Planning a trip to San Bernardino? Choosing the right airport can significantly impact your travel experience, affecting both cost and convenience. While there isn't an airport directly in San Bernardino, several airports offer varying levels of accessibility and affordability. This guide will help you determine which airport best suits your needs.
What are the Closest Airports to San Bernardino?
The closest major airports to San Bernardino are:
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Ontario International Airport (ONT): This is generally considered the most convenient option for most travelers. It's relatively close to San Bernardino, offering quicker travel times and potentially lower transportation costs.
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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): A larger, more international airport, LAX offers a wider variety of flight options and airlines but comes with longer travel times and potentially higher transportation expenses. It's a good option if you find better flight deals or need specific international connections.
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John Wayne Airport (SNA): Located in Orange County, SNA is a smaller airport, often offering a more relaxed atmosphere. However, it may have fewer flight options and potentially higher fares than ONT or LAX. It's a viable option if you're willing to trade convenience for a less crowded airport experience.
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Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): While further than the others, BUR can be a suitable alternative if you find significantly cheaper flights or if your final destination within San Bernardino is closer to the north.
Which Airport is Cheapest to Fly Into?
The cheapest airport to fly into will vary greatly depending on your origin, the time of year, and the specific airline you choose. Generally, ONT tends to offer more budget-friendly flight options than LAX, but it's crucial to compare prices across all airports using flight comparison websites like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner before making a decision. Smaller airports like SNA and BUR can sometimes have competitive prices, but this isn't always the case.
How Far is Each Airport from San Bernardino?
The distance and travel time from each airport to San Bernardino varies:
- ONT (Ontario International Airport): Approximately 20-30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
- LAX (Los Angeles International Airport): Approximately 1-1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic. Traffic congestion in Los Angeles can significantly impact travel time.
- SNA (John Wayne Airport): Approximately 45-60 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
- BUR (Hollywood Burbank Airport): Approximately 1-1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic.
What Transportation Options are Available from Each Airport?
All four airports offer various transportation options:
- Rental Cars: Available at all airports, offering the most flexibility.
- Ride-sharing Services (Uber/Lyft): Readily available at all airports, providing a convenient option but potentially more expensive than other methods.
- Public Transportation: Limited options exist, particularly for LAX. ONT has slightly better public transportation connections, though a car remains the most practical choice for most.
Is there public transport from the airports to San Bernardino?
While public transport exists, it's generally not the most efficient or convenient option. Connecting buses and trains might be necessary, significantly increasing travel time. Rental cars or ride-sharing services are typically recommended for a smoother journey to San Bernardino.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Airport for You
The "best" airport for your San Bernardino trip depends heavily on your priorities. If convenience and shorter travel times are crucial, ONT (Ontario International Airport) is the clear winner. If you prioritize finding the lowest airfare and are willing to sacrifice travel time, comparing prices across all four airports (ONT, LAX, SNA, and BUR) is essential. Consider your budget, flight options, and tolerance for traffic when making your final decision. Remember to check flight prices well in advance for the best deals, and always account for potential traffic delays, especially when traveling to or from LAX.
