CHI - YOW

$194 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Ottawa - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$400
Typical prices: $494-$914
Multiple Airlines
Sun 2/4Thu 2/8
ORD - YOW • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$920
Typical prices: $725-$986
Air Canada
Mon 11/26Thu 11/29
ORD - YOW • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
Ottawa Airport is easy to navigate, but smaller bins may force gate-checked bags.
On United, build in extra time if your plans are tight on this route.
Expert advice
+1
Expert advice
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines. Average duration is 2h 19m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 31% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 82% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 49% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $364 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 54m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Ottawa!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Ottawa (CHI-YOW)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Chicago to Ottawa

Thu, Feb 4 - Mon, Feb 8
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:18 am - 12:07 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-YOW Ottawa
12h 49m1 stop Tampa
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:10 pm - 12:56 amYOW  Ottawa-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
11h 46m1 stop Fort Myers SW Florida Intl
$400Multiple Airlines
Sun, Nov 22 - Fri, Nov 27
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:52 pm - 4:37 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-YOW Ottawa
24h 45m2 stops Baltimore/Washington Toronto Island
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:15 pm - 5:40 pmYOW  Ottawa-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 25m1 stop Toronto Island
$416Multiple Airlines
Thu, Nov 26 - Thu, Dec 3
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:00 pm - 5:24 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-YOW Ottawa
24h 24m1 stop Fort Lauderdale
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:15 pm - 5:40 pmYOW  Ottawa-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 25m1 stop Toronto Island
$428Multiple Airlines
Sun, Nov 22 - Sat, Nov 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:52 pm - 4:37 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-YOW Ottawa
24h 45m2 stops Baltimore/Washington Toronto Island
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:40 pm - 5:40 pmYOW  Ottawa-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 00m1 stop Toronto Island
$435Multiple Airlines
Thu, Feb 4 - Mon, Feb 8
Air Canada Logo
7:25 am - 3:57 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-YOW Ottawa
7h 32m2 stops Toronto Island Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl
Air Canada Logo
1:25 pm - 7:52 pmYOW  Ottawa-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
7h 27m1 stop Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl
$768Air Canada
Mon, Nov 16 - Tue, Nov 17
Air Canada Logo
1:55 pm - 7:52 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-YOW Ottawa
4h 57m1 stop Toronto Island
Air Canada Logo
10:50 am - 5:43 pmYOW  Ottawa-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
7h 53m2 stops Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl Toronto Pearson Intl
$768Air Canada
Thu, Feb 4 - Mon, Feb 8
Air Canada Logo
7:25 am - 3:57 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-YOW Ottawa
7h 32m2 stops Toronto Island Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl
Air Canada Logo
10:50 am - 8:40 pmYOW  Ottawa-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
10h 50m2 stops Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl Toronto Pearson Intl
$776Air Canada
Tue, Dec 15 - Tue, Dec 22
United Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 9:56 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-YOW Ottawa
13h 56m1 stop Newark
United Airlines Logo
6:15 am - 8:00 amYOW  Ottawa-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 45mnonstop
$934United Airlines
Thu, Nov 26 - Sun, Nov 29
United Airlines Logo
11:56 am - 9:56 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-YOW Ottawa
9h 00m1 stop Newark
United Airlines Logo
6:15 am - 8:00 amYOW  Ottawa-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 45mnonstop
$934United Airlines
Thu, Nov 26 - Sun, Nov 29
United Airlines Logo
11:56 am - 9:56 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-YOW Ottawa
9h 00m1 stop Newark
United Airlines Logo
6:15 am - 8:00 amYOW  Ottawa-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 45mnonstop
$935United Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Chicago to Ottawa flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

What is the cheapest Chicago to Ottawa flight route?

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Ottawa (YOW) is the cheapest Chicago to Ottawa route, averaging $427 round-trip. Other Chicago to Ottawa routes average $810, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Ottawa?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Thursday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Ottawa. It’s 37% cheaper than the average day, while Saturday is the most expensive, with prices 6% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Ottawa?

•April is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Ottawa at $387 round-trip.
•August ($923) and September ($891) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 138% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Chicago to Ottawa

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines and Air Canada

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Key details for Chicago to Ottawa flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$194
Beat the crowds with an average 64% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 49% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Ottawa

When to book flights from Chicago to Ottawa

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Chicago to Ottawa based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Flights from Chicago to Ottawa: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Chicago to Ottawa 
Verified travelerFlew with Air Canada-Nov 2024
Ottawa, as a small airport is easiest to navigate! Overhead baggage compartments seem to be smaller, and on every flight they seem to need travellers to volunteer to put carryons in checked luggage instead.
Verified travelerFlew with United Airlines-Jan 2024
I always expect issues with United but there doesn't seem to be another airline to use. Advice: Give yourself and extra day to get anywhere - don't be in a hurry to get home either.

Your Chicago to Ottawa flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Chicago to Ottawa?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Chicago to Ottawa:

    • Earliest: departs at 10:48 am and lands at 1:07 pm
    • Latest: departs at 5:58 pm and lands at 8:17 pm.

    The flight takes about 2h 19m.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Chicago to Ottawa?

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from Chicago to Ottawa:

    • Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

  • How long is a flight from Chicago to Ottawa?

    A nonstop flight from Chicago to Ottawa takes 2h 19m, covering 643 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Chicago to Ottawa?

    Yes, a valid passport is required for this international route. Many destinations require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Check your passport expiry well before booking.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Chicago to Ottawa flight?

    Round-trip flights from Chicago to Ottawa range from $494 to $914, with an average of $757 over the past 12 months. Anything below $494 counts as a good deal.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Chicago to Ottawa?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $364 round-trip via Fort Lauderdale (FLL), compared to $858 for nonstop.

  • How does on-time performance compare across airlines flying from Chicago to Ottawa?

    United Airlines is the only airline operating Chicago to Ottawa flights. 82% of its flights are on time.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Chicago to Ottawa?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $40–$69 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • How are flight departures from Chicago to Ottawa spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Chicago to Ottawa flights, with 50% of flights leaving in that window. Evening departures account for 50%, afternoon flights for 0%, and night flights for 0%.

  • Have flight prices from Chicago to Ottawa changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $400 to $1,868. That means the highest observed fare was about 5x higher than the lowest one.

  • How are flight prices from Chicago to Ottawa looking right now?

    One-way fares from Chicago to Ottawa are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $340, which is 5% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at Ottawa Airport (YOW)?

    Ottawa Airport (YOW) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates averaging $42 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Routes Car & Truck Rentals
    • Europcar
    • Alamo
    • Budget
    • Enterprise Rent-A-Car

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Chicago to Ottawa?

    Flights from Chicago to Ottawa may depart from several airports in Chicago area, including Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and Chicago Greater Rockford (RFD). Flights usually arrive at Ottawa (YOW).

  • What time of day has the fewest delays on flights from Chicago to Ottawa?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route, while evening departures tend to have the most.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Chicago to Ottawa?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the Chicago to Ottawa route, 18% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2h 25m.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Chicago to Ottawa pass through?

    One-stop flights from Chicago to Ottawa most commonly connect through:

    • Toronto Island (YTZ) - 81% of one-stop connections
    • Toronto Pearson Intl (YYZ) - 15% of one-stop connections
    • Calgary (YYC) - 3% of one-stop connections
    • Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - 1% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Chicago to Ottawa?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 40% on flights from Chicago to Ottawa. Thursday is the cheapest departure day at $484 round-trip on average, while Saturday is the most expensive at $806, a difference of $322.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What airlines fly from Chicago to Ottawa?

    Only United Airlines operates flights between Chicago and Ottawa.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Chicago to Ottawa?

    Flying via Toronto Island (YTZ) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 4h 54m, compared with 6h 25m via Toronto Pearson Intl (YYZ) and 15h 11m via Calgary (YYC).

  • What is the time difference between Chicago and Ottawa?

    Ottawa is 1 hour ahead of Chicago (Eastern Time vs Central Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Ottawa?

    Some of the most popular sights in Ottawa are Garden of the Provinces and Territories, Nepean Sportsplex and Major's Hill Park. These are among the most viewed places in Ottawa on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Chicago to Ottawa flights?

    Among airlines operating Chicago to Ottawa flights:

    • Air Canada: offers free seat selection
    • United Airlines: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Chicago to Ottawa flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • Air Canada: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Emirates: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in First Class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • What are the carry-on and checked luggage allowances in the economy for flights from Chicago to Ottawa?

    The carry-on and checked luggage allowance depends on your airline. Porter Airlines allow you to bring carry-on luggage not exceeding 22 x 16 x 9 inches and an additional bag weighing no more than 50 lbs. If you book Delta, your carry-on dimensions limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and another bag not exceeding 50 lbs. Your luggage should fit underneath your seat or in the upper cabin for the comfort of other passengers.

  • Are the origin and destination airports hubs for any airlines?

    Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, linking many domestic and international cities. At the same time, Ottawa Macdonlad-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is a hub for Air Canada. This airport serves millions of passengers annually to major American and European destinations.

  • What nearby cities are served by Ottawa Macdonlad-Cartier International Airport?

    Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport serves several cities. After arriving, you can go to Gatineau to the north, Kanata to the west, Kemptville to the south, Winchester to the southeast, and Almonte to the southwest. You can rent a car and drive to these cities at your own pace or take public transport at the airport terminal, depending on your destination.

  • Are there opportunities to upgrade to first class for flights from Chicago to Ottawa?

    Upgrading to first class on Chicago to Ottawa route depends on your airline. Most airlines email passengers to make them know about available seats and amenities to enjoy while flying first class. Though the upgrading fee depends on your class fare, it's more cost-effective than booking first class originally. In addition, you need to book at least 24 hours before departure to avoid inconveniences and last-minute stress.

Your guide to booking Chicago to Ottawa flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Thursday departure and avoid flying on Saturday. On this route, Thursday flights average $484, about $322 less than Saturday fares (40% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Chicago to Ottawa trip for April. Fares historically average $387 round-trip in that month - typically $536 less than the most expensive month, which is August (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $364 round-trip on this route - about $494 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Ottawa Airport.

    • Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport
    • Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport
    • Ramada by Wyndham Ottawa On The Rideau
  • You can catch a direct flight from Chicago to Ottawa, but several airlines - including Porter Airlines and Air Canada - make a stopover along the way. Major stopover cities include Newark, New York, Washington, D.C., Toronto, Boston, Cleveland, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Montreal.
  • Air Canada offers special meals to travelers with dietary needs on Chicago to Ottawa route. However, you should contact Air Canada customer care directly at least 24 hours before take-off to order your special meal.
  • The most convenient way to travel from Downtown Chicago to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is by taking the L train that connects to the airport. You can also take the CTA Blue Line bus to arrive at the airport in about 45 minutes.
  • If you need a sustainable journey on Chicago to Ottawa route, you can book WestJet. These airlines are committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 by using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The company also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80%.
  • An alternative airport when booking cheap flights from Chicago to Ottawa is Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). The advantage of using this airport is its proximity to Downtown Chicago, around 11 miles. In addition, it's less busy with fewer flights so you can expect shorter queues.

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago to Ottawa?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Chicago to Ottawa Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Chicago to Ottawa

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Ottawa to Chicago

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Chicago to Ottawa

Complete your trip to Ottawa with a hotel stay or car rental