Whether you’re touchdown on a business trip, hitting up the Inland Empire to see the family, or starting an adventure through SoCal, renting a vehicle at the Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a trip hack to maximize time. The ONT is located in Ontario, CA – 35 miles east of the heart of L.A. – and it offers travelers an easy, uncongested landing pad without a long, frustrating taxi- or ride-sharing ride from the rental desk into your desired Southern California destinations.
Keep reading for everything there is to know about car rental at the Ontario Airport, including rental locations, car rental agencies operating there, average prices, and money-saving tips.
Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car at ONT Airport
The Rental Car Center (RCC) at ONT International Airport offers the convenience of having all the area’s leading rental companies in one place. Travelers can reach the RCC by taking a free shuttle bus, which runs constantly between terminals and the Rental Car Center, approximately every 5-10 minutes throughout the day, every day.
After your free ride to the facility, follow signage to your chosen rental car provider. Expect to spend just 15-20 minutes completing the necessary paperwork and picking up your ride, whether it’s your first time or your hundredth time renting a car.
Rental car agencies you’ll find at ONT Airport are:
- Enterprise – With numerous vehicles available and a rewarding customer loyalty program.
- Hertz – Often favored by professionals looking to earn rewards through the Gold Plus program.
- Avis – Offering great diversity in vehicles, as well as partnerships with airline frequent flyer programs.
- Budget – a practical option if you’re keeping a close eye on your expenses.
- National – Appealing to frequent travelers who are members of its Emerald Club.
- Alamo – A smart choice for family road trips or other leisure travel.
- Dollar – Provides an affordable travel option with good flexibility.
- Thrifty – Particularly attractive if you need economical rates on small cars.
To ensure the best rates and shorten your wait at the counter, booking online ahead of time is highly recommended.
Why Rent a Car at Ontario International Airport?
Renting a car at ONT gives you unparalleled flexibility to visit everything and anything you want in the great state of Southern California! From ONT, you’re a comfortable drive away from:
- Palm Springs – 60 miles east (approx. 1 hour)
- Los Angeles – 35 miles west (approx. 45-60 min without traffic)
- Anaheim / Disneyland – 30 miles southwest (approx. 35-45 min)
- San Bernardino Mountains / Big Bear Lake – 45 miles northeast (approx. 1 hour)
- San Diego – 90 miles south (approx. 1.5 hours)
Unlike a rideshare service, a rental car offers a great sense of independence from a busy schedule – a real asset since much of Southern California isn’t equipped for extensive public transportation.
Average Car Rental Prices at ONT Airport
Rental rates fluctuate throughout the year due to seasonal demand, available classes, and, of course, how far in advance you’re booking. But, here’s a general idea of what you can expect at Ontario Airport:
| Vehicle Class | Average Daily Rate |
| Economy / Compact | $35 – $55/day |
| Mid-Size Sedan | $50 – $75/day |
| Full-Size Sedan | $65 – $90/day |
| SUV / Crossover | $75 – $130/day |
| Minivan | $80 – $120/day |
| Luxury / Premium | $100 – $200+/day |
| Electric Vehicles | $60 – $110/day |
Pro tip: Generally, the sweet spot for the best deals on a car rental is booking 2-3 weeks ahead, while rates will usually skyrocket during major holidays, the summer months (June, July, August), and events like Coachella in April.
Tips to Get the Best Car Rental Deal at ONT Airport
Finding affordable car rental deals at Ontario Airport requires a bit of strategy, but it’s totally achievable! Here’s how you can maximize your savings:
1. Book Early and Compare: Use car rental aggregators such as Kayak, Expedia, or Priceline first to see an overview of the market. Afterwards, head over to each rental agency’s website (Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo, National, AVIS, Sixt, Dollar, etc.). You’ll sometimes find unique deals or special programs when booking directly.
2. Skip the Airport Insurance (Sometimes): Your personal auto insurance policy and/or your credit card company may already offer coverage for rental cars. Do your due diligence before paying extra for collision damage waivers (CDW) or other insurance options at the counter.
3. Join Loyalty Programs: All major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, National, Alamo) have free loyalty programs (Hertz Gold, AAdvantage, Gold Plus Rewards, National Emerald Club). Enrolling often gets you express checkout, car upgrades, and special discount codes.
4. Avoid Fuel Charges: To get charged with the lowest refueling fees possible when you return the vehicle, simply ensure you return the car to the rental counter with a full tank of gas. Filling up is almost always significantly cheaper than letting the car rental agency do it for you.
5. Check for Promo Codes: If you’re an AAA, AARP, active or veteran military member, you can likely save some money at the rental counter. Many corporations also have discounts you can apply when renting.
6. Consider Off-Airport Locations: Renting off-airport often can yield you better rates since the agency is not responsible for the steep concession fees charged by ONT-a short shuttle or rideshare away, this could prove to be the money-saver you’re searching for.
Final thoughts
Car rentals at Ontario International Airport are affordable, convenient, and the car choices are endless. Thus, it makes sense to drive to this entry point for your Southern California road trip. By researching your car rental options and booking online ahead of time for the best rates, you can ensure you’ll be riding off in the right car, at the right price.
Frequently Asked Questions
It varies from most agencies, which require you to be over the age of 25. However, some car rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget permit renters between the ages of 21 and 24 but charge an extra young driver surcharge, $25-$35 per day. Be sure to check each agency policy before you make a reservation.
Absolutely. Almost all of the major rental companies at ONT offer one-way rentals, allowing you to drive your rental to other major airports such as LAX, SAN, or SFO. You can expect that there will be a fee for a one-way rental, and this should be clarified at booking, as many people choose this option for a straight road trip all around California.
Yes. There is a complimentary shuttle that will transport you between Terminals 2 and 4 to the Rental Car Center. The shuttle operates 24/7 and runs every 5 to 10 minutes. Follow the Ground Transportation signage once you have claimed your bags, and look for your rental car pick-up zone.
To rent a vehicle, you will be required to present a valid driver’s license, a major credit card (though some agencies accept debit cards with an additional deposit amount), and your booking confirmation. International visitors should carry a passport and an International Driving Permit if they do not have a license written in English.
Yes, you can find some great electric options, including the Tesla Model 3, Chevy Bolt, and Polestar 2 through car rental agencies such as Enterprise and Hertz, availability permitting. With one of the largest EV charging networks in Southern California, renting an electric vehicle for driving around the region is a very viable and economical option.