Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport Car Rentals Guide

Alamo at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) offers a fleet of economy through luxury cars, SUVs, vans and trucks — including electric models — for leisure and business travellers. The on-airport counter services customer activations (Accelerated Check-in / Skip the Counter) and provides one-way rentals within Canada and optional add-ons. Common services include guaranteed airport child seats, optional GPS navigation devices, additional-driver options and one-way drop arrangements.

Address

1003 Airport Parkway Private, Ottawa, ON K1V 2C1, Canada

Directions

The Alamo rental counter is located inside the terminal across from baggage claim. Vehicles are within walking distance: exit the arrivals/baggage claim area, proceed to the parkade directly across the street from the terminal and go to the ground level to reach the Alamo counter and vehicle lot. For after-hours returns follow staff instructions for parking and place the keys in the Alamo key-drop/dropbox at the office entrance (location indicates a key drop for after-hours returns).

Hertz at Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport operates an on-site airport rental desk offering a broad fleet including economy, SUVs, premium cars and minivans, with hybrid vehicles available through Hertz's Green Traveler Collection. The location supports one-way rentals and common optional extras such as GPS and child seats, and provides Express Return for after-hours drop-off.

Address

1003 Airport Parkway Private, Ottawa, ON K1V 2C1, Canada

Directions

Hertz is located at the airport's on-site Car Rental Centre (1003 Airport Parkway Private) adjacent to the terminal. From the Arrivals/Ground Transportation level follow signs for Car Rental / Ground Transportation to the Car Rental Centre; if returning after hours use the Hertz Express Return / key-drop area in the Car Return Lot and follow on-site signage.

Thrifty at Ottawa Macdonald‑Cartier International Airport (YOW) provides airport pickup and counter service with a range of compact and economy cars plus larger vehicles (vans, trucks and SUVs) for leisure and business travellers. The location supports one‑way rentals, child seats and optional add‑ons, and participates in Thrifty’s Blue Chip/loyalty benefits and standard airport services.

Address

1003 Airport Parkway Private, Ottawa, ON K1V 2C1, Canada

Directions

Thrifty’s counter is located with the airport car rental desks on the Arrivals/ground transportation level of the terminal. From the baggage claim/arrivals area follow signage for 'Ground Transportation / Car Rentals' to the rental counters; vehicles are located at the on‑site car rental facility adjacent to Airport Parkway (1003 Airport Parkway Private). Follow terminal signage or the airport’s ground‑transport directions to the Car Rental Centre for pickup and returns.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car at Ottawa International Airport (YOW) operates an on-site counter serving arrivals and provides a broad fleet including economy cars, SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks, cargo vans and luxury vehicles. The location supports reservations, one-way rentals (where available) and after-hours returns, and follows Enterprise's Complete Clean Pledge for vehicle sanitization.

Address

1003 Airport Parkway Pvt, Gloucester, ON K1V 9B4, Canada

Directions

The Enterprise counter is located across from the Arrivals area on the main level of the airport parking facility. Meet at the Enterprise counter to receive your rental agreement and keys; if returning after hours, park the vehicle, lock the doors and place the keys in the drop box as instructed by the location.

National Car Rental at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) provides airport-based rentals with Emerald Club benefits and full-service counter assistance for leisure and business travellers. The branch supports vehicle returns outside office hours, standard fleet classes including hybrids and electric options (select classes), and services domestic one-way rentals across Canada. Key customer services include additional driver policies, child-seat and GPS add-ons (reserve in advance), and cross-border travel permissions between Canada and the U.S. where allowed.

Address

1003 Airport Parkway Private, Ottawa, ON K1V 2C1, Canada

Directions

Location: National counter is located across from the Airport Arrivals/main level parking facility at 1003 Airport Parkway Private (inside the airport property). Arrival directions: after collecting baggage on the arrivals level, follow signage to the rental car counters and the main-level parking facility where the National counter is located; proceed to the counter to obtain your rental agreement and keys. After-hours returns: between 1:00 AM and 6:30 AM customers should lock the vehicle and place keys in the National return key drop box at the office door (key/drop instructions are posted at the counter). Cross-border note: vehicles rented in Canada may be driven into the U.S.; Mexico travel is restricted.

Europcar at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport operates car and van rentals serving arriving airport passengers and the Ottawa metropolitan area. The location offers a broad fleet including compact cars, SUVs, vans and electrified vehicles, plus standard Europcar extras and support services for airport customers.

Address

1003 Airport Parkway Private, Ottawa, ON K1V 2C1, Canada

Directions

Europcar's desk is located in the airport car rental / ground transportation area on the Arrivals (ground) level. From the baggage claim/arrivals hall follow signage for 'Car Rental' or 'Ground Transportation' to the rental counters; the Europcar counter will be in the rental-car desk row. To return, follow the airport signs to 'Rental Car Return' adjacent to the terminal and proceed to the Europcar return lanes; if returning outside staffed hours use the posted after-hours/key-drop instructions at the return area.

Avis at Ottawa Macdonald‑Cartier International Airport provides on-site car rentals with a broad selection of vehicles from compact sedans and family minivans to full‑size SUVs and luxury models, and also offers hybrid and electric options. The location supports airport pick‑up and returns (including an after‑hours key drop), one‑way and long‑term rentals, and accessories such as child seats and GPS. It primarily serves air travelers to Ottawa and the National Capital Region, plus business and leisure renters across eastern Ontario and beyond.

Address

1003 Airport Parkway Private, Ottawa, ON K1V 9B4, Canada

Directions

From arrivals/baggage claim follow airport signs for "Arrivals" or "Baggage Claim" to the Avis rental counter in the terminal; rental cars are parked adjacent to the baggage claim/car lot (short walk or shuttle depending on where you exit). For pickup using Preferred Service, proceed to the rental counter or kiosk in the parking garage to collect your preprinted agreement and keys. To return a vehicle follow signs for Rental Return (stay right as you approach the airport and follow the Rental Return signs into the parkade on the side facing the terminal); for after‑hours returns park and lock the car and place the completed contract and keys in the location key drop box.

Budget provides on-site airport car rental at Ottawa Macdonald‑Cartier International Airport (YOW), offering a broad fleet including economy cars, sedans, SUVs, minivans/vans, pickup trucks and luxury options, plus short- and long-term rentals. The location supports Fastbreak/express pickup and common airport services (child safety seats, GPS rental, additional driver options and one‑way airport rentals), serving travellers to Ottawa, Gatineau and the National Capital Region.

Address

1003 Airport Pkwy, Ottawa, ON, Ontario, K1V 9B4, Canada

Directions

From arrivals/baggage claim follow signs to the car rental counters in the terminal; the Budget counter is located in the terminal (baggage claim area). FastBreak customers should proceed to the FastBreak line or kiosk, present ID and collect keys. After completing the counter process, customers are escorted or directed on a short walk to the car lot/parkade near the terminal (follow ‘Rental Return’ / car rental signage). To return, follow airport signs for 'Rental Return' to the parkade; after‑hours returns are accommodated via the location's drop box/after‑hours return procedure — record mileage and fuel level on the rental agreement and leave keys per posted instructions.

1st Rent-A-Car (listed on 1stcar.net) provides airport car rental booking and comparison services for Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW), offering a wide selection of vehicle groups from economy and compact cars up to vans, trucks and luxury models. The service facilitates add‑ons and extras commonly offered by vendors (GPS, child seats, additional drivers) and connects customers to local supplier pickup/drop‑off points at YOW; customers are advised to confirm exact vendor pickup/after‑hours procedures with the supplier on their booking voucher.

Address

297 Leckie Private, Ottawa, ON K1V 1S3, Canada

Directions

At Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) the rental-car offices serving flights are located in the Parkade (connected to the terminal). From the Arrivals/Level 1 exit follow signs for "Car Rental" or use the covered pedestrian connection to the Parkade; proceed to Level 1 (rental car corridor) where vendor counters and vehicle collection/return points are located. Specific pickup, after‑hours return, and shuttle arrangements vary by the local supplier—confirm the exact desk location and after‑hours instructions on your reservation voucher or by contacting the vendor/support phone before arrival.

Routes Car Rentals provides airport-focused vehicle rental services near Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, offering a fleet that ranges from budget compacts to premium SUVs. They support flexible pick-up options and serve travellers across Ottawa and the surrounding National Capital Region with off-airport collection and return options.

Address

2644 Leitrim Rd, Gloucester, ON K1T 3V3, Canada

Directions

Off-airport rental office located at 2644 Leitrim Rd (approximately 3.5 km southeast of the YOW terminal). From the terminal, follow Airport Parkway/Regional Road to Leitrim Road southbound; allow a 10–15 minute taxi or rideshare transfer. Customers should confirm if a courtesy shuttle or meet-and-greet service is provided at the arrivals curb when booking — the rental desk itself is off-terminal at the Leitrim Rd address.