How to take the O-Train from Ottawa airport to downtown
The YOW-to-downtown O-Train route, with transfers at South Keys and Bayview, downtown stop choices, fare guidance and weekend planning.
The O-Train connects Ottawa International Airport (YOW) with downtown, but it is not a one-seat ride. The journey requires three lines and two transfers:
Airport → Line 4 → South Keys → Line 2 → Bayview → Line 1 eastbound → downtown
Check the official OC Transpo Travel Planner for the departure time that matches your flight. Waiting time—particularly for Line 4—can materially change the length of the trip.
The route, step by step
1. Take Line 4 from Airport to South Keys
Follow the O-Train signs from the terminal to Airport Station. Take Line 4 toward South Keys. Airport is the end of the line, so there is no direction choice to make.
Line 4 serves the airport branch between Airport and South Keys, where it connects with Line 2. The airport’s current ground transportation guide confirms this connection and places the station at terminal Level 3.
2. Change at South Keys for Line 2 to Bayview
Leave Line 4 at South Keys and follow signs for Line 2 toward Bayview. Do not take a Line 2 train toward Limebank; that travels south, away from downtown.
Stay on Line 2 to its northern terminus at Bayview. The stops on the way are Greenboro, Walkley, Mooney’s Bay, Carleton, Dow’s Lake and Corso Italia.
3. Change at Bayview for Line 1 eastbound
At Bayview, follow signs for Line 1 eastbound. Choose the downtown station closest to your destination:
- Lyon: western downtown and hotels near the west end of Queen and Albert streets
- Parliament: Parliament Hill, Sparks Street and the central business district
- Rideau: the ByWard Market, CF Rideau Centre, the National Arts Centre and the Château Laurier area
Check the hotel’s address rather than treating “downtown” as a single stop. Choosing the right station can avoid an unnecessary walk with luggage.
Fare and payment
The 2026 adult PRESTO e-purse fare is C$4.10, as stated in OC Transpo’s January 2026 fare FAQ, question 22. That figure does not establish the cash fare. Check OC Transpo’s current payment guidance before travelling, particularly if you intend to use a contactless bank card or mobile wallet rather than a transit ticket or Presto card.
Keep the ticket or payment method used to enter the system available until the journey is complete. Each traveller should have a separate valid fare.
Check Line 4 timing before leaving the terminal
Line 4 is the part of the journey most likely to determine the overall wait. On June 28, 2026, OC Transpo changed weekend Line 4 service to every 24 minutes as a temporary measure and retained route 105 as an airport alternative. At the time, the City said that arrangement was expected to continue into the fall (City of Ottawa). Because that notice does not establish the current frequency indefinitely, verify your date and time in the Travel Planner.
Also check OC Transpo service alerts, especially for an early departure, late arrival or weekend trip. If the planner does not offer the three-train route when you need it, compare its suggested bus connection—potentially route 105—with a taxi or rideshare. O-Train service does not run around the clock.
Is this route practical with luggage?
The train avoids road traffic and reaches the central corridor, but the two transfers are the tradeoff. It is most practical for travellers who can manage their bags and are staying within an easy walk of Lyon, Parliament or Rideau stations.
A direct car may suit the trip better if someone has difficulty moving luggage, the flight arrives near the end of service, or the final address is far from Line 1. At South Keys and Bayview, follow signs for elevators and the accessible route rather than taking stairs with a large suitcase.
Returning from downtown to YOW
Reverse the journey:
- Take Line 1 westbound to Bayview.
- Change to Line 2 toward Limebank, leaving at South Keys.
- At South Keys, change to Line 4 toward Airport.
At South Keys, check the platform display carefully: Limebank is the Line 2 destination, while Airport is the Line 4 destination. Build in extra time before a flight, particularly if the Travel Planner shows a long wait for Line 4.