Getting to Ottawa by air, is relatively easy from anywhere in the world. The Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, also known as YOW, which has gone through several improvements and expansion in the past years, is only 17 km (11 miles) to the Parliament Buildings. That being said, it is still possible to spend 30-40 minutes or more driving time to downtown Ottawa. This is caused by the circuitous route needed to get to downtown Ottawa from the airport.