Ontario Airport Car Rental
Renting a car at Ontario International Airport (ONT) is one of the most convenient ways to explore Southern California. The airport serves as a gateway to the Inland Empire region and provides easy road access to Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs, and many popular tourist destinations. Because public transportation in Southern California can be limited outside major urban areas, many travelers prefer renting a car directly at the airport for greater flexibility and comfort.
Ontario Airport offers a Consolidated Rental Car Center where most of the major rental companies operate. This facility is located a short distance from the passenger terminals and is connected by free shuttle buses that run frequently throughout the day.
Booking your rental car in advance online can often save 20–30% compared with renting directly at the airport counter.
Average Car Rental Prices
Estimated Waiting Time at Rental Counters
Waiting times at rental desks can vary depending on flight arrivals and peak travel periods. The busiest hours usually occur during late morning and early evening when many flights arrive.
Many rental companies allow you to skip the counter entirely if you complete your reservation online before arrival.
Most Popular Rental Car Types
Travelers arriving at Ontario Airport typically choose vehicles suited for long-distance travel across Southern California.
Popular Destinations from Ontario Airport by Car
Ontario Airport’s location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring Southern California by car.
- Los Angeles: approximately 45–70 minutes depending on traffic.
- Disneyland (Anaheim): about 35–50 minutes.
- Palm Springs: about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Santa Monica Beach: about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Big Bear Lake: around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Traffic in Southern California can be heavy during rush hours (7–10 AM and 4–7 PM). Planning your drive outside these times can significantly reduce travel time.
Car Rental Insurance Explained
When renting a car at Ontario Airport, travelers may be offered several types of insurance coverage. Understanding these options can help avoid unnecessary costs.
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage to the rental vehicle.
- Liability Insurance: Covers damage to other vehicles or property.
- Personal Accident Insurance: Medical coverage for driver and passengers.
- Theft Protection: Covers loss if the vehicle is stolen.
In many cases, credit cards or personal travel insurance may already provide some coverage, so it is worth checking your policy before purchasing additional insurance at the rental desk.
Always inspect the vehicle carefully before leaving the rental lot and take photos of any existing damage.
Car rental companies
In Ontario Airport you can find the following car rental companies:
Alamo
Allied
Avis
Budget
Dollar
Enterprise
Fox
Hertz
National
Payless