Ottawa is served by Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), conveniently located 10 minutes from Carleton University by car/taxi and 15 minutes from downtown. Depending on fares, teams traveling by air may also consider flying into Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and traveling to Ottawa by train, bus, or car.
Arriving in Ottawa by air via connection in Canada
If you are flying into Ottawa International Airport via a Canadian hub such as Montréal, Toronto, or Vancouver, you will clear border controls at your Canadian port of entry prior to your domestic flight. Your flight to Ottawa will disembark on Level 2 in the domestic portion of the terminal. Exit the secure area and proceed down the escalator to Level 1 to collect your luggage. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available just outside the doors on Level 1. The Airport O-Train (light rail) Station is accessible from Level 3, with connections to Carleton University and the competition hotel.*
* Airport O-Train station is currently under construction and is expected to open by October.
Arriving in Ottawa by air via connection in the U.S., or directly from Europe
If you are flying into Ottawa International Airport via an airport in the United States (e.g., Newark, Chicago, Boston, Washington-Dulles, Washington-Reagan) or directly from Europe (Paris), you will clear Canadian border controls in Ottawa. After collecting your luggage and clearing customs, you will exit the secure area on Level 1. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available just outside the doors on Level 1. The Airport O-Train (light rail) Station is accessible from Level 3, with connections to Carleton University and the competition hotel.*
* Airport O-Train station is currently under construction and is expected to open by October.
Flying into Montréal, using ground transportation to Ottawa
If you are flying into Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, and have elected to travel by bus, car or train for the final leg of your journey to Ottawa, your travel time on the ground will be approximately 2 hours. Several companies offer van or bus transportation from Montréal airport to central Ottawa. Via Rail Canada offers a free shuttle from the Montréal airport to its Dorval station, where you can board the Ottawa-bound train. One-way fares between Montréal and Ottawa are available from approximately C$50 including tax if purchased in advance (seats at the lowest fares will sell out). For promotions, visit the Via Rail website at: www.viarail.ca/en/offers/deals-discounts.
Arriving by rail
Via Rail Canada offers direct rail service to Ottawa from Montréal and Toronto. Travelers from the United States can travel on Amtrak from New York City to Montréal, and then connect to the Via Rail network. The Ottawa train station is located approximately 5 km (3 mi.) east of the city centre. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available upon exiting the station. The Tremblay O-Train (light rail) Station is located adjacent to the Via Rail station, providing connections to the competition hotel and Carleton University.
Arriving by bus
Various companies offer motorcoach transportation to Ottawa from Montréal and Toronto. Travel time depends on the number of stops and is approximately 4-5 hours from Toronto and 2 hours from Montréal.
Arriving by car
Ottawa is 4 hours from Toronto by car via highways 401 / 416, and 2 hours from Montréal via Québec autoroute 40 / Ontario highway 417.
2023 Pre-departure Guide
The Pre-departure Guide for 2023 ROCA competition is now available. This document has an overview of the competition week and highlights items to consider before and during your travels to Ottawa.
View ROCA 2023 Pre-departure Guide here.
