Major city · United States
Ontario, CaliforniaOntario
Spend a half‑day at Ontario Mills and the Museum of History & Art; add a night only if you need airport lodging or a car‑rental base.
Ontario is a gateway city in the Inland Empire, known for a large outlet mall, a modest history museum and a quieter international airport. It works as a quick stop for shoppers or a convenient base for flights and nearby desert trips.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (high heat, occasional smog)
- Airport
- ONT
- Nights
- 0–1 (half‑day stop) or 1 if you need airport lodging
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Ontario, California911 ▾
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ontario, California, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyOntario is generally safe for tourists; stay aware of traffic on I‑10/I‑15 and keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police/fire/ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportONT Ontario International Airport (2 terminals, free shuttle to car‑rental area).
- Getting aroundCar rentals at the airport are the fastest; Metrolink (East Ontario station) links to LA and Riverside; OmniTrans buses (61…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (café)$2–$4
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi ride3.1 mi (5 km) taxi ride$15–$20
- Metro or bus rideMetrolink one‑way ticketcheck$7–$12
- Budget bedMotel or budget chain, a night, per personUS$55
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel (e.g., Best Western), a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel (e.g., Best Western), a night, per roomUS$200
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$45 · Mid US$95 · High US$150
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ONT Ontario International Airport (2 terminals, free shuttle to car‑rental area)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Feb
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Mar
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Apr
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
May
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jun
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Aug
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Sep
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Dec
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)), coolest Jan (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Jan (5 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ontario, California: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
5 rd
Feb
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
5 rd
Mar
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4 rd
Apr
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
1 rd
Jul
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
0 rd
Aug
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
0 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
1 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
Nov
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4 rd
Dec
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car rentals at the airport are the fastest; Metrolink (East Ontario station) links to LA and Riverside; OmniTrans buses (61, 380) serve the mall and airport; I‑10 and I‑15 provide highway access.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Rancho Cucamonga
goDoor to door: ≈15 min
Drive north on I‑10, exit 51, 10 min
Shopping, dining, easy parking.
San Bernardino
goDoor to door: ≈25 min
Drive west on I‑10, 20 min
Historic downtown, Route 66 museum.
Palm Springs
cautionDoor to door: ≈1 h 15 min
Drive south on I‑15, 1 h 10 min
Heat in summer; best early spring or fall.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Best Western Ontario Airport
Close to airport, free parking
Azure Hotel & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Boutique, free breakfast, airport shuttle
Rodeway Inn Ontario Mills Mall
Near mall, free Wi‑Fi
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $45–$70 excl. bed
- Mid
- $70–$120 excl. bed
- High
- $120+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid‑range hotel (e.g., Best Western)1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$95 | US$190 |
| Car rental (compact, 3‑day)2 × US$130 · Check insurance coverage. | US$260 |
| OmniTrans 61 day pass2 × US$12 · check | US$24 |
| eSIM data (7 days, 5 GB)2 × US$25 · check | US$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$67 |
| Trip total≈ US$371 per person per day, bed included | US$741 |
Includes breakfast.
2026 estimate in USD; flights and long‑distance rail excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (café) | $2–$4 |
| Fast‑food combo | $6–$9 |
| 5 km taxi ride | $15–$20 |
| Parking at Ontario Airport (24 h) | $12–$18 |
| Metrolink one‑way ticketcheck | $7–$12 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer temperatures often exceed 35 °C (95 °F); stay hydrated.Summer temperatures often exceed 95 °F (35 °C); stay hydrated.
- Peak I‑10 traffic in weekday rush hours; allow extra travel time.
- Limited nightlife; plan dinner earlier if staying late.
Emergency numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Ontario, CaliforniaOntario
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- ONT → Downtown LA (Metrolink): about $9, 45 min (check)
- Airport shuttle to car‑rental terminal: free, 5 min walk
- OmniTrans 61 bus to Ontario Mills: about $2, 10 min (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑kul‑pe)
- Gracias — Thank you (gra‑see‑as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwan‑to kwes‑ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the restroom? (don‑de es‑ta el ba‑nyo)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (pwe‑do pa‑gar con tar‑he‑ta)
All phrases are Spanish, the common language for visitors in Southern California.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ontario, California. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (high heat, occasional smog) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Ontario, California
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