Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Ottawa travel guide

Ottawa Tourism | Ottawa Guide

You're Going to Love Ottawa

With a population of 18,768, Ottawa is a must-see destination in Illinois, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Ottawa deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Ottawa

If you’re looking for affordable options, Burger and Sushi House (1012 La Salle St) and A'Lure Aquarium Bar/Restaurant (213 W Madison St) are great picks.

When to visit Ottawa

Ottawa in December
Estimated hotel price
$100
1 night at 3-star hotel
Ottawa in December
Estimated hotel price
$100
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Ottawa in July, when the average temperature is 75.2 °F, and the highest can go up to 86 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 15.8 °F, with an average temperature of 23 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in May, when precipitation is around 4″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Ottawa, with an average rainfall of 1.5″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Ottawa

Plane

Although Ottawa doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Bloomington-Normal (BMI), which is located 60 miles from Ottawa. Chicago All airports is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Qantas Airways, Allegiant Air and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Ottawa departs from Atlanta and takes around 2h 07m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Ottawa. The train journey from Ottawa to Milwaukee takes 1h 31m and costs around $21 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bloomington, expect to pay about $13 for a 2h 19m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Ottawa is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 73 miles from Ottawa. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Ottawa, including Amtrak, Greyhound and Bus. From Monona, the bus ride to Ottawa takes 210 miles and will cost you around $86. From Indianapolis, the ticket costs about $112 for a journey of 220 miles.

Plane

Although Ottawa doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Bloomington-Normal (BMI), which is located 60 miles from Ottawa. Chicago All airports is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Qantas Airways, Allegiant Air and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Ottawa departs from Atlanta and takes around 2h 07m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Ottawa. The train journey from Ottawa to Milwaukee takes 1h 31m and costs around $21 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Bloomington, expect to pay about $13 for a 2h 19m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Ottawa is to pick up a car rental from Chicago, which is about 73 miles from Ottawa. You’ll find branches of Routes Car & Truck Rentals and Turo, among others, in Chicago.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Ottawa, including Amtrak, Greyhound and Bus. From Monona, the bus ride to Ottawa takes 210 miles and will cost you around $86. From Indianapolis, the ticket costs about $112 for a journey of 220 miles.

Airports near Ottawa

PIAGreater Peoria
BMIBloomington-Normal

Airlines serving Ottawa

Lufthansa
Good (7,054 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,337 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,861 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,940 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,448 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,701 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,224 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,567 reviews)
Frontier
Okay (3,288 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,466 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,068 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,766 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,700 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,418 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (833 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (11,177 reviews)
Virgin Atlantic
Good (643 reviews)
Air Transat
Good (386 reviews)
Porter Airlines
Excellent (285 reviews)
WestJet
Good (2,829 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Ottawa

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hampton Inn Ottawa (Starved Rock Area) and Super 8 by Wyndham Ottawa Starved Rock.

Where to stay in popular areas of Ottawa

Most booked hotels in Ottawa

See all
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa
2 stars
Excellent (8.7, 273 reviews)
$145+
View
Hampton Inn Ottawa (Starved Rock Area)
2 stars
Excellent (8.7, 239 reviews)
$176+
View
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Ottawa Starved Rock Area
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 161 reviews)
$162+
View
Comfort Inn Ottawa Starved Rock Area
2 stars
Good (7.8, 302 reviews)
$112+
View
Super 8 by Wyndham Ottawa Starved Rock
2 stars
Good (7.3, 325 reviews)
$76+
View
Quality Inn Ottawa near Starved Rock State Park
2 stars
Good (7.3, 256 reviews)
$69+
View

Renting a car in Ottawa

Renting a car in Ottawa costs $141 per day, on average, or $283 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 62% more expensive than at Chicago O'Hare Intl.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Ottawa (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51.

Renting a car in Ottawa costs $141 per day, on average, or $283 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 62% more expensive than at Chicago O'Hare Intl.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Ottawa (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51.

Find car rentals in Ottawa

Ottawa Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Ottawa city guide for the best Ottawa travel tips. To help you organize your Ottawa trip ideas, this Ottawa visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.