Ontario Airport Transportation
Information compiled by David Enrich, aviation and airport guide expert since 1999.
Ontario International Airport offers several convenient transportation options for travelers arriving in Southern California. Located about 35 miles (56 km) east of Los Angeles, the airport serves as a gateway to the Inland Empire and the wider Los Angeles metropolitan area. Passengers can reach their destination using buses, shuttle services, taxis, ride-sharing apps, rental cars, or private vehicles. Because Southern California is largely car-oriented, many travelers prefer renting a vehicle or using ride-sharing services for maximum flexibility.
One of the advantages of Ontario Airport compared to larger airports like LAX is that pickup areas and transportation hubs are located very close to the terminals, making transfers faster and less stressful.
Buses and Shuttle Services
Several bus and shuttle services connect Ontario Airport with nearby cities and transportation hubs. The main public bus provider in the region is Omnitrans, which operates routes connecting the airport with Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and other Inland Empire cities.
Bus stops are located outside the terminal arrivals areas, clearly marked near the ground transportation zones.
Typical bus fares range between $2 and $5 depending on the route. Travel times vary depending on traffic and distance.
Some hotels and private companies also operate airport shuttle vans connecting ONT with local hotels, business districts, and nearby transport hubs.
If you plan to continue your journey by train, consider taking a shuttle or bus to the nearby Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station, which provides regional rail connections.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services (Uber & Lyft)
Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are among the most convenient transportation options at Ontario Airport. Dedicated pickup areas are located outside the arrivals level of both terminals.
Ride-sharing vehicles typically arrive within a few minutes, and prices vary depending on traffic conditions, time of day, and demand.
- Downtown Ontario: $15 – $25
- Rancho Cucamonga: $20 – $30
- Downtown Los Angeles: $70 – $110
- Anaheim / Disneyland: $60 – $90
Ride-sharing services are often cheaper than taxis during off-peak hours, but prices can increase during busy travel periods.
Train and Rail Connections
Ontario Airport does not have a direct train station within the terminal complex, but travelers can easily access rail connections through nearby stations.
The closest major station is the Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink Station, located about 4 miles (6 km) from the airport. From there, passengers can board trains on the Metrolink San Bernardino Line, which connects to downtown Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California.
Travel time to Los Angeles Union Station is approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on the service.
Combining a short taxi or ride-share trip to the train station with a Metrolink train can be an efficient way to reach central Los Angeles while avoiding highway traffic.
Car Rental at Ontario Airport
Renting a car is one of the most popular transportation options for visitors arriving at Ontario Airport. The airport features a Consolidated Rental Car Center located a short distance from the terminals.
Passengers can reach the rental car facility using free shuttle buses that operate regularly from the terminal curbside areas.
Major rental companies available at ONT include:
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Alamo
- National
Typical rental prices range from $40 to $120 per day depending on the vehicle type and season.
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Ontario Airport often offers lower rental car prices compared with Los Angeles International Airport due to lower demand and airport fees.
Driving to the Airport by Private Car
Ontario International Airport is easily accessible by car thanks to its location near several major highways. The airport sits close to the intersection of Interstate 10 (I-10) and Interstate 15 (I-15), two of the most important transportation corridors in Southern California.
Travel times from nearby cities include:
- Downtown Ontario: 10 minutes
- Rancho Cucamonga: 15 minutes
- Riverside: 30 minutes
- Los Angeles: 45–70 minutes (depending on traffic)
The airport offers multiple parking facilities including short-term, long-term, and economy parking areas located close to the terminals.
Traffic in Southern California can be unpredictable, especially during weekday rush hours. It is advisable to allow extra travel time when heading to the airport.