Claremont, California, is a great destination to travel to any time of year, especially if driving from Greater Los Angeles. However, there are instances when driving a car isn’t feasible, like when coming from Northern California or another state. Thankfully, you have a flying option with the nearby Ontario International Airport! The airport with the code (ONT) is about eight miles from the idyllic Claremont Village, which means you can get started on your vacation in a matter of minutes. Of course, there are many things to consider when planning a trip, like the cost of tickets, travel dates and accommodations. It’s also essential to pick an airport that works with your plans. The Ontario Airport is the closest and the best to fly into when visiting Claremont. 

 

the best way to get to Claremont is flying.
The Ontario International Airport ((ONT) is the best way to get to Claremont, California if driving isn’t in the cards.

(The only reason you wouldn’t want to book a flight to ONT is if you’re a befuddled traveler who thinks they’re flying into the city of Ontario… in Canada. It’s happened! And when it does, accidental tourists always discover the charming town of Claremont and love every minute!)  

Planning on flying into Ontario, California and visiting Claremont? Here’s everything you need to know about ONT to help you make the best decisions and have a smooth and stress-free trip.

The Ontario Airport Is The Best Airport To Fly Into When Visiting Claremont

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a small, no-frills airport in San Bernardino County. It’s easy to get to and only has three terminals, which means you can fly in and out without a hitch. Travelers on a budget or with a flexible itinerary never have to worry about crowds or long lines. It’s nice and clean with comfortable seating. If you’re looking for a quick and effortless trip that doesn’t require much planning, this is a perfect choice.

Why Location Matters

Claremont is easy to get to from anywhere in Southern California, but what if you’re not nearby? Of course, Ontario Airport is your best bet! Fly into Claremont with ease! Everyone loves having an airport close by because it’s less hassle, less fuss, and more convenient. You can sit down at your favorite Claremont restaurant in as little as 20 minutes or less from touchdown, making your trip even better. 

Airplane waiting to fly into Claremont California
From touchdown to Claremont, it can take only a short time before you’re sitting down for a delicious lunch.

What To Expect When Landing At ONT

Ontario International Airport is clean and comfortable, but there are few food offerings. Don’t worry! Only a short drive away is Claremont Village, where your options for dining are wide and varied. There are plenty of breakfast, lunch and dinner opportunities. Additionally, you’ll find wine bars, happy hours, breweries and a plethora of sweet treats. But, of course, you can’t go wrong with anything you choose from one of Claremont’s local neighborhood restaurants.

Transportation From ONT To Claremont

There are various options and countless providers available at ONT, including Ontario Airport Shuttle, ridesharing, taxi & limo service, public transportation, and car rental.  

TAXI

Taxis are available at the taxi ranks in front of every terminal on the outer island. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available at each rank. ONT partners with two taxi companies, Bell Cab: 800-340-8294 and Yellow Cab: 800-305-8294.

 UBER

An Uber is your best bet if you’re looking for convenience and don’t want to worry about driving or parking. Ubers are allowed to pick up and drop off at the airport. When you arrive, look for the Uber pick-up area. When you’re ready to go home, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft can also drop you off at the departure level alongside regular passengers and taxis. Just notify your driver of the airlines and preferably the terminal upon entering the airport premises.

The best way to get to Claremont California is to fly and then get transportation to drive 15 minutes away.

RENTAL CAR

Per Fly Ontario, several on-airport rental companies are located in the Rental Car Center (3450 E. Airport Drive). You can easily reach the RCC by complimentary shuttle vehicles provided for all passengers from the passenger terminals. Renting a vehicle at ONT is ideal when looking for the most convenient transportation option that allows you to travel at your own pace. Car Rentals include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Thrifty and Fox Rent-a-Car.

Man giving keys for a rental car to you. It's the best way to get to Claremont.

OTHER TRANSPORTATION

For those who need transportation outside of a car rental. 24-7 Ride offers a safe and punctual Ontario Airport shuttle service, and you can choose between a shared or private vehicle. 

The effortless drive to and from Claremont makes Ontario Airport the ideal choice for an enjoyable and straightforward travel experience!

Why Ontario International Airport is the Best Choice

ONT has many nonstop destinations and major airport connections to give you the options you need when flying to or from Southern California. More than ten major airlines fly to and from this Southern California gateway with nonstop service to 25 destinations worldwide, including major hubs like DFW, ATL and SEA. ONT provides services to help travelers with disabilities to plan and prepare. They also offer services designed to make the airport experience effortless, including access to hydration stations, nursing rooms, pet relief areas and personal protective equipment (PPE). There is even a Covid-19 testing site at the airport, open every day from 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM. Located in Lot F, it’s a drive-through collection site so patients can stay in the safety of their vehicles. At the end of your trip to Claremont, if you return home internationally, you can Book a Test at this Location.       

Let’s face it, traveling via airplane can be difficult sometimes. Most of the time, it takes too long to check in, there are always way too many people and not enough bathrooms, and the airport is loud and chaotic. However, ONT is so different from other airports you might be considering flying into or out of for a week away with friends or family. Whether you’re looking for a nearby airport or international terminal, Ontario Airport is your go-to when traveling to Claremont, California. With numerous daily flights, ONT provides a fast, convenient, seamless process for getting from point A to point B. One more thing, did we happen to mention ONT is easy to get to from anywhere in Southern California and only about 15 minutes away from Claremont Village! 

Woman POV as a driver in a car with iphone playing music as it's the best way to get to Claremont.
No matter how you get there, Claremont is a must-visit city for your next vacation itinerary.

Visiting The City of Claremont, California

Claremont Village is one of the most popular places to visit in the eastern end of Los Angeles County. This small city offers so much to visitors and locals alike – from mouth-watering food to lively nightlife, picturesque tree-lined streets with historic buildings, locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, art galleries and shops. But, of course, it’s impossible not to enjoy yourself when you’re there. So here are some suggestions on where to go, where to stay, and what to eat and do while you’re in town.

The City of Trees and PhDs

Claremont, a beautiful college town and an enchanting suburb of Los Angeles, has been ranked by CNN/Money magazine as the fifth best place to live in the United States, according to Wikipedia. It’s also home to five undergraduate liberal arts colleges and two graduate institutions: Pomona College, Claremont Graduate University, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, Pitzer College and Keck Graduate Institute. This unique consortium is all within a mile, and the city is both walkable and bikeable. The city’s welcoming environment and all the incredible things to do within Claremont mean many graduates decide to stay and live there. You might even want to call Claremont home someday.

The Weather Is Perfect

If you’re flying into Ontario Airport, you’ll be greeted with sunny skies. The city gets an average of 325 sunny days with only 18 inches of rainfall annually. Claremont is known for its warm, temperate climate and laid-back atmosphere, welcoming visitors to stroll down its tree-lined streets. Temperatures can average in the low-90s in the summer to the low-50s in the winter. Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in January and February. Claremont is the ideal spot for anyone who loves the outdoors. There are plenty of parks and forests with hiking and biking opportunities nearby! 

Places to Stay in Claremont

When you’re traveling to Claremont, there are accommodations to suit every traveler. Hotels with pools are available for those who want to spend their days splashing around in the sun. And hotels within walking distance of everything will make it easy to explore all this unique city has to offer without worrying about traffic or parking! To help you make the best choice for your travel itinerary, check out the top hotels in Claremont.   

The refreshing pool at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont

Places To Eat In Claremont

Visitors can find plenty of food options, such as coffee shops, cafes and sit-down restaurants. Claremont Village, the Village Square and the Claremont Packing House boast more than 70 locally owned eateries with 4- and 5-star (Yelp) reviews. Enjoy the city’s free parking or stroll wherever your appetite leads you. Many have outdoor patios perfect for relaxing on a summer evening while enjoying an ice cream cone or having dinner after a day at one of the many nearby attractions. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find sweets and savories in Claremont.

Things To Do In Claremont

Claremont, California, is a great destination, offering residents and tourists everything from the arts to outdoor recreation. This beautiful city offers so much that you’ll never be bored. Staying in Claremont as a home base on your vacation means you’ll be able to plan fun adventures and day trips around the area. From dinosaur fossils to Botanic Gardens to a real-life speakeasy, Claremont is full of surprises that make you want to visit again and again. Places you’ll want to put on your must-explore list include:

With plenty of things to do, Claremont makes an excellent addition to any travel plan or journey.

 

Shop Til You Drop

Of course, shopping is what Claremont Village is known for, so make sure you pack your credit cards when flying here! There are many boutique shops, artisan pop-ups, fair trade, and locally-owned, unique Claremont establishments – finding just the right gift or a memento from your trip is a snap.

The People

The best reason to add Claremont to your itinerary is the sense of community that can be felt throughout this quaint little town. It’s a safe place for people of all ages, and there are many wonderful restaurants, shops, wine tastings, brewery events, street festivals, concerts in the park, movie nights and a weekly farmers market. The foothills are just outside the city limits and offer beautiful hiking trails as well as some great skiing in the winter months. Even if you’re visiting solo, you’ll feel welcomed by the locals of Claremont.

Group of people enjoying a day out eating and drinking in Claremont

The Best Reasons to go to Claremont

ALL OF THE ABOVE!

If you plan on visiting Claremont, whether for business or pleasure, consider using Ontario International Airport as your gateway to the area; it offers great flights into and out of this destination with convenient departures every day of the week.

Getting away from the busyness of life allows you to spend more time on things that matter: family and friends, or just enjoy exploring this hidden gem of Southern California. Ontario Airport can help make that happen if you are too far to drive. Claremont is a must-visit city for your next vacation itinerary.

Airplane flying over the city of trees and phds that is Claremont California