Traveling from Ottawa to Brussels: what you need to know
Ottawa's main base, Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), is where plenty of awesome adventures begin. Explore your departure choices from here for your flight from Ottawa to Brussels.
When it comes to landing in Brussels, Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL) are the primary gateways.
To ensure you board your Ottawa to Brussels flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
If you're heading away during a public holiday or other peak period, give yourself extra time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Security and check-in lines will be longer.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Brussels
To find cheap Ottawa to Brussels flights, book as early as possible. Airlines typically offer lower fares when tickets first go on sale.
If you can be flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price across every month when searching for your plane ticket from Ottawa to Brussels.
Finding a cheap flight from Ottawa to Brussels is easy with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as the price has dropped.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Ottawa to Brussels flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Ottawa
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Located around 11 kilometers from the center of Ottawa, YOW can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport will take roughly 45 minutes.
In search of a convenient hotel close to Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Ottawa to Brussels, these stays will have you moments from check-in:
58.21% of flights that depart Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport touch down at their destination on schedule.
You'll find YOW at 50 Airport Road.
Arriving in Brussels
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Brussels Airport (BRU) is approximately 11 kilometers from central Brussels. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 20 minutes.
It usually takes 40 minutes to get there on public transport.
Book a hotel near BRU if you have a late flight from Ottawa to Brussels. Select one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Follow your own route with a Brussels Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Keddy By Europcar, Alamo or Europcar and find adventure across Brussels and beyond.
To get the best deal, book your vehicle from Brussels Airport about three weeks ahead of your Ottawa to Brussels flight.
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL)
As soon as your flight from Ottawa to Brussels has touched down, you can make your way to the city center in around 55 minutes by car. Central Brussels is approximately 48 kilometers from Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL).
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the center in 1 hour 35 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near CRL. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Ottawa to Brussels:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Brussels S. Charleroi Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Keddy By Europcar, Thrifty or Budget and set off in the blink of an eye.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from CRL two weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Brussels
It's time to work out your travel dates for your flight from Ottawa to Brussels. July is the busiest month for a trip to Brussels. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, go in January.
Book an Ottawa to Brussels ticket departing in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Brussels to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 27ºC (81ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Ottawa to Brussels in January when temperatures average between -2ºC (28ºF) and 8ºC (46ºF).
More about Brussels
Once you've booked your flight from Ottawa to Brussels, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Brussels:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. Grand Place, Atomium and Manneken Pis are leading attractions which should feature on any good Brussels itinerary.
Explore more of Belgium
Brussels is always a good idea, but there are so many other parts of Belgium waiting to be discovered. Around 48 kilometers south of Brussels, a trip to Charleroi will keep you on the go. Check out popular attractions like Parc Gobbe, Maison Dermine (art déco — 1921) and Parc Ligny.
If you're eager to discover another major stop in Belgium, head for Liege, roughly 88 kilometers east of Brussels. Gare de Liege-Guillemins, Curtius Museum and Montagne de Bueren are highlights.