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Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a medium-hub airport with more than 114 daily flights to and from major cities in the United States and Mexico. Located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35-45 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, ONT is a good alternative to LAX, especially if you're looking to go to Big Bear, Arrowhead, or Palm Springs. The airport is easy to navigate, with a reasonably convenient terminal layout, a reliable shuttle bus, and parking lots within walking distance from the terminals. However, getting to the rental car facility can be challenging during peak travel times, and the food options are limited and expensive. Overall, ONT is a good choice if you want to avoid the crowds and traffic of LAX and are willing to trade off a wider range of amenities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 35-45 miles east of downtown Los Angeles |
| Number of terminals | 2 |
| Ease of access | Easy to get to, with no traffic |
| Signage | Signs for every airline, check-in desk, and parking lots |
| Amenities | Food, cocktails, spacious and clean bathrooms |
| Cost | Lower costs than LAX |
| Shuttle service | Reliable shuttle bus to rental car |
| Time to arrival | Allow 3 hours for international flights, 2 hours for flights to the US and Canada, and an extra hour during rush hour |
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What You'll Learn
The airport is easy to navigate
The airport is easy to get to, with convenient access from the San Bernardino freeway (Interstate 10). From the freeway, you simply take the Archibald Avenue exit, turn right, and follow the ramp directly into the airport. There are clear signs indicating the way to the terminals and parking lots. Parking lots are within walking distance of the terminals.
Once inside the terminal, the layout is reasonably convenient and easy to navigate. The security checkpoint is straightforward, and after passing through, large screens display your gate information. From there, you can follow the numbers to your gate, much like finding your seat at a sports event.
While food options are limited and expensive, they are easy to find, with some reviewers mentioning the availability of good caramel apples and cocktails. Restrooms are also conveniently located and spacious, with clean facilities.
Overall, ONT is a well-run airport that provides a less stressful experience compared to LAX, making it a good alternative option for travellers.
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It's 35-45 miles from downtown LA
The Ontario International Airport (ONT) is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 to 45 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, in the center of Southern California. This makes it a good alternative to LAX, especially if you want to go to Big Bear, Arrowhead, or Palm Springs. The airport is easily accessible from the Los Angeles area by taking the San Bernardino Freeway (Interstate 10) east to the Archibald Avenue exit and turning right to follow the ramp directly into the airport.
The airport itself is easy to navigate, with a reasonably convenient terminal, an uneventful security checkpoint, and clear signs. However, the food choices are limited and expensive. The rental car facility can also be inconvenient during peak travel times, with long wait times for the shuttle buses at Terminal 4. Nevertheless, if you are flying into Palm Springs, the rental car prices at ONT are more reasonable than at PSP.
For those driving to the airport, there is parking available within walking distance of the terminals. To park, stay in the left lanes, as the lot entrances are on the left. Be sure to park opposite the terminal you need. If you are picking someone up, you can avoid circling the terminal loop road by parking in the cell phone waiting lot for up to an hour for free.
Overall, while ONT may be a further drive from downtown LA compared to LAX, it is still a convenient option, especially for those heading to destinations like Palm Springs. The airport is easy to navigate, and the drive from ONT to nearby cities like Irvine does not feel long.
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It's a medium-hub airport
LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a medium-hub airport with more than 114 daily flights to and from major cities in the United States and Mexico. The airport is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35-45 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
As a medium-hub airport, ONT offers a range of amenities and facilities for travellers. The airport features two terminals, a ground transportation centre, and parking for those who drive to the airport. The shuttle bus service is reliable for those who need to get to their rental cars, and the airport is generally well-run.
Travellers have noted that ONT is a good alternative to LAX, especially if you want to go to the Big Bear/Arrowhead or Palm Springs area. It is easy to navigate, with a reasonably convenient terminal layout, and security checkpoints are typically uneventful. The airport is also easy to get to, with no traffic issues reported.
However, it is important to note that the rental car facility can be challenging to access during peak travel times, and travellers may experience long waits for buses at Terminal 4. Additionally, food choices within the airport are limited and expensive. Despite these drawbacks, ONT is a convenient option for those familiar with the area and can be significantly less stressful than LAX.
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It has two terminals
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a medium-hub airport with two terminals, a ground transportation centre, and parking for the travelling public. The airport is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The airport is easy to navigate, with clear signage and a straightforward layout. Upon arrival, follow the signs to the correct terminal and parking lot. Parking lots are within walking distance of the terminals. Once inside the terminal, there are signs indicating the check-in desks for each airline, and you can also check in online in advance to streamline the process.
After checking in, proceed through security, and once you pass through, large screens will display your gate number. Follow the signs to your designated gate, and you will be on your way. The security checkpoint is described as "uneventful", and the terminal layout is reasonably convenient.
While the food options are limited and expensive, there are some choices available, including a confectionery store selling items like caramel apples. The airport is generally clean, with spacious and clean bathrooms. Overall, ONT is a good alternative to LAX, with less stress and easier navigation.
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It's less stressful than LAX
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a medium-hub airport with commercial jet service to major U.S. cities and through service to international destinations. Located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, it is the centerpiece of one of the fastest-growing transportation regions in the United States.
While ONT is a significant airport with over 114 daily flights, it is much less stressful to navigate than LAX. One reason for this is that ONT is a smaller airport with only two terminals, making it easier to get around. In addition, ONT is located in a less congested area, so there is generally less traffic and fewer crowds compared to LAX. This makes the overall experience less stressful and more manageable, especially for those who are not keen on navigating large and busy airports.
The terminal layout at ONT is reasonably convenient, and the security checkpoint is typically uneventful. However, some reviewers have mentioned that the lines can be long, which is a common issue at many airports. The food choices at ONT have been described as poor and expensive, but there are still some good amenities available, such as clean restrooms and a few places to eat.
For travelers heading to certain destinations, such as Palm Springs, Big Bear, or Arrowhead, ONT can be a more convenient option than LAX. It is also a good choice for those who want to avoid the heavy traffic and longer drive times associated with LAX. ONT provides easy access to nearby areas and is well-run, making it a preferred airport for many travelers, especially those who prioritize convenience and ease of navigation over a wider range of dining options or other amenities.
Overall, while ONT may have its limitations in terms of flight options and dining choices, it offers a less stressful and more navigable experience compared to LAX, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking convenience and efficiency.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Ontario International Airport is easy to navigate. It is a medium-hub airport with two terminals, a ground transportation center, and parking. The airport is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35-45 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
Take the San Bernardino freeway (Interstate 10) east to the Archibald Avenue exit. Turn right and follow the ramp directly into the airport.
Airlines that fly from Ontario Airport include AeroMexico, Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, United/United Express, and US Airways.
Food options at Ontario Airport are limited and expensive. However, there are some options available, including muffins and caramel apples.
Ontario Airport is generally less stressful and has less traffic than LAX. However, LAX may be more convenient depending on your final destination. If you are going to LA or areas west of LA, Burbank Airport is a better alternative to Ontario Airport.
