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

Company	Average Price / Day	Customer Rating	Vehicle Types
Enterprise	$55 – $95	4.5 / 5	Economy, SUVs, Vans
Hertz	$60 – $110	4.3 / 5	Compact, Luxury, SUVs
Avis	$55 – $100	4.2 / 5	Sedans, SUVs, Premium
Budget	$50 – $95	4.1 / 5	Economy, Compact
Alamo	$55 – $100	4.4 / 5	SUVs, Family vehicles

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.

Company	Typical Wait Time	Online Check-in Available	Pickup Efficiency
Enterprise	10 – 15 minutes	Yes	Very Fast
Hertz	15 – 20 minutes	Yes	Fast
Avis	15 – 20 minutes	Yes	Fast
Budget	20 – 25 minutes	Yes	Moderate
Alamo	10 – 15 minutes	Yes	Very Fast

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.

Car Type	Best For	Average Price	Popularity
Economy	Solo travelers and city driving	$40 – $60	High
Mid-size Sedan	Business travelers	$55 – $80	High
SUV	Families and road trips	$80 – $130	Very High
Minivan	Large groups	$90 – $150	Medium
Luxury	Premium travel	$120 – $200	Low

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.