Thrifty Car Rental at Ontario Airport: Inland Empire's Value Auto Hire

Thrifty Car Rental Introduce

Welcome to Thrifty Car Rental at Ontario International Airport (ONT), a premier car rental agency strategically positioned to serve travelers flying into and out of the vibrant Inland Empire region of Southern California. As part of the globally recognized Thrifty brand, this location is dedicated to providing local residents and visitors with high-quality, reliable, and affordable ground transportation. Located in the Consolidated Rental Car Facility (ConRAC) at ONT, it offers a seamless transition from your flight to the driver's seat, allowing you to quickly begin your journey across California, whether you are heading to the desert, the mountains, or the coast. Thrifty focuses on delivering significant value without compromising on vehicle selection or the quality of your rental experience.

The agency prides itself on operating under a business model that is both customer-centric and value-driven. A notable aspect of this location is that it identifies as women-owned, contributing to the diversity of business leadership within the Ontario and greater Southern California region. This commitment to inclusivity and local business representation is something many California residents value when choosing services. Thrifty’s extensive fleet ensures that every type of traveler is accommodated, from the solo business person requiring a fuel-efficient compact car to the family needing a spacious minivan or full-size SUV for a California road trip. Furthermore, the convenience of onsite services and modern payment acceptance, including NFC mobile options, positions this Thrifty branch as a contemporary and efficient choice for your car rental needs.

Location and Accessibility

Thrifty Car Rental is conveniently located at the official address of 3450 E Airport Dr, Ontario, CA 91761, USA. This address places it directly within the grounds of the Ontario International Airport (ONT), specifically housed within the Consolidated Rental Car Facility (ConRAC). For arriving passengers, accessing the facility is made simple and complimentary. The airport provides free, frequent shuttle service that runs between the passenger terminals and the ConRAC, eliminating the need for long walks or complicated logistics after you land. This system is designed to expedite the process of picking up your vehicle and getting onto the road quickly.

The location’s design is considerate of all patrons, offering excellent accessibility features. The entire facility is set up for easy movement, which is essential for busy airport operations.

The key accessibility features available include:

Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring smooth entry for all customers into the rental facility.
Wheelchair accessible parking lot, providing dedicated and easily reachable spots for convenient vehicle pick-up and drop-off.

For drivers returning their vehicles, the ConRAC structure makes the return process streamlined and straightforward, allowing for a quick departure to the terminals for your flight. While the core rental hours are generally 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM, all customers should verify the specific operating hours for pick-up and drop-off and familiarize themselves with the official after-hours return policy to avoid any potential complications, especially if traveling during very early morning or late night hours.

Services Offered

Thrifty Car Rental at ONT offers a comprehensive suite of services, backed by the global resources of a major rental provider, all aimed at enhancing the California travel experience with flexibility and convenience.

Diverse Fleet Selection: Providing an array of vehicle types, typically including economy and compact cars, mid-size, standard, and full-size sedans, convertibles for cruising the Pacific Coast Highway, SUVs (compact, standard, and full-size), minivans for group or family travel, and specialty vehicles like trucks.
Onsite Services: The location is situated in the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, guaranteeing full onsite support from staff, expedited processing, and immediate access to the vehicles upon arrival via the airport's shuttle service.
Flexible Payment Methods: Accepting major Credit Cards, Debit Cards (subject to standard rental policy checks), and modern NFC Mobile Payments, ensuring a variety of secure transaction options are available to customers.
Rental Extras and Add-ons: Offering useful additional equipment for rent, such as child car seats (infant, child, and booster), GPS navigation systems, and options like SiriusXM® satellite radio and PlatePass® for convenient electronic tolling on California's major highways.
Insurance and Protection Options: Providing various optional coverage products including Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS), and Personal Protection Plans (PAI/PEC) for peace of mind while driving in Southern California.

Features / Highlights

This Thrifty Car Rental location differentiates itself through specific features that cater to the needs of its diverse customer base in the Inland Empire. These highlights focus on providing added value and specialized services.

Active Military Discounts: A proud offering of the agency is the provision of special discounts for active military personnel, showing appreciation and offering great value to those who serve.
Women-Owned Business Status: The agency identifies as women-owned, providing customers who value supporting diverse businesses an excellent local option.
Blue Chip Rewards Program: Customers can enroll in the complimentary Blue Chip rewards program for expedited service, exclusive benefits, and the ability to earn free rental days, enhancing the value for frequent renters.
Airport Convenience: The strategic location within the ONT ConRAC, coupled with the free, dedicated airport shuttle, eliminates the common inconvenience of off-airport rental locations, making for a much faster start to your trip.
Modern Payment Accessibility: The ability to use NFC mobile payments alongside traditional cards reflects a commitment to modern, quick, and secure transaction methods.

Contact Information

For up-to-date hours of operation, vehicle reservations, or inquiries regarding specific rental policies and requirements, customers can contact Thrifty Car Rental using the information below.

Address: 3450 E Airport Dr, Ontario, CA 91761, USA

Phone: (877) 283-0898

Mobile Phone: +1 877-283-0898

What is Worth Choosing

For travelers and residents in the California Inland Empire, Thrifty Car Rental at Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a compelling choice, primarily due to its commitment to value, convenience, and community recognition. The main draw is the combination of low-cost rental options and the strategic location directly within the airport’s Consolidated Rental Car Facility. This structure guarantees quick access to your vehicle and a simple return process via the dedicated shuttle service, which is a major time-saver compared to remote rental lots.

Beyond logistics, the agency offers tangible value-added features. The availability of Active Military Discounts is a significant financial benefit for a key segment of the California population. The identification as a women-owned business is an important consideration for consumers who prioritize supporting local, diverse-owned enterprises. Furthermore, for a major travel hub, the acceptance of varied payment options, including NFC mobile payments, shows a focus on modern customer experience.

However, it is vital that customers acknowledge the provided feedback from real users. Reviews highlight occasional issues with early morning/late night service and staff professionalism. Therefore, to ensure the best possible experience, it is strongly recommended for all customers to:

Double-check the precise operating hours before booking, especially for flights arriving or departing outside of the core 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM window.
Clearly confirm and understand the official after-hours drop-off procedures with a staff member upon vehicle pick-up.
Allow for extra time during both pick-up and drop-off, particularly during peak travel periods, to account for any potential delays or service issues.

By proactively managing expectations and confirming critical procedural details, you can best leverage the agency's strengths—affordability, a wide selection of cars including popular SUVs and electric vehicles for California driving, and direct airport access—making Thrifty a valuable option for your Southern California transportation needs.

Thrifty Car Rental Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Onsite services

Highlights
Active military discounts

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Thrifty Car Rental Photos

Thrifty Car Rental Location

Thrifty Car Rental

California San Bernardino County Ontario East Airport Drive

3450 E Airport Dr, Ontario, CA 91761, USA

Thrifty Car Rental Reviews

An average rating of ★2.9 from 206 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

0 stars! Do not use this company if you have an early morning flight. At my 3:30 AM scheduled return there was no one there, the gate was locked, and the sign said it didn’t open until 4. I tried looking for anybody that worked there to help, called the number on my reservation receipt, they didn’t open until 3:30 and I was a little early, but when they opened I was still on hold for 15 minutes and they kept telling me they do have after hours drop off, which I told them didn’t open until 4, which was not acceptable for my flight that boarded at 4:30.I left my car in the neighboring return lot (connected but there was a fence so you couldn’t access or get back out). When I called to tell them what I did so I could make my flight they told me I would still be responsible for the car if anything happened to it, but do you think they would have “been responsible” for me missing my flight if I had waited around until 4? Absolutely not. Will be reporting to the BBB.
September 29 · Kirby Garcia
Extremely Disappointing Return Experience – Unprofessional and Rude Staff!I recently rented a car from Dollar / thrifty Car Rental, and my experience during the return process was absolutely terrible. It made me seriously question the professionalism and customer service standards of this company.On the day of return, I arrived on time, but there was no staff available to assist me. I had to wait for a long time before someone finally showed up. However, this employee sat inside a car playing on his phone, with his feet resting on the passenger-side airbag area—not only extremely unprofessional but also a serious safety concern.I knocked on the window multiple times to get his attention, but he ignored me completely and even told me he was on a break. Frustrated, I went to speak with the manager of Dollar Car Rental, only to be told that this employee was not on break. However, instead of apologizing or addressing the issue, the manager showed zero accountability or willingness to help. Meanwhile, the staff member continued talking on the phone and playing on his device, displaying an utterly unprofessional and dismissive attitude.This experience left me extremely dissatisfied. Not only was the employee irresponsible and rude, but the management’s indifference made the situation even worse. A reputable car rental company should at least maintain basic service standards and respect its customers, but Dollar Car Rental has completely failed in this regard.If you are considering renting from Dollar I strongly urge you to think twice to avoid a similarly frustrating experience.
January 28 · Yinzheng li
Do Not do the managers special or rent from thrifty or hertz! Just don’t do it. Bait and switch - look at the other reviews. Tried to give us a truck 2500. When I refused as there is no suitcase room which is clearly stated as guaranteed they gave us a 2023 Kia that had 71,000 and was banged up. Lo and behold it broke down two days later and had to be towed. No exchange vehicle near us so had to get a completely different rental. Trying to call to get any help or receipt from thrifty is a nightmare. I’ve rented thrifty in SF and never had a problem. Stay away from this Ontario one. Enterprise was fine.
July 31 · Lexie Burns
They practically wasted my time coming here. I reserved a car a few days ago to get today, and when I went to pick the car up, they told me they gave my car away.... So you're telling me reserving a car is Jack, they wanted to give us a smaller car and lied about the car being smaller, saying "Ma'am I know cars." And so do i, and when I told them I wanted what I asked for, they tried to give us a bigger car but wanted to charge us more for their mistake. I've never experienced this, and I should have just gone to enterprise in the first place. You guys honestly should go out of business, get better workers, or I dont know. DO YOUR JOB, and maybe you wouldn't have a 2.9 star rating.
June 10 · Neon Vortex
My recent experience with Thrifty Car Rental was elevated from ordinary to extraordinary thanks to Ari, whose outstanding customer service left a lasting impression. From the moment I walked in, Ari greeted me with genuine warmth and professionalism, setting the tone for a seamless and stress-free rental process.Ari’s expertise truly shined as she effortlessly answered every one of my questions, from clarifying insurance options to offering tips on local routes and return policies. Her patience and depth of knowledge turned what could have been a routine transaction into a personalized experience. She anticipated my needs before I even voiced them, ensuring I left feeling confident and well-informed.What truly sets Ari apart, however, is her hospitality. Her ability to blend efficiency with kindness made me feel valued as a customer. She took the time to explain details thoroughly, never rushing the conversation, and even followed up to confirm my reservation details ahead of my trip. It’s this level of care and attention that transforms a one-time client into a loyal repeat customer I’ll undoubtedly choose Thrifty again, specifically because of Ari.Ari embodies what exceptional customer service should be: proactive, personable, and polished. She doesn’t just meet expectations she exceeds them, turning challenges into opportunities to build trust. Her dedication reflects incredibly well on Thrifty’s brand, and it’s clear she takes pride in her role.To Ari’s supervisors: This is the kind of employee who deserves recognition.Her combination of skill, empathy, and initiative makes her a prime candidate for advancement. Promoting Ari would not only reward her hard work but also inspire others to follow her example.In a world where great service feels increasingly rare, Ari is a standout professional. Thank you, Ari, for making my experience unforgettable you’ve earned a customer for life, and I hope your career continues to thrive!
May 05 · Freddy Monteblanco