Car Hire Ontario Airport — The Inland Empire’s Convenient Hub

Ontario International Airport (ONT) sits in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, 40 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. For travellers heading to Disneyland, Palm Springs, or the San Bernardino Mountains, it’s often more convenient than LAX. A rental car here puts you within 30 minutes of the Happiest Place on Earth, 90 minutes of desert resorts, and connected to the entire Southern California freeway network.

Picking Up Your Rental Car at Ontario Airport

Ontario Airport is compact and efficient — a refreshing change from massive hubs. The rental car facility is across the street from the terminals, accessible via a short walk or free shuttle. All major companies operate here: Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, and Fox. Lines are typically shorter than at LAX, and service is friendlier.

Rates are often lower than LAX, making Ontario a smart choice for budget-conscious travellers. Book ahead for weekends and holidays, when Disneyland traffic peaks. Drivers must be 21+, with under-25 surcharges. Bring passport, driver’s licence (plus IDP for international visitors), and credit card.

Exiting ONT is easy. I-10 runs east–west past the airport, connecting to Los Angeles (45 minutes west) and Palm Springs (60 minutes east). I-15 provides north–south access toward San Diego (90 minutes south) and Las Vegas (4 hours northeast). The 60 Freeway offers an alternative east–west route.

Where to Go from Ontario Airport

The Inland Empire location opens diverse possibilities:

• Disneyland & Anaheim — 30–40 minutes west via CA-57 or I-5. Avoid morning rush hour toward LA (7–9am). Parking at Disneyland is $30/day in the main structures.
• Palm Springs & Desert Resorts — 60–90 minutes east via I-10. Mid-century modern architecture, golf courses, and spa resorts. Summer temperatures exceed 40°C — plan accordingly.
• San Bernardino Mountains — 45–60 minutes north via I-15 and Highway 18. Big Bear Lake offers skiing in winter, hiking and lake activities in summer. Mountain driving requires caution — roads are steep and winding.
• Downtown Los Angeles — 45–60 minutes west via I-10, depending on traffic. Rush hour can double this time. Metro rail connections from Union Station provide an alternative.
• San Diego — 90 minutes south via I-15. The zoo, Balboa Park, and beaches. Avoid Friday afternoon southbound traffic.

Tips for Driving in the USA

Driving in Southern California follows standard conventions:

• Speed limits are in miles per hour (mph) — 25–35mph on surface streets, 55–70mph on freeways. Inland Empire freeways are often faster than coastal ones — but watch for CHP speed traps.
• Right turns on red — Legal unless prohibited by sign. Stop completely before turning.
• Traffic — Southern California traffic is legendary. The I-10 and I-15 get especially congested during rush hours. Plan trips outside 7–9am and 4–7pm when possible.
• Tolls — Minimal in this area. Express lanes on I-10 require FasTrak. Most visitors avoid them without issue.
• Gas — Inland Empire prices are lower than coastal California. Fill up here before heading toward LA or San Diego.
• Driving side — Drive on the right, seated on the left.

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