Flying from Ottawa to Reykjavik: what you need to know
Planning your trip starts with working out where you'll fly out of in Ottawa. Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is the city's main airport, so check out your options for booking a flight from Ottawa to Reykjavik taking off from here.
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is where you'll be arriving in Reykjavik.
Ottawa and Reykjavik share the same timezone, UTC+0.
Leave plenty of time to catch your Ottawa to Reykjavik flight. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're jetting off during a public holiday or other peak period, allow for even more time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at check-in and security will be longer.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Reykjavik
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap Ottawa to Reykjavik flights if you book early. Airlines often have some amazing early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Ottawa to Reykjavik throughout the month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Locking in a cheap flight from Ottawa to Reykjavik couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when there's a better deal.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Or sort your Ottawa to Reykjavik flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Ottawa
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
YOW is about 11 kilometers from central Ottawa. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the center, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 45 minutes.
Want a handy hotel near Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Ottawa to Reykjavik, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
58.21% of flights leaving from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport touch down at their destination on time.
YOW's address is 50 Airport Road.
Arriving in Reykjavik
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to central Reykjavik takes about 50 minutes by car. The center is roughly 40 kilometers away.
It usually takes 1 hour 15 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Ottawa to Reykjavik. Check in to one of these accommodation options near KEF instead:
Travel at your own speed with a Keflavik International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Ice Rental 4x4, FairCar or Flizzr and see more of Reykjavik and beyond.
For the lowest price, reserve your ride from Keflavik International Airport about four weeks ahead of your Ottawa to Reykjavik flight.
Reykjavik International Airport (RKV)
Central Reykjavik is located around 2 kilometers from Reykjavik International Airport (RKV). Once your flight from Ottawa to Reykjavik has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 5 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city center in 25 minutes or so.
Europcar, RAS Car Rental and Hertz make picking up a Reykjavik International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Avoid paying extra. Booking your ride three weeks ahead of your arrival at RKV can help you lock in a better rate.
Best time to go to Reykjavik
It's time to choose your travel dates for your flight from Ottawa to Reykjavik. July is the most popular month to visit Reykjavik. If you want a more peaceful vibe, go in January.
When booking your Ottawa to Reykjavik tickets, consider what kind of weather works for you. July is the warmest month in Reykjavik, with temperatures ranging from 8ºC (46ºF) to 15ºC (59ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Ottawa to Reykjavik in December if you like traveling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC (21ºF) and 4ºC (39ºF) on average.
More about Reykjavik
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Reykjavik right here. Browse these hotels once you've booked your flight from Ottawa to Reykjavik:
Hallgrimskirkja silhouette and Perlan are just a couple of the popular attractions to put on your Reykjavik to-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to National Museum of Iceland.
Explore more of Iceland
Kópavogur is just one of the many places in Iceland waiting to be discovered after you've seen Reykjavik. Around 5 kilometers to the south, popular attractions include Yndisgarðurinn, Fífu parkið and Elliðavatns-stífla.
Around 10 kilometers south of Reykjavik, Hafnarfjörður is another essential stop in Iceland. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Höfðaskógur forest, Dog relief area in Hafnarfjordur and Víðistaðatún.