getting from LAX to ONT to catch a flight
Oct 13, 2005 | 11:35 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: LAX 1K
Posts: 323
getting from LAX to ONT to catch a flight
Any suggestions on the best options that are a balance between cost and convenience if one wants to park at LAX but needs to be in ONT to catch a UA flight?
Why? Ya don't wanna know
Why? Ya don't wanna know
Oct 13, 2005 | 11:40 am
#2
Join Date: May 2005
Location: MNL
Posts: 666
It is probably best to take a flight. Ontario is about 90 minutes without traffic (maybe a little less) but depending on what time of day you may hit traffic on the 105, 605, or 10 which are the freeways you would take.
If you have enough time, rent a car from Avis to pick up at LAX and drop at ONT.
If you have enough time, rent a car from Avis to pick up at LAX and drop at ONT.
Oct 13, 2005 | 11:46 am
#4
Join Date: May 2005
Location: ONT/NYC
Programs: DL GLD; AA GLD; CO GLD
Posts: 278
90 minutes is possible during peak traffic...but usually its not nearly that bad.
I also would advise renting a car, as its probably cheaper than supershuttle etc. The best way (i.e. less traffic) IME is to take 105E to the 605 N to the 210 E, exit Archibald, and then drive down archibald to the airport-- the 605 to the 10 is definitely shorter, but the 210 is generally a lot less crowded, esp. as you get to the new parts.
I also would advise renting a car, as its probably cheaper than supershuttle etc. The best way (i.e. less traffic) IME is to take 105E to the 605 N to the 210 E, exit Archibald, and then drive down archibald to the airport-- the 605 to the 10 is definitely shorter, but the 210 is generally a lot less crowded, esp. as you get to the new parts.
Oct 13, 2005 | 11:46 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: LAX 1K
Posts: 323
It's just under 60 miles, though that can, of course, translate to two zillion hours...however, at around 9 a.m. midweek it should take about 75 minutes. I'm trying to decide the most cost effective approach - your notion of renting a car is a good one, though there is the added 10-15 minutes headache on either side of pick-up and drop-off. Super Shuttle is fifty bucks, plus related headache.
Anyone else been in this situation, trying to decide best options?
Anyone else been in this situation, trying to decide best options?
Oct 13, 2005 | 11:46 am
#6
In Memoriam
Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,111
Even though the O.P.'s particular need is UA-related, the question isn't really UA specific and will get wider input in the Los Angeles forum.
Thanks
cblaisd
Moderator, United
Thanks
cblaisd
Moderator, United
Oct 13, 2005 | 1:21 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: LAX
Programs: WN A-List
Posts: 1,021
Originally Posted by liter8
Anyone else been in this situation, trying to decide best options?
I'd personally book a cheap rental, that way you're in control. Timewise I'd guess it to be a wash, the shuttle can use the diamond lane.
Oct 13, 2005 | 4:58 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UAL, AA, USAIR
Posts: 376
The problem(s) with the rental car scenario
Originally Posted by liter8
one wants to park at LAX but needs to be in ONT to catch a UA flight
I would mess around with the LAX site, looking at the various long-haul transpo options like vans and busses. You may not be the first person who needs to get from LAX to ONT, so there may be options. Alternatively, you could try and cut a flat-rate deal with a taxi company, or take a chance and do it directly with the cabbie himself. I had a chatty cabby once who was regaling me with tales of people hiring him for all-day trips around town of questionable legality, etc.
AMTRAK maybe?
Oct 13, 2005 | 5:07 pm
#9
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Palm Springs ca
Programs: aa lifetime platinum
Posts: 747
i was in the same situtation in August but in the reverse. My car was at lax and i landed at oNT at 1 in the morning !
this seemed to me the easisest way to go. The drop off fee was minimal but there is a hassle factor findnig the rental car offices at either end. finding hertz's at lax bleary-eyed was like an outof body experience.- a BAD one.
Dont't you know someone who owes you a favor???
this seemed to me the easisest way to go. The drop off fee was minimal but there is a hassle factor findnig the rental car offices at either end. finding hertz's at lax bleary-eyed was like an outof body experience.- a BAD one.
Dont't you know someone who owes you a favor???
Oct 13, 2005 | 5:11 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2005
Location: MNL
Posts: 666
Originally Posted by phred
you will probably have to pay a pretty hefty drop fee, AND you'll have to hassle with getting to and from the rental site twice.
I would mess around with the LAX site, looking at the various long-haul transpo options like vans and busses. You may not be the first person who needs to get from LAX to ONT, so there may be options. Alternatively, you could try and cut a flat-rate deal with a taxi company, or take a chance and do it directly with the cabbie himself. I had a chatty cabby once who was regaling me with tales of people hiring him for all-day trips around town of questionable legality, etc.
AMTRAK maybe?
I would mess around with the LAX site, looking at the various long-haul transpo options like vans and busses. You may not be the first person who needs to get from LAX to ONT, so there may be options. Alternatively, you could try and cut a flat-rate deal with a taxi company, or take a chance and do it directly with the cabbie himself. I had a chatty cabby once who was regaling me with tales of people hiring him for all-day trips around town of questionable legality, etc.
AMTRAK maybe?
There will be no drop fee from Avis. It is actually pretty easy. Go out of LAX and catch the Avis bus to the Avis lot to get your car. If you are preferred (you can sign up on the website), they will drop you off at your car and you go--no contract to sign.
At ONT you drop it off and you take the bus again. It has been a few years since I went to ONT and I only went to the new airport once but I remember it being a very short bus ride and I believe the rental lot is just past the terminals.
It depends on the time of day. Perhaps if you told us that we can give you the best suggestion...
Oct 13, 2005 | 6:25 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Marina Del Rey, CA
Posts: 69
May I suggest parking your car at the Metro Train lot on HUGHES BLVD (there's a bus that travels between the Metro Train and LAX). Take the Metro Train to Downtown LA Union Station and transfer to a Metro Train / Amtrak that goes to Ontario.
Many of my friends from the Inland Empire do this to avoid driving in LA when catching a flight at LAX.
Good luck and safe travels!
Many of my friends from the Inland Empire do this to avoid driving in LA when catching a flight at LAX.
Good luck and safe travels!
Oct 14, 2005 | 12:06 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: LAX 1K
Posts: 323
Thanks for all the excellent, insightful suggestions. Given that my flight out of ONT is at 11:30 a.m. mid-week, looks like the best deal is to pick up a rental...total cost with all fees, etc. will be about sixty bucks, and I have control over timing, etc.
Wish me luck...
Wish me luck...
Oct 14, 2005 | 12:39 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: QLA
Programs: SBUX Gold
Posts: 14,508
Originally Posted by liter8
Thanks for all the excellent, insightful suggestions. Given that my flight out of ONT is at 11:30 a.m. mid-week, looks like the best deal is to pick up a rental...total cost with all fees, etc. will be about sixty bucks, and I have control over timing, etc.
Wish me luck...
Wish me luck...
Good call on the rental... I priced a rental SNA-LAX for about the same price. Definitely give you the most flexibility.
Oct 18, 2005 | 3:49 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UAL, AA, USAIR
Posts: 376
Just $60?
Originally Posted by liter8
Thanks for all the excellent, insightful suggestions. Given that my flight out of ONT is at 11:30 a.m. mid-week, looks like the best deal is to pick up a rental...total cost with all fees, etc. will be about sixty bucks, and I have control over timing, etc.
Wish me luck...
Wish me luck...
And just to cover my tracks (so to speak), yes I know there are no trains near LAX, but AMTRAK runs buses on certain routes that link various sites (e.g., there's an AMTRAK bus to Bakersfield).
Oct 21, 2005 | 1:40 am
#15
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: MKE, formerly the closest FT-er to LAX
Posts: 715
LAX-ONT is almost always on the UA "weekend deals" email for $90 r/t...must be for all of us Westsiders looking for a relaxing weekend in the 909 
And the Embraer 120 hop across town doubles as a sightseeing flight!
And the Embraer 120 hop across town doubles as a sightseeing flight!