Ontario International Airport (ONT): The Complete Guide

ONT Airport Overview

Ontario International Airport (ONT) serves the Inland Empire — San Bernardino and Riverside counties — along with eastern Los Angeles County and the greater Coachella Valley region. The airport offers up to 90 nonstop flights daily to 30 destinations throughout the US, Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan. With significantly less congestion than LAX and a compact, manageable layout, ONT is an excellent alternative for travelers whose destination is in the eastern or inland portions of Southern California.

The airport is controlled by the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), which was re-established in 2016 after Los Angeles World Airports returned control to the city. Since then, ONT has invested in improved facilities and aggressively marketed to airlines, resulting in growing route options and passenger volumes.

Terminal Layout

ONT has two main passenger terminals, Terminal 2 and Terminal 4, each spanning approximately 265,000 square feet. A separate international arrivals facility handles inbound international passengers.

Terminal 2 (12 gates)

Terminal 2 serves Alaska Airlines, Avianca El Salvador, China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, and Volaris. International departures also operate from Terminal 2 for the international carriers listed above. This terminal handles a broad mix of domestic carriers and the airport's international service.

Terminal 4 (14 gates)

Terminal 4 is home to American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines (which has gates in both terminals). Southwest has significant operations in Terminal 4.

International Arrivals Facility

International arrivals are processed in a separate dedicated facility. Airlines with international arrivals include Avianca, China Airlines, Starlux Airlines (Taiwan), and Volaris (Mexico). ONT's international offering is growing, particularly with Pacific Rim and Central American routes.

Airlines at ONT

ONT is served by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Avianca El Salvador, China Airlines, Starlux Airlines, and Volaris. The airport's Asian connectivity via China Airlines and Starlux makes it particularly useful for travelers in the Inland Empire with connections to Taiwan and beyond.

Getting To and From ONT

Rideshare and Taxi

Uber and Lyft are available at the designated ground transportation zones outside both terminals. Ontario city center is 10 to 15 minutes and $15 to $20. Riverside is 20 to 25 minutes and $20 to $30. San Bernardino is 25 to 30 minutes and $25 to $35. Palm Springs is about 70 miles east and approximately 60 to 70 minutes — $70 to $100 by rideshare, making a rental car the smarter choice for Coachella Valley trips.

Metrolink Train

The Metrolink commuter rail system connects to Ontario Airport via a short shuttle from the Ontario-East Ontario Metrolink station. From there, the San Bernardino Line connects to downtown Los Angeles (Union Station) and intermediate cities. This is a solid option for travelers heading to downtown LA or commuting into the metro area, though the connection requires the shuttle hop.

Rental Cars

All major rental car brands operate at ONT. The rental car facility is accessible from both terminals. A rental car is particularly useful at ONT for trips to Palm Springs, Big Bear Lake, Joshua Tree National Park, and other inland Southern California destinations that lack practical transit connections.

Parking

ONT offers terminal-adjacent parking in covered garages and economy surface lots. Daily garage rates run $18 to $25. Economy lots are $12 to $15 per day with shuttle service. Parking at ONT is generally cheaper than at LAX.

Dining and Shopping

Both terminals have a selection of dining and retail options, though the scale is smaller than LAX.

• Karl Strauss Brewing Company — A San Diego craft brewery with an ONT location. Good burgers and craft beer pre-flight.
• El Torito — Mexican food and margaritas. Decent option before a flight.
• Panda Express, Subway, Starbucks — Quick-service national chains available throughout both terminals.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

ONT offers free Wi-Fi throughout both terminals. TSA PreCheck lanes are available. Power outlets are available at most gate areas.

Lounges

ONT does not have traditional airline club lounges. No Admirals Club, Sky Club, or United Club operates at this airport. Priority Pass holders should check their network for any available options.

Tips for Navigating ONT

• ONT is dramatically calmer than LAX. Security is usually 10 to 20 minutes. Parking is easier. Traffic approaching the airport is minimal compared to LAX. If you live in the Inland Empire, Pomona, or eastern LA County, ONT is almost certainly the better choice.
• Good gateway for Palm Springs and the desert. ONT is about 60 to 70 miles from Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, making it a reasonable arrival airport for desert vacations, Coachella Festival travel, and golf trips.
• Growing international options. The China Airlines and Starlux routes to Taiwan make ONT useful for Bay Area or Inland Empire travelers with connections to Asia. The Avianca and Volaris routes cover Central America and Mexico.
• Joshua Tree road trip. ONT is one of the best airports for road-tripping to Joshua Tree National Park — about 1.5 to 2 hours east on the 10 freeway. Rent a car at ONT and you are set.

Nearby Hotels

The Marriott Ontario Airport Hotel is connected to the terminal via a covered walkway and is the most convenient on-site option. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport and the Hilton Garden Inn Ontario Airport are within a 5 to 10 minute shuttle ride. Downtown Ontario, with its restaurants and nightlife on Euclid Avenue, is about 10 minutes by rideshare.