local information
All currencies below are Canadian dollars.
Carleton University
transportation
Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
Please see the airport's transportation link or consult the links below. Taxis cost around $20-25 to Carleton and $25-30 downtown. The bus is the most economical option and the trip is straightforward (please see here for a sample trip to Carleton and here for a sample trip to downtown), but remember to purchase bus tickets at the Ground Transportation Desk on level 1. Buses accept exact change and tickets only. Drivers will not make change.
Getting to Carleton
public transit: OC Transpo
- Regular fare: $3.25 or 2 bus tickets ($1.25 each).
- Bus tickets may be purchased in most convenience stores, including the student union's Unicentre Store, on the 1st level of the University Centre (Unicentre).
- Free transfers, including returns, up to expiry time on transfer.
- Proof of purchase system: Always retain transfer for duration of journey.
- Exact change required!
- Many businesses accept American dollars, but it will certainly be more convenient to carry Canadian dollars.
- The tax rate is 13% (7% Goods and Services Tax and 8% Provincial Sales Tax; both taxes apply to just about everything). Taxes are almost never included in prices (except for alcoholic beverages).
- Tipping is customary in bars and restaurants. A tip of 15% is typical.
- Bank machines ('ATMs') are ubiquitous. To avoid steep charges, it is advisable to use ATMs of major banks, rather than convenience ATMs located in bars, restaurants, convenience stores, etc.
