ONT Rental Car Guide: Ontario International Airport
Renting a car at Ontario International Airport (ONT) in Ontario, California. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, typical costs, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at ONT that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at ONT
Rental counters are at the ONT Rental Car Center (3450 East Airport Drive), reached by a free airport shuttle from the passenger terminals.
Follow the rental car shuttle signs outside baggage claim at Terminal 2 or Terminal 4. Off-airport firms pick up their customers at the Rental Car Center.
ONT pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: varies by season, so compare all-in quotes for your dates.
Mandatory airport fees: Rentals at ONT include airport charges, typically a concession recovery fee and often a customer facility charge, plus California and local taxes. Check your agreement for the exact figures.
That means the daily rate in your quote is not what you pay at ONT: taxes and airport charges are added on top. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at ONT
Rental brands at the ONT Rental Car Center include:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Fox
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Thrifty
Best for premium service: Hertz, National and Avis (strong loyalty programs that can speed up pickup)
Cheapest base rates: Fox, Payless and Dollar (usually the lowest base rates; compare the all-in total)
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
ONT-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
ONT is close to downtown Ontario. Off-airport firms already shuttle customers from the Rental Car Center, so compare them alongside the on-airport brands.
Worth considering for longer rentals: Peer-to-peer service Turo also operates at ONT.
How to save the most at ONT
- Compare the all-in total. At ONT, the cheapest headline rate is not always the cheapest final bill.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill is usually cheaper: fill up close to the return location, since the company refuel charge is usually well above the pump price. Check your agreement for the exact rate.
- Check your coverage before you go. Many credit cards and auto policies cover damage to a rental, but card coverage never includes liability, so confirm what you have before declining the counter's offer.
More tips: how to avoid hidden rental fees.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at ONT?
Take the free airport shuttle from outside baggage claim at Terminal 2 or 4 to the Rental Car Center on East Airport Drive.
What is the average rental car price at ONT?
There is no reliable average for ONT: rates move with season, demand and car class, and airport charges come on top. Compare all-in quotes for your dates.
What hidden fees should I watch for at ONT?
Usually a concession recovery fee, often a customer facility charge, plus California and local taxes. Your agreement shows the exact amounts.
Which rental car company is best at ONT?
Hertz, National and Avis suit loyalty members, while Fox, Payless and Dollar usually have the lowest base rates.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from ONT?
Off-airport firms pick up at the Rental Car Center, so price them alongside the on-airport brands. Turo also operates at ONT.
Are there any quirks to renting at ONT?
Southern California express lanes and toll roads are cashless, so check your rental toll program. ONT is a handy LAX alternative for the Inland Empire.