customs and immigration before continuing, and those flying onward to the US must pass through US preclearance security and CBP screening, both of which require re-entering the departures side.
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Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Single compact terminal
Minimal walking distances
US preclearance adds a step
Not a true hub airport
Is 30 minutes enough for a layover at YOW?

Below the domestic-domestic MCT of 35 minutes, this is too tight even for a same-zone connection. See full 30 min guide →

Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at YOW?

Meets the domestic-international MCT but leaves little buffer if immigration lines are busy. See full 45 min guide →

Is 1 hour enough for a layover at YOW?

Comfortably covers even international-to-international connections requiring a full customs and security cycle. See full 1 hr guide →

Is 1 hour 15 min enough for a layover at YOW?

Ample time for any connection type at this small, easy-to-navigate airport. See full 1¼ hr guide →

Is 1½ hours enough for a layover at YOW?

Generous buffer even accounting for peak-hour congestion or delayed baggage-linked customs processing. See full 1½ hr guide →

Is 2 hours enough for a layover at YOW?

Very comfortable, allowing time for a meal or relaxation before the next flight. See full 2 hr guide →

Is 2½ hours enough for a layover at YOW?

Excessive for this airport's size, though useful as a buffer against winter weather delays. See full 2½ hr guide →

Is 3 hours enough for a layover at YOW?

Far more time than needed; only worthwhile if flight schedules leave no better option. See full 3 hr guide →

Is 4 hours enough for a layover at YOW?

A long wait for such a small airport, though the terminal has adequate dining and seating to pass the time. See full 4 hr guide →

AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER