Getting Around Ottawa
Ottawa Airport Information
Ottawa, Kansas, is a charming small city in Franklin County, about an hour from Kansas City. While Ottawa doesn’t have its own major airport, travelers can easily fly into Kansas City International Airport (MCI) — the nearest and most convenient option. The drive from the airport to Ottawa takes roughly 60 to 70 minutes, making it an easy trip for business travelers or guests attending events.
Event planners should note that the area around MCI offers several car rental agencies and shuttle services, which makes group transportation simple to arrange. Ottawa itself has smaller airfields, like the Ottawa Municipal Airport, useful for private or charter flights.
Key Facts and Tips:
Nearest major airport: Kansas City International Airport (MCI) – about 65 miles away.
Drive time: Around 1 hour via I-35 South.
Local airport: Ottawa Municipal Airport (small/private use).
Transport options: Car rentals and ride-share apps (Uber/Lyft) available from MCI.
Planner tip: Arrange group transfers in advance for smoother coordination, especially for conferences or corporate events.
Event planners should note that the area around MCI offers several car rental agencies and shuttle services, which makes group transportation simple to arrange. Ottawa itself has smaller airfields, like the Ottawa Municipal Airport, useful for private or charter flights.
Key Facts and Tips:
Nearest major airport: Kansas City International Airport (MCI) – about 65 miles away.
Drive time: Around 1 hour via I-35 South.
Local airport: Ottawa Municipal Airport (small/private use).
Transport options: Car rentals and ride-share apps (Uber/Lyft) available from MCI.
Planner tip: Arrange group transfers in advance for smoother coordination, especially for conferences or corporate events.
Ottawa Train Information
Traveling to Ottawa by train offers a scenic and relaxed route for visitors. The nearest Amtrak station is in Lawrence, Kansas, about a 30-minute drive away. From there, the Amtrak Southwest Chief line connects to major cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, with stops in Kansas City and other Midwest locations.
Though Ottawa doesn’t have direct Amtrak service, event planners or attendees can easily combine rail and road travel — taking a train to Lawrence and then a short car ride to Ottawa.
Key Facts and Tips:
Nearest Amtrak station: Lawrence, KS (30 miles away).
Main Amtrak route: Southwest Chief – connects Chicago ↔ Kansas City ↔ Los Angeles.
Travel time from Kansas City by train: About 40 minutes to Lawrence, then a short drive south to Ottawa.
Planner tip: For eco-conscious events, consider offering a “train + carpool” travel option for attendees.
Though Ottawa doesn’t have direct Amtrak service, event planners or attendees can easily combine rail and road travel — taking a train to Lawrence and then a short car ride to Ottawa.
Key Facts and Tips:
Nearest Amtrak station: Lawrence, KS (30 miles away).
Main Amtrak route: Southwest Chief – connects Chicago ↔ Kansas City ↔ Los Angeles.
Travel time from Kansas City by train: About 40 minutes to Lawrence, then a short drive south to Ottawa.
Planner tip: For eco-conscious events, consider offering a “train + carpool” travel option for attendees.
Ottawa Public Information
Ottawa offers visitors a peaceful Midwestern experience with friendly locals and easy-to-navigate roads. The downtown area is walkable, filled with charming shops, cafes, and parks. For larger groups or event attendees, the city provides plenty of parking and clear directions via major highways like U.S. Route 59 and Interstate 35.
Public transportation is limited, so having a rental vehicle or arranging shuttle buses is highly recommended for corporate or event travel. Ottawa is also close to larger cities like Lawrence and Kansas City, giving visitors access to more hotels, venues, and entertainment options.
Key Facts and Tips:
Local transport: Mostly car-based; limited public transit.
Major highways: I-35 and U.S. Route 59 connect Ottawa with Kansas City and Emporia.
Nearby cities: Lawrence (30 mins), Kansas City (1 hour).
Event-friendly venues: Ottawa Municipal Auditorium, Franklin County Fairgrounds, and several local hotels.
Planner tip: Choose venues near the city center for convenience; consider providing shuttle options for guests staying in nearby towns.
Public transportation is limited, so having a rental vehicle or arranging shuttle buses is highly recommended for corporate or event travel. Ottawa is also close to larger cities like Lawrence and Kansas City, giving visitors access to more hotels, venues, and entertainment options.
Key Facts and Tips:
Local transport: Mostly car-based; limited public transit.
Major highways: I-35 and U.S. Route 59 connect Ottawa with Kansas City and Emporia.
Nearby cities: Lawrence (30 mins), Kansas City (1 hour).
Event-friendly venues: Ottawa Municipal Auditorium, Franklin County Fairgrounds, and several local hotels.
Planner tip: Choose venues near the city center for convenience; consider providing shuttle options for guests staying in nearby towns.
