Ontario International (ONT): the Southern California airport—not Ontario, Canada
Use this guide to verify the ONT airport code, choose the correct terminal and address, read the terminal map correctly, check live flights and security, estimate parking, plan rideshare or rail, and judge an ONT-to-LAX airport transfer.
Check these live pages before you leave
This page explains the airport, but flights, gates, security conditions, parking availability and road traffic can change quickly. Use the live source that matches the decision you are making.
What airport is ONT?
ONT airport code identifies Ontario International Airport, a public airport serving Ontario, the Inland Empire and the broader Southern California market. The airport sits about two miles east of the City of Ontario reference point and approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
Airport live checks & travel tools
Use current local conditions, official live-status links and planning calculators before you travel. Airline gate, terminal and flight times can change; your carrier remains the final source for flight-specific details.
Live flight center
Check the airport's official flight board, then confirm any last-minute gate or timing change with the airline.
Current airport-area weather
Useful for planning your trip to the airport. This is model-based local weather, not an aviation METAR or an airline operational forecast.
Quick official checks
Open the source that matches the decision you are making right now.
When should I reach the airport?
A planning estimate based on flight type and common time buffers. Always increase the buffer for severe weather, major holidays, unusual airport alerts or airline instructions.
Connection-risk checker
This is a planning heuristic, not an airline minimum-connection-time rule. International arrivals that require U.S. entry processing, baggage claim and security can need substantially more time.
Parking cost estimator
Uses the airport-specific rates stored in this article's configuration. Rates can change; verify availability and final pricing on the official parking page before driving in.
Passenger pickup readiness
Landing time is not curb-ready time. Add time for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, customs when applicable and walking to the correct pickup zone.
What does the ONT airport abbreviation mean?
ONT is the three-letter IATA abbreviation used on tickets, baggage tags, reservation systems and airport boards for Ontario International Airport. It naturally reflects the city name Ontario. In pilot and air-traffic documentation, you will often see KONT, the ICAO identifier.
| Code | System | What the traveler should use it for |
|---|---|---|
| ONT | IATA | Flights, tickets, baggage tags, travel search and consumer airport identification |
| KONT | ICAO | Operational aviation references, weather and flight-planning systems |
| ONT | FAA | U.S. FAA location identifier for the airport |
Ontario Airport is in Southern California—use the correct address for your task
There is no single best map pin for every ONT trip. Enter the facility you actually need so navigation does not send you to the wrong side of the airport complex.
2500 E. Airport Drive, Ontario, CA 91761Use for airlines assigned to Terminal 2.
2900 E. Airport Drive, Ontario, CA 91761Use for airlines assigned to Terminal 4.
2222 International Way, Ontario, CA 91761Use when meeting an arriving international passenger processed here.
3450 E. Airport Drive, Ontario, CA 91761Use for rental pickup/return, not passenger check-in.
3350 John Bangs Drive, Ontario, CA 91761Free waiting up to one hour while the passenger becomes curb-ready.
1923 E. Avion Street, Ontario, CA 91761Administrative address—not the normal passenger terminal destination.
ONT travel planning tools
These tools run in your browser and do not claim to be live airport data. Always replace estimates with your airline, airport and navigation information on travel day.
Airport-code checker
Quickly confirm whether your booking says ONT or LAX.
ONT parking estimate
Estimate standard daily parking using currently published drive-up rates.
ONT → LAX connection-risk planner
For separate airport tickets, use your current map estimate rather than assuming a fixed freeway time.
Passenger pickup readiness
Prevent curb circling and unnecessary waiting.
Terminal 2, Terminal 4 and the separate International Arrivals facility
ONT is simpler than many large hubs, but one detail trips people up: international arrivals and international departures are not handled the same way. Passenger airlines use Terminal 2 or Terminal 4 for departures, while international arrivals may process at the separate International Arrivals Terminal.
Terminal 2 airlines
Current airport listings: Alaska, Avianca, China Airlines, Delta, Frontier, United and Volaris.
International departures leave from Terminal 2. Verify the operating carrier on codeshares before choosing your curb or parking lot.
Terminal 4 airlines
Current airport listings: American, JetBlue, Southwest and STARLUX.
Do not choose a terminal from the destination city alone; use the airline and current flight information.
International Arrivals Terminal
This facility is for international arrivals processing. It is not the normal check-in location for an international departure. Drivers meeting an arriving international passenger should use this address and allow time for immigration, baggage and customs.
Is there a Terminal 3 at Ontario Airport? Not yet
Ontario International Airport began the environmental review process for its ONT BOLD expansion in May 2026. The official Notice of Preparation and project map place a proposed Terminal 3 in the central terminal area, but travelers should not enter “Terminal 3” in navigation or expect an airline there today.
What the official 2026 planning document proposes
- A new three-level terminal of about 650,000 square feet.
- Five aircraft contact gates, including four MARS positions designed to handle either two narrow-body aircraft or one wide-body aircraft.
- A new Federal Inspection Services area plus security and passenger-processing infrastructure.
- Modernization of Terminals 2 and 4, roadway/curb changes, aircraft-apron work and a proposed multi-story parking garage.
- A proposed rental-car support facility and other landside changes.
How busy is ONT in 2026?
Airport size matters less than how the passenger flow affects your trip. ONT’s latest official half-year report shows continuing growth—especially international travel—while the airport is simultaneously expanding checkpoints and planning more terminal capacity.
The practical takeaway is not “ONT is small, so arrive late.” It is a growing Southern California airport with two active passenger terminals, a separate International Arrivals facility and changing security infrastructure. Use current terminal and checkpoint information every trip.
ONT security: exact checkpoint hours, 2026 upgrades and arrival-time planning
A useful baseline remains two hours before a domestic departure and three hours before an international departure. Treat that as arrival at the correct terminal—not arrival at the airport entrance.
| Checkpoint | Published operating window | Typical busy pattern | Traveler note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 TSA | 3:30 a.m.–12:45 a.m. | About 4–7 a.m. and 7–11 p.m. | Expanded to six lanes in 2026; primarily dedicated PreCheck lane included |
| Terminal 4 TSA | 3:30 a.m.–11:45 p.m. | About 5–9 a.m. | Expansion adds a new lane and secure-exit improvements; operational details can change |
What changed at ONT security in 2026?
Terminal 2 expanded
ONT opened two additional screening lanes in Terminal 2 in July 2026, bringing the checkpoint to six lanes and adding upgraded monitoring, document-verification and information-display systems.
More PreCheck capacity
ONT reported TSA PreCheck participation increasing from about 13% to 26%. A primarily dedicated PreCheck lane is part of the T2 configuration; lane availability can still vary with operations.
Digital ID supported
ONT announced TSA acceptance of eligible Digital IDs in January 2026. Keep a physical acceptable ID available anyway; wallet and eligibility rules can change.
REAL ID, forgotten ID and TSA ConfirmID
For U.S. domestic screening, non-REAL-ID-compliant state licenses are no longer accepted as standard identification. ONT’s current support guidance says a traveler without acceptable ID may be able to use TSA ConfirmID for a $45 fee, but identity verification is not guaranteed. This is an emergency fallback—not a reason to arrive without proper ID.
Build your real curb-to-gate buffer
- Correct operating airline and terminal
- Parking search or shuttle time
- Airline check-in and bag-drop cutoff
- TSA checkpoint queue
- PreCheck/CLEAR lane actually open
- Mobility or family assistance
- Construction detours
- Gate walk and boarding cutoff
ONT parking rates, lots, EV charging and the 9 ft 6 in height rule
All ONT parking lots are currently described as cashless. Choose by terminal, walking distance and price—not just by lot number. Rates below are the airport’s published drive-up structure checked August 11, 2026; pre-book offers can differ.
| Parking | Short stay | Up to 24h | Best-use note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot 1 – International Arrivals | $6 up to 1 hr; $10 up to 2 hrs | $20 | International Arrivals only; request shuttle at 909-937-1240 |
| Lot 2 General | $10 up to 1 hr; $15 up to 2 hrs | $30 | Directly in front of Terminal 2; EV charging |
| Lot 2 Premium | $12 up to 1 hr; $18 up to 2 hrs | $35 | Shorter walk to Terminal 2; EV charging |
| Lot 3 | — | $25 | Between Terminals 2 and 4; short walk |
| Lot 4 General | $10 up to 1 hr; $15 up to 2 hrs | $30 | Directly in front of Terminal 4; EV charging |
| Lot 4 Premium | $12 up to 1 hr; $18 up to 2 hrs | $35 | Shorter walk to Terminal 4; EV charging |
| Lots 5 & 6 | — | $20 | Value parking; shuttle service; short walk to Terminal 4 |
| Valet T2/T4 | — | $40 | Center-curb valet at passenger terminals |
No covered airport parking
ONT states its parking lots are uncovered surface facilities. Plan for sun and weather exposure.
Vehicle restrictions
A 9 ft 6 in height restriction applies across airport parking sites. Large trucks, campers, trailers, RVs and limousines are prohibited.
Accessible spaces
Designated accessible parking is available in all lots; display the required permit. Accessible spaces are not separately reservable.
How ONT pre-book parking, EV charging and overstay rules actually work
Pre-booking can save money, but a reservation is tied to the parking product and entry process. The following details matter more than the headline daily rate.
Use the correct QR entry gate
| Pre-book lot | Published QR-compatible gates |
|---|---|
| Lot 2 | 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and 29 |
| Lot 3 | All gates |
| Lot 4 | 40, 41, 46, 47, 48 and 49 |
| Lot 5 | All gates |
Where to wait, when to approach the curb and how not to circle ONT
Cell Phone Waiting Lot
3350 John Bangs Drive. Free waiting for up to one hour. Do not use it for overnight or extended parking.
Domestic pickup
Wait until the passenger has collected baggage and tells you Terminal 2 or 4 plus the current pickup position. Then leave the cell phone lot.
International pickup
Use 2222 International Way when the passenger is arriving through the International Arrivals facility. Immigration, baggage and customs can make landing time a poor pickup-time estimate.
Rideshare, taxi, ONT Connect, Metrolink, rental cars and hotel shuttles
Uber, Lyft and other ride apps
After baggage claim, request the ride in the app and follow “Rideshare Pick Up” signs outside your terminal. The airport specifically advises waiting until baggage is collected before requesting. Verify the license plate, vehicle and driver in the app.
ONT’s official cost examples currently show approximately $15–20 to downtown Ontario, $30–35 to Riverside and $80–100 to Los Angeles, but these are only estimates; surge pricing and traffic can change the fare substantially.
Licensed taxi
Taxi ranks are in front of each passenger terminal on the outer island. The airport currently lists Bell Cab as its partner, dispatch 909-884-1111. The airport also notes its taxi service is not wheelchair accessible, so wheelchair users should plan an accessible rideshare, paratransit or prearranged accessible vehicle.
Metrolink via Rancho Cucamonga
Buy a Metrolink ticket using ONT Connect as the origin or destination, take the San Bernardino Line to/from Rancho Cucamonga Station, then transfer to the nonstop ONT Connect shuttle for Terminals 2 and 4. The shuttle portion is free with a valid Metrolink ticket.
When leaving ONT, exit the terminal and head east/right to the signed ONT Connect stop. Check the current train and bus timetable before relying on a specific connection.
Rental Car Center
Major on-airport rental counters are centralized at 3450 E. Airport Drive near Haven Avenue. Free airport shuttles connect passenger terminals to the center; off-airport firms may require a second transfer from the Rental Car Center.
ONT to LAX: treat it as an inter-airport ground transfer, not a connection
ONT and LAX are separate airports. There is no secure-side transfer and no guarantee that an airline at LAX will protect you if an incoming ONT flight or the ground trip is late—especially on separate tickets.
Drive / rideshare
Usually the simplest airport-to-airport option. Actual travel time is traffic-sensitive, so open live navigation after collecting baggage rather than relying on a fixed estimate.
Public transport
ONT Connect → Rancho Cucamonga Metrolink → Los Angeles Union Station → LAX FlyAway. This is a multi-stage trip with timetable and transfer risk.
Separate tickets
Allow time to exit ONT, travel across the region, check bags at LAX, clear LAX security and reach the onward gate. A missed second flight may be your responsibility.
International departure versus international arrival at ONT
International departure
Confirm your airline and start at Terminal 2 for international departures. Arrive with passport/entry documents and your airline’s recommended international check-in buffer.
International arrival
Arriving international passengers may process through the separate International Arrivals Terminal, 2222 International Way.
Border inspection
Follow federal inspection instructions. Landing time is not the same as curb-ready time because immigration, baggage claim and customs can add substantial variability.
Meeting an arriving passenger
The airport’s ONT+ program is not required to meet international arrivals; meet after the passenger exits the secure processing area. Drivers should wait until the passenger confirms readiness.
Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival at ONT
Conditionally approved Global Entry applicants arriving internationally may be able to complete their interview at Ontario International Airport through CBP’s Enrollment on Arrival program instead of scheduling a separate enrollment-center appointment.
Bring the documents required by CBP for your application. Enrollment on Arrival is for eligible, conditionally approved applicants; it is not a general walk-in shortcut for starting a Global Entry application.
Wheelchair service, Aira, Sunflower support, TSA Cares and accessible ground travel
Start by separating responsibilities: your airline handles wheelchair/boarding assistance; TSA Cares helps with security screening; the airport handles terminal accessibility, accessible shuttles and reasonable airport-service modifications.
Airline wheelchair assistance
Request wheelchair, boarding or transfer assistance directly from the operating airline and reconfirm before travel. Be specific about curb-to-counter, gate-transfer or aircraft-seat needs.
Free Aira visual interpretation
ONT offers Aira access for travelers who are blind or have low vision, providing remote visual interpretation for navigation and airport tasks.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
The Sunflower program can discreetly signal that a traveler may need more time, patience or assistance. It does not replace a formal airline service request.
TSA Cares
For disability or medical-condition screening support, call 855-787-2227, ideally at least 72 hours before departure.
Airport shuttles
ONT states its airport shuttles operating on airport grounds are wheelchair accessible. Accessible curb zones exist, but vehicles cannot wait at the curb.
Reasonable modification
For an airport policy/service modification related to disability, ONT says a medical diagnosis is not required; explain the disability-related need so staff can evaluate the request.
Nursing rooms, Barking Lots, hydration and work booths
Nursing rooms
Terminal 2: second floor after TSA, across from Gate 206 next to Brewery X. Terminal 4: second floor after TSA, across from Gate 408 next to Subway.
Pet relief
Indoor “Barking Lots” are near Gate 210 in T2 and Gate 410 in T4. Outdoor pet relief areas are at the far ends of the terminal buildings.
Hydration
The airport currently lists 16 hydration stations across Terminals 2 and 4. Carry an empty reusable bottle through TSA and refill after screening.
Kabin work booths
Six work booths total: three in T2 between Gates 209/210 and three in T4 between Gates 410/411, across from the Aspire Lounges.
Cash and charging
ATMs are near main baggage-claim doors in both terminals. FuelRod kiosks are available past security in both passenger terminals.
Restroom construction
The official map currently warns of temporary family-restroom closures associated with TSA expansion. Use the live map and terminal signs for the nearest current accessible facility.
Find what is actually open in your terminal
Concession hours change with flight schedules, and 2026 airport pages include locations that may be “coming soon.” Instead of treating an old restaurant list as permanent, use the official directory filtered by terminal.
Aspire Lounge — Terminal 2
Located near Gate 210. The lounge offers food/drink, seating, power and Wi-Fi. Access can be purchased or provided through eligible programs/cards; confirm current hours and admission rules before paying.
Aspire Lounge — Terminal 4
Located near Gate 410. Admission methods and hours can change; verify before walking across the terminal or buying access.
ONT+ Visitor Pass: meet someone beyond security without a plane ticket
ONT+ allows approved non-travelers to enter the post-security side of Terminal 2 or 4. It can be especially helpful when accompanying an older traveler, spending more time with family or visiting airport dining—subject to TSA approval and daily capacity.
Apply online
Apply on the same day or up to seven days in advance. Every participant, including minors, needs a separate application.
Wait for approval
Advance applicants receive the approval status after midnight on the approved day; same-day applications are normally answered within about 15 minutes.
Bring matching identification
Your legal name and personal details must match your TSA-accepted photo ID and approval.
Use general screening
ONT+ is not PreCheck or CLEAR. Visitors must use the general TSA lane and follow normal prohibited-item and 3-1-1 liquid rules.
Bring only one personal item
ONT+ visitors are not allowed to bring hand-carried luggage through the program. Current rules allow one personal item such as a purse or laptop bag, subject to TSA screening.
Minors and re-entry
A supervising adult may accompany up to five minors, and visitors under 18 must remain escorted. Re-entry is possible during the approved day/program hours, but you must clear TSA again with the required approval, ID and pass.
Luggage storage, smoking, USO and other practical ONT rules
General luggage storage or wrapping
ONT’s support guidance says luggage storage/wrapping is only offered to eligible military personnel and families through the USO. Do not arrive expecting public lockers.
Smoking and vaping
There is no indoor smoking area. Smoking/vaping is permitted only outside, at least 20 feet from the terminal building. If you leave the secure area to smoke, you must clear TSA again.
Military USO location
The Ontario-USO is at 1940 E. Moore Way in historic Terminal 1, across from Parking Lot F. Eligible military users and families can take the free airport shuttle from Terminals 2 and 4. Phone: 909-390-4274.
Free short-story dispensers
For a low-tech layover activity, ONT lists free Short Story Dispensers near Gate 204 in Terminal 2 and Gate 405 in Terminal 4.
Lost baggage, TSA items, aircraft items and airport Lost & Found
The correct contact depends on where the item was last in your possession. Calling the wrong organization can add days to recovery.
| Problem | Who handles it | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Public terminal / airport area | ONT Lost & Found | Submit the airport form; office is behind the Terminal 2 Information desk |
| Item left at ONT TSA screening | ONT Lost & Found | ONT’s 2026 support guidance directs ONT checkpoint items to the airport Lost & Found |
| Checked bag missing/damaged | Operating airline | Open a baggage claim with the airline; airport Lost & Found does not trace checked bags |
| Item left on aircraft | Operating airline | Contact the carrier directly; aircraft items are not sent to ONT Lost & Found |
| Airport/rental-car courtesy shuttle | ONT Lost & Found first | Some items may be returned to the Rental Car Center; call Lost & Found before visiting |
ONT Lost & Found: Terminal 2 behind the Information desk, 2500 E. Airport Drive; 909-544-5128. Current published hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Pacific, closed weekends/holidays, with possible operational closures. Items must be claimed within 90 days.
Watch “This Is ONT” for a quick airport overview
This 90-second video was released by Ontario International Airport in 2018. It is useful for airport identity and orientation, but do not use an older promotional video as the source for current terminal assignments, rates or security procedures; use the live official links in this guide for those.
Publisher: Ontario International Airport. Official premiere date: November 27, 2018. VideoObject schema is included because the title, date, duration, thumbnail and embed URL are verifiable.
Before leaving for Ontario International Airport
- Ticket says ONT—not LAX or a Canada airport
- Operating airline confirmed
- Active terminal is T2 or T4—not proposed T3
- International-arrival facility confirmed when meeting someone
- Live flight status checked
- Checkpoint hours reviewed
- Airline bag-drop cutoff checked
- Acceptable physical/digital ID plan ready
- Correct facility address in maps
- Parking lot and QR-entry gate confirmed
- Mobility assistance reconfirmed
- ONT→LAX traffic checked if changing airports
- Phone charged and driver details saved
- No public luggage locker assumed
Ontario International Airport phone numbers and addresses
| Need | Contact | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Airport general | 1-833-435-9668 | General ONT airport information |
| TDD | 909-937-2163 | Telecommunications device for the deaf |
| Airport shuttles | 909-937-1240 | International Arrivals/USO requests and airport shuttle help |
| Lost & Found | 909-544-5128 | Items lost in public airport areas |
| TSA Cares | 855-787-2227 | Disability/medical-condition screening support |
Frequently asked questions about ONT airport code and travel
What airport is code ONT?
Is ONT airport in California or Canada?
What is the ICAO code for Ontario International Airport?
What does the ONT airport abbreviation mean?
How far is ONT from Los Angeles?
Is ONT the same airport as LAX?
How do I get from ONT to LAX?
Which terminal does my airline use at ONT?
Where do international flights depart and arrive at ONT?
How early should I arrive at Ontario Airport?
Does ONT have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
How long does security take at ONT?
What is the address for Ontario International Airport?
Where is the ONT cell phone lot?
How much is parking at ONT?
Are Ontario Airport parking lots covered?
How do I get to the ONT Rental Car Center?
Can I take a train to Ontario Airport?
Where do I pick up Uber or Lyft at ONT?
Can a non-traveler go through security at ONT?
Who provides wheelchair service at ONT?
Where are the nursing rooms and pet relief areas at ONT?
Does Ontario Airport have lounges?
What should I do if I lose something at ONT?
Is Ontario Airport open 24 hours?
Can I walk between Terminal 2 and Terminal 4?
Is Terminal 3 open at Ontario International Airport?
What are ONT TSA checkpoint hours?
Does Ontario Airport have luggage storage or lockers?
Can I smoke inside Ontario Airport?
Can I use Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival at ONT?
How does ONT pre-book parking work if my flight is late?
How this ONT guide is verified
This independent guide prioritizes Ontario International Airport, FAA, TSA, Metrolink and other official transportation sources for airport codes, addresses, terminal assignments, parking, security, accessibility and ground transport. Current operational details can change without notice, so the page explains the decision first and places the relevant official link immediately after it. Future-planning documents are labeled as future projects so proposed facilities are never presented as current travel infrastructure.
Last fact check: August 11, 2026. Airport-Guides.org is not Ontario International Airport, the Ontario International Airport Authority, FAA, TSA, any airline or transit operator.