Car Hire Ontario California Airport

Ontario Airport Mini Guide

I Thought Ontario was in Canada?
It is and this Ontario is named after it because the founders of the city hailed from there. The Chaffey brothers decided to set up a ‘model colony’ in California in the mid-19th century. The model was to be a balance of life in the countryside with the amenities of a city. They city began attracting farmers as a result of the irrigation system set up by the brothers and the city grew. The climate there gave it a reputation as health enhancing and even more people visited the city. Today, one of the original agricultural companies, Graber’s Olives, still operates from the city and is the largest producer of olives in the state. Agriculture is still an important way of life but as the city grew, services replaced agriculture as the main employers

How do I get to Ontario?
Ontario has its own airport called LA/Ontario International but although billed as a Los Angeles Airport, it really is a trek from there to the city, despite the distance being only forty miles and if travelling by taxi, the fixed fare is around $130. That being said, many business travellers are using Ontario more as it’s quieter and passage through the airport systems is easier and quicker. From Ontario, the airport is only minutes away and nearly five million passengers used the airport last year.

What is the Airport Like?
It has three terminals, demarcated as terminals 2 and 4 together with an international terminal. Terminals I, 3 and 5 will be built as part of a future expansion plan. The international terminal is currently a small makeshift building used to security check international passengers before sending them through to the main arrivals hall.



What can I Expect When I Land at Ontario?
To begin with you’ll have to walk from the aircraft to the terminal as the terminal buildings have no aerial walkways to the majority of gates. Once inside the terminal, you’ll only need to pass through security if arriving from outside the US. You must descend a level to get to the baggage reclaim and on into the arrivals hall. There, you’ll see the information desk should assistance or directions be required and if hiring a car, the desks for the companies are also in that area. The parking lots for the rental companies are a little distance away and a shuttle is available to get you there. There are no banks at Ontario but ATMs will let you withdraw cash if needed. Public transport is also available from outside each terminal building.

What are the Facilities Like for the Departing Passenger?
The facilities are reasonable with around six shops duplicated between the terminals and ten cafes and restaurants split between before and after security locations. Shops there include gifts from California, a candle shop, a bookstore and a jewellery store. Restaurants include ‘Applebees’ for more substantial fare in pleasant surroundings and a selection of cafes and snack bars for those wanting lighter fare.