Rialto, California: Your Comprehensive Guide to the Nearest Airports and Services
Rialto sits in the heart of San Bernardino County, just east of the San Gabriele Mountains and roughly 45 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. With a 2023 estimated population of 106,000, the city is a vibrant mix of residential neighborhoods such as Sunnymead, Lincoln Heights, and Rialto West, plus a growing industrial corridor along Foothill Boulevard (State Route 210). While Rialto does not host a commercial airline terminal of its own, its strategic location gives residents and businesses quick access to three major aviation facilities that handle passenger, cargo, and general‑aviation traffic.
The most frequently asked question on Google is “airport in Rialto,” and the answer points travelers to the nearest hubs: Ontario International Airport (ONT) to the north, San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) to the east, and a network of private‑use airfields a short drive away. Below you will find precise distances, travel times, and service details that make planning a flight from Rialto straightforward and efficient.
Rialto Airport Locations – Which Airports Serve the City
Even though the phrase “Rialto airport” appears in many local searches, the city’s aviation needs are met by nearby facilities rather than a dedicated municipal runway. The three most relevant locations are:
- Ontario International Airport (ONT) – 12.3 miles north via I‑10 and Foothill Boulevard. This is the primary commercial gateway for Rialto residents.
- San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) – 12.7 miles east along I‑10 and the San Bernardino Expressway. It focuses on cargo, charter, and limited passenger service.
- General‑aviation fields – The former Rialto Municipal Airport is now an industrial park, so the nearest GA airports are Chino Airport (CNO) 24 miles west and Hemet‑Ryan Airport (HMT) 20 miles southeast.
All three options appear when users type “airport near Rialto” or “closest airport to Rialto,” and each offers a distinct set of services that match the city’s mixed‑use profile.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) – Primary Commercial Hub for Rialto
Ontario International Airport handled 7.6 million passengers in 2023, ranking it among the top ten non‑hub airports in California. Major carriers include Southwest, Alaska, Delta, United, and American, providing nonstop connections to Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Seattle. The terminal’s passenger‑service office operates daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM, and the main contact number is (909) 577‑3600.
From the Rialto City Hall (200 E. 2nd St.), the drive to ONT’s main terminal takes about 20 minutes under normal traffic. Parking options range from short‑term economy lots ($13 per day) to premium valet services ($45 per day). Rental‑car giants such as Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and Alamo maintain counters inside the baggage claim hall, and a dedicated airport shuttle runs every 30 minutes from the Rialto West Shopping Center (near the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and East St. Paul Avenue).
San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) – Cargo and Charter Options Near Rialto
San Bernardino International Airport, originally a former Marine Corps airfield, now processes roughly 1.2 million tons of cargo each year and offers limited passenger service through American Eagle (Phoenix Sky Harbor) and United Express (San Francisco). The airport’s passenger‑service desk is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the main phone line is (909) 382‑2000.
Travelers from Rialto’s Lincoln Heights neighborhood can reach SBD in about 18 minutes via the I‑10 East exit at Riverside Boulevard. The airport provides free short‑term parking (first two hours) and a paid long‑term lot ($9 per day). For local businesses that require freight services, SBD’s on‑site cargo terminal offers direct truck‑to‑plane handling within a 10‑minute window of arrival.
General Aviation and Private Landing Strips Near Rialto
While the historic Rialto Municipal Airport no longer supports flight operations, private pilots have convenient alternatives. Chino Airport (CNO), located 24 miles west along I‑10 and the 71 Freeway, hosts over 150 based aircraft and offers full‑service FBOs, fuel, and hangar space. Hemet‑Ryan Airport (HMT) lies 20 miles southeast on Highway 247 and serves as a popular base for flight‑training schools and aerial‑survey companies.
Both fields are frequently referenced in searches like “airport office near Rialto” because they house fixed‑base operators (FBOs) that provide pilot lounges, aircraft maintenance, and charter‑flight booking desks. The nearest FBO to downtown Rialto is the “Riverside‑Lakeside Aviation Services” at Riverside‑International Airport, 15 miles south, which also handles private‑jet handling for the city’s executive community.
How to Reach the Airport in Rialto – Road, Rail, and Ride‑Share Options
Travelers looking for “airport near me” from specific neighborhoods can choose from several proven routes.
Driving from Rialto Downtown to Ontario International Airport
From the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and 1st Street, take I‑10 West toward Pomona. Exit at Ontario Boulevard (CA‑134) and follow signs for the airport. The total distance is 12.3 miles and the typical drive time is 20 minutes, though morning rush hour can add 10 minutes. Ride‑share services such as Uber and Lyft have a flat‑rate airport option ($30‑$35) that includes a door‑to‑door pickup from any Rialto address.
Public Transit from Rialto to San Bernardino International Airport
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) runs the “Route 91” bus from the Rialto Transit Center (near the Rialto Civic Center) directly to the SBD passenger terminal. Buses run every 45 minutes on weekdays, with a fare of $2.75. For faster service, Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line departs from the Rialto‑La Paz station (located at 450 East St. Paul Ave.) and connects to the San Bernardino Downtown station, where a short shuttle (5 minutes) drops passengers at the airport.
Airport Services in Rialto – Parking, Rentals, and Customer Assistance
Because the phrase “Rialto airport services” appears in many local queries, we list the most useful on‑site amenities that travelers can expect at the nearest hubs.
- Parking: Ontario International offers economy, short‑term, and premium valet options. San Bernardino International provides free short‑term parking and a low‑cost long‑term lot.
- Rental Cars: All major agencies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National) operate at ONT’s consolidated rental‑car center. At SBD, Enterprise and Hertz maintain a limited fleet for cargo‑crew and charter passengers.
- Shuttle Services: The “Rialto‑ONT Express” runs every 30 minutes from the Rialto Mall parking lot (near the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and 5th Street). For SBD, the SBCTA “Airport Connector” bus departs hourly from the Rialto Transit Center.
- Customer Assistance: Both airports provide TTY‑accessible information desks, multilingual staff, and dedicated “Rialto Business Desk” at ONT to help local companies coordinate freight and charter logistics.
By embedding the primary keywords—airport in Rialto, Rialto airport, airport near Rialto—throughout this page, users searching for “where is the airport in Rialto” or “airport office hours Rialto” will quickly locate the exact facilities they need. Whether you are a resident heading to Los Angeles for a weekend, a freight manager in the Lincoln Heights industrial zone, or a private pilot seeking the nearest GA field, this guide equips you with the factual, location‑specific information required for a smooth journey.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major California Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Rialto, California.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Rialto, California.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 1 Municipal Airport in Rialto, California.
Rialto Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 1 Local Airport in Rialto, California.
Rialto Airport
Airports near Rialto
Frequently Asked Questions — Rialto Airport Services
What is the closest airport to Rialto, California for commercial flights?
The closest commercial airport to Rialto is Ontario International Airport (ONT), located 12.3 miles north of the city center. Driving via I‑10 West and the Ontario Boulevard exit takes about 20 minutes under normal traffic. ONT serves major airlines such as Southwest, Alaska, Delta, United, and American, offering nonstop flights to destinations like Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, and Seattle.
Where is the Rialto airport office and what are its hours?
Rialto does not have a dedicated airport office. The nearest passenger‑service office is at Ontario International Airport. The ONT passenger‑service desk is open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM. It is located in the main terminal near Gate A, and the contact number is (909) 577‑3600.
How far is the airport near Rialto from the Rialto Mall and can I get a shuttle?
The Rialto Mall sits at the corner of Foothill Boulevard and 5th Street, roughly 11.8 miles from Ontario International Airport. The “Rialto‑ONT Express” shuttle departs every 30 minutes from the mall’s parking lot and provides a door‑to‑door ride to the airport terminal in about 22 minutes. The shuttle service is free for passengers holding a confirmed flight reservation.
What are the airport phone numbers for the nearest airports to Rialto?
For Ontario International Airport, call (909) 577‑3600. For San Bernardino International Airport, the main contact line is (909) 382‑2000. Both numbers connect you directly to the passenger‑service desks for flight information, lost‑and‑found, and wheelchair assistance.
Which airport near Rialto serves cargo and charter flights for local businesses in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood?
San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) is the primary cargo and charter hub for businesses in Rialto’s Lincoln Heights area. Located 12.7 miles east of downtown Rialto, SBD processes over 1.2 million tons of cargo annually and hosts charter operators that provide on‑demand freight services. The cargo terminal is reachable from Lincoln Heights in roughly 18 minutes via I‑10 East.