ONT · Ontario, CA · Medium Hub
Ontario International Airport Guide
Terminals, minimum connection times, ground transport, parking, lounges, and layover advice for Ontario International Airport (ONT), every figure cited to the airport's own data.
Quick answer
- Terminals: 2 terminals, not airside-connected (re-security between some)
- Minimum connection time: 30 min domestic, 1 hr 15 min international to domestic
- Arrive: 1 hr 15 min before domestic, 2 hr before international
- To Ontario: about 1 hr one-way
- Free WiFi: Yes
Terminals & connections
Ontario International Airport has 2 terminals. Not all terminals are airside-connected; transfers between some terminals require exiting security and re-clearing TSA.
Terminal 2
8 airlines: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, and more
Terminal 4
3 airlines: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines
Minimum connection times
- Domestic to domestic
- 30 min
- Domestic to international
- 45 min
- International to domestic
- 1 hr 15 min
- International to international
- 1 hr
- Transfer system
- Short walk between terminals (landside)
- Airside connected
- No
Layover helper
Interactive toolEnter your layover details and we will tell you whether you have a tight connection, a comfortable connection, or enough time to leave ONT.
Security & TSA
Typical TSA wait at ONT is 20 minutes at peak and 5 minutes off-peak. Arrive at least 1 hr 15 min before a domestic flight and 2 hr before international.
- TSA PreCheck
- Available
- CLEAR
- Available
- Global Entry
- Available
Amenities
3 of 7 core amenities available at ONT: free WiFi, nursing rooms, pet relief. Free WiFi quality is rated good. Dining options span 1 terminal.
Showers
Not available
Sleep pods
Not available
WiFi
Free (good)
Nursing rooms
Available
Both terminals
Chapel
Not available
Pet relief areas
Available
Pet relief areas
Dining highlights
Terminal 2: El Cholo Cafe, Habit Burger
Ground transport to Ontario
ONT is about 1 hr from downtown Ontario by the fastest transit option.
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Uber/Lyft Rideshare ONT is 40+ miles east of LA; traffic varies widely. Good alternative for Inland Empire destinations. | $40-$120 | 45-120 min |
| Metrolink (via shuttle) Train Free shuttle to East Ontario Metrolink station, then rail into LA Union Station. | $7-$15 | 60-90 min |
Parking
ONT parking ranges from $10/day economy to $28/day short-term.
- Short-term
- $28/day
- Long-term
- $15/day
- Economy
- $10/day
- Valet
- Not available
Can I leave ONT during a layover?
With a 3-hour layover, stay inside ONT. Even 6-hour layovers can be tight at ONT given traffic and re-screening. Round-trip to the city center is about 2 hr plus re-screening on return.
LA is a long round trip; ONT is best used as the final destination for travelers to the Inland Empire, Riverside, or San Bernardino.
Overnight layover hotels
- $$Hyatt Place Ontario Airport5-min shuttle
Frequently asked questions
How early should I arrive at ONT?
Arrive at least 75 minutes before a domestic flight from ONT, and 120 minutes before an international flight.
What is the minimum connection time at ONT?
ONT requires at least 30 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 75 minutes for international-to-domestic connections. ONT terminals are not all airside-connected; expect to re-clear security between some terminals. Transfer system: Short walk between terminals (landside).
How long does it take to get between terminals at ONT?
Budget 5 min for same-terminal transfers and 15 min for different-terminal transfers at ONT via Short walk between terminals (landside).
Can I leave ONT during a 6-hour layover?
With 3 hours you should stay inside ONT. Even 6-hour layovers are tight at ONT. Round-trip to the city center is about 120 minutes plus re-screening. LA is a long round trip; ONT is best used as the final destination for travelers to the Inland Empire, Riverside, or San Bernardino.
Does ONT have showers?
ONT does not have dedicated public showers. Paid lounge access is typically required for shower facilities.
Does ONT have sleep pods?
ONT does not have dedicated sleep pods. Check premium airline lounges for quiet rooms.
Is WiFi free at ONT?
Yes. ONT offers free WiFi throughout the airport.
What is the cheapest way to get from ONT to Ontario?
The cheapest option is typically Metrolink (via shuttle) at $7-$15, taking 60-90 minutes. Free shuttle to East Ontario Metrolink station, then rail into LA Union Station.
Is there TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at ONT?
ONT supports TSA PreCheck and has CLEAR lanes. Global Entry kiosks are available for returning international travelers. Typical peak-hour wait is 20 minutes.
Where should I eat at ONT during a layover?
Notable dining at ONT includes El Cholo Cafe (Terminal 2), Habit Burger (Terminal 2).
How much does parking cost at ONT?
ONT parking rates: $28/day short-term, $15/day long-term, $10/day economy. Book online in advance for significant discounts vs. drive-up rates.
Is there a hotel at ONT for overnight layovers?
The closest option is Hyatt Place Ontario Airport (5-min shuttle, $$). Budget time for the shuttle or rideshare in your overnight plan.
Which terminal does my airline use at ONT?
ONT has 2 terminals. Major airline assignments: Terminal 2: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines; Terminal 4: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines. Confirm with your boarding pass before arrival since a few airlines operate from multiple terminals depending on route.
Are there pet relief areas at ONT?
Yes. Pet relief areas.
Compare ONT to other airports
See how ONT ranks against the other 69 airports in our dataset.
Airlines operating at ONT
Look up baggage policies for any airline flying out of ONT.
Pack for your Ontario trip
Destination packing lists for cities served by ONT.
Compare other airports
Sources & verification
- overview: https://www.flyontario.com
- ground_transport: https://www.flyontario.com/ground-transportation
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario_International_Airport
Verified 2026-04-14. Airport operations, parking rates, and amenities change; always confirm with Ontario International Airport before flying.