When planning a trip from Riverside, choosing the right airport is a more important decision than you might think.

There are four airports nearby that are practically usable, and the optimal airport varies depending on your route and destination, so deciding on the airport first can save both time and money for your trip.

The closest airport is Ontario International Airport.

The address is 2900 E Airport Dr, Ontario, CA 91761, and it is about 20 to 25 miles from Riverside, taking 25 to 35 minutes by car. The airlines operating there include American, Delta, Southwest, United, and Alaska Airlines, and it has recently completed terminal expansions, making it the largest airport in the Inland Empire. The reason Ontario Airport is the first choice for Riverside residents is not only its distance but also the lower parking costs compared to LAX, shorter check-in and security wait times, and the airport being less crowded overall. Most major domestic routes are well-served from Ontario Airport.

Next is Los Angeles International Airport. This airport is used when you need international routes that are not available at Ontario Airport or when a specific airline or direct flight is not offered there. It is located about 60 to 70 miles west of Riverside, and while it can take 60 minutes if you avoid rush hour, it can take over 90 minutes if there is traffic. Although it has a vast size and number of routes, the traffic, parking, and wait times can be burdensome. Among Inland Empire residents, it is often seen as the airport of last resort.

John Wayne Airport is located in Orange County, about 40 to 50 miles southwest of Riverside. It is an option to consider when traveling towards OC or southern LA. It is further west than Ontario, so for most Riverside residents, Ontario is more convenient, but there are cases where specific direct flights or airline preferences lead to choosing John Wayne.

Palm Springs International Airport is about 65 miles east of Riverside.

It is smaller and has limited routes, but it is convenient for traveling to the Palm Springs area or for certain direct flights.

To summarize the criteria for choosing an airport: for general domestic travel, Ontario Airport is the first choice. For international flights or specific direct flights, LAX is used. For short trips towards OC or LA or when there are specific direct flights from John Wayne, that airport is considered. If the goal is to access the Palm Springs area, Palm Springs Airport is convenient. By applying these four options according to your travel purpose and routes, you can reduce unnecessary travel time.

There are also two train options: Metrolink and Amtrak, which are practical alternatives for commuting to LA or for long-distance travel along the West Coast. Having a good understanding of airport information when you first move in will make planning future trips much easier. I will systematically organize the airports and train stations based on Riverside.

Here is the train station information. Metrolink Riverside Downtown Station is located at 4066 Vine St. It is a hub where three lines intersect: Inland Empire-Orange County Line, 91/Perris Valley Line, and San Bernardino Line. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach LA Union Station, and there are monthly passes available for commuters. Riverside has three Metrolink stations, so you can choose the closest station based on your residential area. Riverside Hunter Park/UCR Station is near the university campus, and Riverside La Sierra Station is located to the west of Riverside.

Using Metrolink for commuting to LA allows you to avoid congestion on I-91 and provides a practical way to work or relax on the train. Amtrak also passes through Riverside Downtown Station and connects to national routes. The Pacific Surfliner route from San Diego to LA and on to San Francisco passes through Riverside. As a travel planning tip, if you reserve parking online in advance at Ontario Airport, it is cheaper than paying on-site. If you need to go to LAX, the FlyAway bus or rideshare services are often more reasonable compared to parking costs. When deciding on your departure airport, it is wise to compare routes, fares, travel times, and parking fees.