Ontario Airport (ONT) Flights & Flight Status

Ontario may not have the glitz of nearby Los Angeles, but its airport offers a stress-free alternative for travelers heading to or from Southern California. Thanks to its proximity to popular destinations like Disneyland, Palm Springs and the Inland Empire, Ontario International Airport (ONT) consistently ranks as one of the fastest-growing airports in the US.

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 and enjoyable. These insider tips will help you navigate ONT with ease.

Getting to and from the airport by public transportation

One reason I love Ontario International Airport is its abundance of budget-friendly public transportation options.

Omnitrans Bus Route 61 connects Pomona Transit Center to Fontana Metrolink Station, with stops at both Terminals 2 and 4. This bus runs every 15 minutes during peak hours and operates from 4:43 am to 10:51 pm on weekdays, with slightly reduced hours on weekends​.

Additionally, Bus Route 81 connects Chaffey College to Ontario-East Metrolink Station. Although it doesn’t stop at the terminals, passengers can access the airport via a shuttle from the rental car facility​.

For those coming from Los Angeles, the Metrolink San Bernardino Line offers another convenient option. Travelers can board a Metrolink train and transfer at Rancho Cucamonga Station to the ONT Connect Shuttle, which runs every 35 to 60 minutes and takes you directly to the airport. The shuttle ride is included in the Metrolink fare, making it an easy and seamless way to travel.

As always, be sure to check Omnitrans and Metrolink websites for the latest information about updated schedules and routes before setting out.

Getting to and from the airport by car

The Ontario International Airport offers plenty of transportation options in addition to public transit. If you’re staying at a nearby hotel or motel, many provide complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport. This is my favorite way to go, especially when I’m on a budget. Word to the wise: Be sure to schedule 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. A free shuttle will take you from the terminal to the rental car facility, where you can find on-airport rental car counters. For off-airport rentals, there’s transportation from the center to the company offices.

The airport has designated locations for both rideshare apps and taxis. For rideshares, once you’ve grabbed your bags and are ready for pick-up, just open the app and request a ride. Follow the signs outside each terminal to meet your driver. Pro tip: Always wait until you’ve claimed your luggage before requesting a ride to avoid excess wait fees.

Taxis are always available at the designated ranks on the outer island outside each terminal. Ontario International Airport only partners 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 friendly.

For those who like to travel in style, limo services are an option too, with several local 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. The average security wait time is between 6 and 15 minutes. However, if you’re flying during peak hours (5 am to 9 am in Terminal 4 and 7 pm to 11 pm in Terminal 2), the lines can get a bit longer.

ONT security checkpoints are open for almost the entire day, from 3:45 am to 1 am. 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 standard security checkpoints.

Frequent flyers, take note: Investing in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR – or both – can maximize your airport experience. Conveniently, you can enroll in both programs at this 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 4 hours – just connect to the “ONT-WiFi” network and get surfing.

If you want to stay hydrated during your travel day, 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 near Gate 207 in Terminal 2 and Gate 407 in Terminal 4, offer padded benches, electrical outlets and a changing area. The rooms are clean, comfortable and provide a quiet space for mothers to tend to their needs.

If you’re traveling with a furry friend, ONT has pet relief areas both inside and outside the terminals. The indoor spots, cleverly called Barking Lots, are near Gates 210 (Terminal 2) and 410 (Terminal 4), while the outdoor areas are at the far ends of the terminal buildings. These pet-friendly amenities are a lifesaver for those 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 in the former Terminal 1 building across from Parking Lot F, this space is exclusively for active members of the US military and their accompanied families. A free shuttle service 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 packed with entertainment options. There's even a family area with a nursery, toys, crib and child’s bed – perfect for those traveling with little ones. The nap room, outdoor patio and “canteen” snack bar make this lounge an all-in-one oasis. 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 near Gate 210 and another in Terminal 4 near Gate 410. 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, smoked bacon and sausage with warm maple syrup. The super-fast Wi-Fi is another perk that makes it worth every penny.

Access to the Aspire Lounge comes by day pass, allowing you to relax for up to 8 hours. If you have an American Express Platinum card, you're in luck – your entry is free, and you can bring 2 guests along. AAA members and members of the military also enjoy discounted rates. While there is a fee to enter, booking online in advance usually gets you a better deal.

Airport Visitor Pass

Unlike most airports, ONT offers the ONT+ Visitor Pass program, allowing non-travelers to enjoy the airport’s post-security amenities. This pass is a true game-changer, 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 7 days in advance.