Car Rental San Bernardino, CA

FAQs

What's the best place to rent a car if I'm staying in San Bernardino?

If you're flying in, Ontario International Airport (ONT) is your best bet. It's the closest major airport and has a lot of car rental companies. It's about 20 miles (32 km) west of San Bernardino. For a better price, you could check out the Enterprise, Hertz or Budget places right in San Bernardino, but you'll need a way to get there first.

Do I need a special type of vehicle for visiting Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead?

In the winter (from November to April), we strongly suggest you get a 4WD or AWD vehicle for visiting the mountains. You can drive a 2WD car if you use chains when the roads require them, but an SUV or a 4WD vehicle will make your trip safer and easier. In the summer, any car is fine for the mountain roads. But you'll probably feel more comfortable on the steep and curvy roads in a car that has good power.

How difficult is the drive to Big Bear Lake from San Bernardino?

You'll drive about 40 miles (64 km) from San Bernardino to get to Big Bear Lake using Highway 18 (Rim of the World Highway) and Highway 330. It usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours. The road has steep hills, sharp turns and you'll climb a lot in elevation (from about 1,000 feet to over 7,000 feet). When the weather is good, most drivers can handle the drive, but you should be careful. In the winter, snow and ice can make the trip tough, so you might need chains or a 4WD vehicle.

Are there any toll roads in the San Bernardino area?

You won't find any toll roads right in the San Bernardino area. The closest ones are in Orange County (SR-73, 133, 241 and 261), which you might see if you drive toward Irvine or south Orange County. All the major highways connecting San Bernardino to other cities like I-10, I-215 and I-15 are free.

How is the traffic in San Bernardino compared to Los Angeles?

San Bernardino has heavy traffic, but it's usually more predictable than in Los Angeles. The major highways, I-10 and I-215, get backed up during the morning rush hour (heading west) and evening rush hour (heading east) as people drive between the Inland Empire and Los Angeles. But the traffic jams aren't as bad or as long as they are in LA. Local roads can get busy during rush hour but they almost never come to a complete stop.

What should I know about driving in the desert areas near San Bernardino?

When you drive to desert places like Joshua Tree National Park or Palm Springs, be ready for big changes in temperature. In the summer, it can get hotter than 110 °F. You should always bring extra water, make sure your car's AC works well and check your tire pressure because the heat can affect it. Your cell service might not work in remote areas, so it's a good idea to download maps before you go. Also, watch out for dust storms, which can suddenly make it hard to see.

Is it worth having a car if I'm attending an event at the National Orange Show Events Center?

Yes, we think renting a car is a very good idea, even if you're mainly in town for an event at the National Orange Show. There isn't much public transportation that goes there. While you can pay to park, having your own car gives you the freedom to check out San Bernardino and nearby sights before or after your event. Ride-sharing services can get expensive and hard to find right after a big event ends.

Are there any scenic drives worth taking from San Bernardino?

Yes, you can take several beautiful drives from San Bernardino. The most amazing one is the Rim of the World Highway (SR-18), where you'll get great views of the San Bernardino Valley and the mountains. Highway 38 is another way to drive to Big Bear through Mentone. It's a mountain route that's usually less crowded. If you want to see the desert, drive east on I-10 toward Palm Springs. You'll see stunning views of the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm and desert scenery.