Ontario International Airport (ONT): Southern California's Inland Empire Gateway
Ontario International Airport (IATA: ONT, ICAO: KONT) has served as a vital aviation hub for the Inland Empire and greater Los Angeles region since 1923. Operated by Los Angeles World Airports on behalf of the City of Los Angeles, ONT provides convenient air service approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and 45 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The airport sits at an elevation of 2,600 feet above mean sea level and serves a primary catchment area encompassing San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and western portions of San Diego County—a region of nearly 4 million residents.
Terminals and Airline Operations
Ontario International Airport operates four passenger terminals handling both domestic and limited international service. Major carriers serving ONT include Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and seasonal carriers including Spirit Airlines. The airport's strategic location makes it an attractive alternative to LAX and Long Beach Airport (LGB), particularly for residents and businesses throughout the Inland Empire region. Travelers flying from Ontario typically find shorter check-in lines, easier ground transportation access, and competitive fares compared to major Los Angeles area airports.
Ground Transportation and Parking Facilities
Ontario International Airport provides comprehensive ground transportation options. Rental car facilities are conveniently located with major providers including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and Alamo. For those preferring shuttle services, SuperShuttle and LAX Express provide airport transfers. Rideshare services including Uber and Lyft operate designated pickup zones, and taxis are available at terminal ground level. The airport offers multiple parking options to suit traveler needs: short-term parking for quick pickups/drop-offs, long-term parking for extended stays, economy parking for budget-conscious travelers, valet parking for convenience, and a dedicated cell phone lot for those awaiting passenger arrival.
Destination Network and Connectivity
Flights from Ontario connect passengers to major domestic hubs including Las Vegas (LAS)—by far the most popular destination with multiple daily flights—Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), Denver International (DEN), San Francisco International (SFO), and various Hawaiian Islands including Honolulu (HNL) and Maui (OGG). The airport also provides seasonal service to leisure destinations and regularly adds routes in response to demand, making it increasingly competitive for vacation travel from the Inland Empire.
Security and Check-In Information
Like all U.S. commercial airports, Ontario is staffed by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel managing passenger and baggage screening. The airport is equipped with standard TSA PreCheck enrollment centers, allowing eligible travelers to expedite the security process. Travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours before domestic flight departures to allow adequate time for check-in, baggage handling, and security screening. Non-TSA PreCheck passengers should allocate additional time during peak travel periods (early morning, evening, and weekend hours). TSA screening wait times at Ontario are generally shorter than at LAX or other major Southern California airports, making the airport an attractive choice for time-conscious travelers.
Accessibility and Amenities
Ontario International Airport is fully accessible to passengers with disabilities. The airport provides complimentary wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking for passengers with mobility challenges. Dining and retail concessions operate throughout the terminals, and free Wi-Fi is available to all travelers. The airport's relatively compact terminal footprint means walking distances are generally shorter than at LAX or other major facilities.
City of Los Angeles Ontario International Airport Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Ontario, California.
| Name | City of Los Angeles Ontario International Airport |
| Address | 1230 Tower Drive, Ontario CA 91761 Map |
| Phone | (909) 975-5500 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of City of Los Angeles Ontario International Airport
About Ontario International Airport
Ontario International Airport is a vital transportation hub serving the Inland Empire's nearly 4 million residents and millions of annual visitors. As a Los Angeles World Airports facility, ONT provides an accessible, convenient alternative to larger Southern California airports with shorter security lines, easier ground transportation, and streamlined passenger flow.
- Terminal facilities, airline locations, and gate assignments
- Parking rates, reservations, and ground transportation services
- Lost and found inquiries for items left in terminals or aircraft
- Baggage handling, flight information, and customer service
- Accessibility accommodations and special passenger services
Frequently Asked Questions — Ontario International Airport
Ontario International Airport is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, making it roughly a 45-minute to 1-hour drive depending on traffic conditions. The airport is located 45 miles east of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). From San Bernardino (the county seat), ONT is only about 15 miles west, providing excellent regional access. For Riverside County residents, the airport is typically 30–50 miles away depending on the specific location. The Inland Empire location makes ONT significantly closer than LAX for residents throughout San Bernardino, Riverside, and parts of Orange County, often saving 30–60 minutes of ground transportation time.
Ontario is served by major U.S. carriers including Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. Popular destinations include Las Vegas (LAS)—the dominant route with multiple daily flights—Phoenix (PHX), Denver (DEN), San Francisco (SFO), Las Vegas, and seasonal service to Hawaiian destinations including Honolulu (HNL) and Maui (OGG). The airport regularly adds seasonal and year-round routes based on travel demand. For the most current airline schedules and available destinations, check the Ontario International Airport website or contact your preferred airline directly.
Ontario provides multiple parking options: Short-term parking near terminal entrances for pickups and drop-offs; long-term parking for extended stays with reduced daily rates; economy parking in a remote lot accessed by shuttle bus; valet parking for premium convenience; and a free cell phone lot for those waiting for passenger arrival. Ground transportation includes rental cars from major providers (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo); shuttle services including SuperShuttle and LAX Express for airport transfers; rideshare pickup zones for Uber and Lyft; taxis available at ground level; and access to public transit connections. Parking rates and current ground transportation contact information are available on the Ontario International Airport website.
Ontario is staffed by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel managing all passenger and baggage screening. The airport has a TSA PreCheck enrollment center where eligible travelers can apply for expedited security screening. We recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flight departures to allow adequate time for check-in, baggage handling, and security screening. Travelers without TSA PreCheck should allocate additional time during peak hours (early morning, evening, and weekends). Security screening wait times at Ontario are typically shorter than at LAX, making the airport an attractive choice for time-conscious travelers. For real-time TSA wait times and PreCheck information, visit tsa.gov or call the airport directly.