Skip to main content

London to Ottawa Jetlag Recovery Guide

Flying westbound from London to Ottawa involves a 5-hour timezone shift, rated "3" in difficulty. Expect around 3.8 days for full recovery. Below you will find departure timing tips, a day-by-day recovery plan, and seasonal advice.

LondonOttawa

LHR to YOW

Westbound
+5h timezone shift
3-4 day recovery
5,343 km

Best Departure Times

8-14 (95/100)
14-18 (65/100)
12am
3am
6am
9am
12pm
3pm
6pm
9pm

Higher bars indicate departure times that minimize jetlag impact. Green = optimal, red = worst.

Recovery Plan

Pre-Flight

  • Start adjusting sleep schedule 2-3 days before departure
  • Stay well hydrated in the days before travel

During Flight

  • Stay hydrated - drink water regularly
  • Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine
  • Stay awake during the flight if possible

Post-Arrival

  • Get evening light exposure to delay your body clock
  • A short nap is okay if needed, but keep it under 30 minutes

Flight Options

5

LHRYOW

7h 30m5,343 km1 airline
5

LGWYOW

6h 43m5,375 km1 airline

Related Jetlag Routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about London to Ottawa route

Jetlag from London (LHR) to Ottawa (YOW) is rated "3". The route involves a 5-hour timezone shift traveling westbound. Conservative recovery is about 3.8 days.

The best departure windows are: 8-14 (95/100), 14-18 (65/100). These times help align your circadian rhythm with the destination timezone.

Recovery typically takes 3.8 days conservatively, or 2.8 days with aggressive light therapy and melatonin timing. Westbound travel is generally easier as your body naturally delays its clock.

Eastbound travel is generally harder for jetlag recovery because it requires advancing your circadian clock, which the body naturally resists. Westbound travel involves delaying your clock, which is more natural. As a rule of thumb, eastbound recovery takes about 1.5 days per hour of shift vs 1 day for westbound.

Start adjusting sleep schedule 2-3 days before departure. Stay well hydrated in the days before travel.

Explore More

Airlines on this route: Air Canada (AC)

Flight Options & Recovery Plans

Scheduled flights from London to Ottawa with estimated jetlag recovery timelines. Departure time significantly affects recovery — earlier or later flights can mean days of difference.

AC AC 889Air Canada
12:00pm
LHR
2:30pm
YOW
7h 30m
Boeing 787-8
Recovery timeline1.0 days
D1
0 pre-flight sessions4 in-flight tips1 recovery days
AC AC 889Air Canada
2:10pm
LHR
5:05pm
YOW
7h 30m
Airbus A330-300
Recovery timeline1.0 days
D1
AC AC 889Air Canada
12:00pm
LHR
2:30pm
YOW
7h 30m
Boeing 787-8
Recovery timeline1.0 days
D1
AC AC 889Air Canada
12:00pm
LHR
3:30pm
YOW
7h 30m
Boeing 787-8
Recovery timeline1.0 days
D1
AC AC 889Air Canada
12:00pm
LHR
2:30pm
YOW
7h 30m
Boeing 787-8
Recovery timeline1.0 days
D1

Frequently Asked Questions: London to Ottawa Jetlag

How bad is jetlag from London to Ottawa?+

Jetlag from London (LHR) to Ottawa (YOW) is rated "3" with a 5-hour timezone shift traveling westbound. Conservative recovery estimate is 3.8 days.

What is the best time to fly from London to Ottawa for jetlag?+

The optimal departure windows for minimizing jetlag on the London to Ottawa route are: 8-14 (95/100), 14-18 (65/100). These times help align your circadian rhythm with the destination timezone.

How long does it take to recover from London to Ottawa jetlag?+

Recovery from London to Ottawa jetlag typically takes 3.8 days with a conservative approach or 2.8 days with an aggressive light therapy and melatonin strategy. The 5-hour westbound shift is generally easier because your body delays its clock.

Is eastbound or westbound worse for jetlag?+

Eastbound travel is generally harder for jetlag recovery because it requires advancing your circadian clock, which the body resists. Westbound travel involves delaying your clock, which is more natural. For every hour of timezone shift, eastbound recovery takes about 1.5 days vs 1 day for westbound.

What can I do before my flight to reduce jetlag from London to Ottawa?+

Before your London to Ottawa flight: Start adjusting sleep schedule 2-3 days before departure. Stay well hydrated in the days before travel.