Ontario International Airport (ONT) serves Southern California’s Inland Empire and sits close to popular destinations like Disneyland and Palm Springs. It’s one of the rapidly growing airports in the US. Ontario may not have the glitz of nearby Los Angeles, but its airport offers a stress-free alternative for travelers heading to or from the region.
Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, Ontario Airport provides a more relaxed experience compared to the larger, busier hubs in the region. With ample parking options, streamlined security and a variety of services to make your journey smooth, these insider tips will help you navigate ONT with ease.
Getting to and from the airport by public transportation
ONT connects to Southern California’s public transit network through Omnitrans buses and Metrolink trains. I love this airport partly because of these budget-friendly options, which make getting here without a car genuinely convenient.
Omnitrans Bus Route 61 serves Pomona and Fontana, with stops at both Terminals 2 and 4. This bus runs every 15 minutes during weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends, operating daily from approximately 4:00 AM to late evening.
Additionally, Bus Route 81 connects Chaffey College Transit Center to the Ontario Metrolink Station with hourly service (no Sunday service). While it doesn’t stop directly at the terminals, Route 81 serves stops along Haven Avenue near ONT, and you can hop on a free shuttle from the rental car facility to get to the terminals.
For those coming from Los Angeles, the Metrolink San Bernardino Line is another convenient option. Travelers can take a Metrolink train to Rancho Cucamonga Station and transfer to the ONT Connect Shuttle (Route 380), which runs every 35 to 60 minutes on weekdays and every 60 minutes on weekends, taking you right to the airport. The shuttle transfer is free with a valid Metrolink ticket, making it a seamless way to travel.
As always, be sure to check the Omnitrans and Metrolink websites for the latest schedules and routes before you head out.
Getting to and from the airport by car
If public transit isn’t your style, ONT has plenty of other ways to get you to your gate. If you’re staying at a nearby hotel, many provide complimentary shuttle services. This is my favorite way to go on a budget, but ONT recommends arranging your pick-up at least 72 hours in advance to secure your spot.
If your trip involves exploring the beaches, mountains or any of SoCal’s other famous attractions, renting a car might be your best bet. Most major car rental companies operate right out of the airport at the Rental Car Center at 3450 E. Airport Drive.
A free shuttle takes you from the terminal to the rental car facility every 5 to 20 minutes (less frequent from 12:30 am to 3 am). Off-airport rental companies provide their own transportation from the center to their offices.
The airport has designated spots for both rideshare apps and taxis. For rideshares, just grab your bags, open the app and request a ride. Follow the “Ride-Share Pick-Up Location” signs outside each terminal to meet your driver at the inner curb area. Pro tip: always wait until you’ve claimed your luggage before requesting a ride to avoid any extra wait fees.
Taxis are always available at the designated ranks on the outer island in front of each terminal. ONT has only partnered with Bell Cab, so you won’t find other taxi services here. If you need an accessible ride, it’s best to look into other options as these cabs aren’t wheelchair accessible.
For those who like to travel in style, limo services are an option too, with several authorized companies offering luxury car and limo pick-ups right at the airport.
Security at ONT
Navigating security at Ontario International Airport is a breeze compared to some of the larger airports in California. ONT is a mid-size airport with 2 terminals (Terminal 2 and Terminal 4).
While security can be quick, ONT advises that wait times can reach 30+ minutes during busy periods, so arrive early per TSA guidance. If you’re flying during peak hours, the lines can get a bit longer (5 am to 9 am in Terminal 4, 4 am to 7 am and 7 pm to 11 pm in Terminal 2).
ONT security checkpoints are open for almost the entire day, from 3:45 am to 1 am (subject to change). The lines move efficiently, especially when you have your ID and boarding pass ready. If you’re like me and love skipping the regular lines, ONT offers CLEAR and TSA PreCheck in both terminals near the checkpoints.
Frequent flyers, take note: investing in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can maximize your airport experience. Conveniently, you can enroll in both programs right at the airport.
Amenities at ONT
ONT has most of the standard airport amenities to help make your journey more comfortable. First up, there’s free Wi-Fi available for up to four hours, just connect to the “ONT-WiFi” network and get surfing.
If you want to stay hydrated, you’ll find 16 hydration stations spread between Terminals 2 and 4, perfect for refilling your water bottle before takeoff or after landing.
For nursing mothers, ONT has partnered with UCR Health to provide fully equipped, private lactation rooms. These single-occupancy lounges, located across from Gate 206 in Terminal 2 and Gate 408 in Terminal 4, offer padded benches, electrical outlets and a changing area.
If you’re traveling with a furry friend, ONT has pet relief areas both inside and outside the terminals. Indoor spots sit near Gates 210 (Terminal 2) and 410 (Terminal 4), cleverly called Barking Lots, while outdoor areas are at the far ends of the terminal buildings. These pet-friendly amenities are a lifesaver for those of us who like to travel with animals, allowing them to stretch their legs and take care of business.
Lounges at Ontario Airport
While ONT doesn’t have a big lineup of lounges like some larger airports, it does offer a standout option for a specific group of travelers, the USO lounge. Located at 1940 E. Moore Way in the historic Terminal 1 building across from Parking Lot F, this space is for active duty, reserve, and retired service members and their families. A free shuttle runs from Terminals 2 and 4 to the lounge.
Inside the 10,000-square-foot space, you’ll find a TV lounge, internet café, library and game room. There’s even a family area with a nursery, a nap room and an outdoor patio. Open daily from 6 am to 10 pm, it’s the ultimate retreat for those who qualify.
Since I’m not military, I usually head to one of the two Aspire Lounges if I have extra time before my flight. You’ll find one in Terminal 2 between Gates 209 and 210, and another in Terminal 4 between Gates 410 and 411. What I love about these lounges is the complimentary food and drink, perfect for grabbing a bite before boarding.
Each lounge features a central deli counter with hot and cold dishes tailored to the time of day. I typically travel in the morning, so I always dig into the scrambled eggs and smoked bacon. The fast Wi-Fi is another perk that makes it worth every penny.
Access to the Aspire Lounge comes by day pass for up to 8 hours. American Express Platinum cardholders get free entry and can bring 2 guests along. AAA members and military members enjoy discounted rates, and booking online in advance usually gets you a better deal than paying at the door.
Airport Visitor Pass
Unlike most airports, ONT offers the ONT+ Visitor Pass program, allowing non-ticketed visitors to enjoy post-security amenities at the airport. This pass is genuinely useful, granting access to the terminal for shopping, dining or simply spending more quality time with friends and family before they take off. The process requires TSA approval, but it’s pretty straightforward. You can apply on the same day you want to visit or up to seven days in advance.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
