patg

We are visiting the Claremont Colleges, and have the choice of flying to Ontario airport with a layover, or flying directly to John Wayne airport. If we take the direct flight, we may have a time crunch trying to catch the flight home. How long would you allow for the Claremont-John Wayne airport trip at 1 p.m. in the afternoon? Mapquest says I-10 to CA57 to I-5 to CA55 is 40 miles and a 45 minute drive. Is this too optimistic?

rjw_lgb_ca

The route is good. The estimated time is probably a bit optimistic. Without accidents, that drive should be roughly an hour during daylight. Add an accident into the mix, all bets go out the window. And if I'm not mistaken, the 55 is going through construction around the I-405 interchange (right at SNA). Personally, if I were running to SNA from Claremont (good schools!!) to catch a flight, I'd give myself 1 hour 15 minutes.

However, I recall that I rode a shuttle van from LGB to ONT on December 22 at 7 AM, and it took a mind-blowing 40 minutes. So commutes at full speed limit during daylight ARE possible. You just can't count on them.

Gardyloo

If you're using the same air carrier coming and going, and they fly both to ONT and SNA (like, say Alaska AL) I'd look for an open-jaw; fly into SNA, out of ONT - most airlines can manage this easily if they fly to both. I've done that drive (central OC to the Claremont colleges) umpteen times when son was a student there, and rjw_lgb_ca is right - it can be a total crapshoot whether it's 45 minutes or twice or three times that. And yes, the I-405/SR55/SNA freeway spaghetti, which is confusing beyond all reason at the best of times, is currently going through one of those eternal construction phases, leading easily to unexpected and random self-directed tours of suburban Orange County. So if you still have to fly out of John Wayne, I'd allow an hour and a half minimum, and if you get there early enjoy a long, leisurely stay in the TSA screening line.

patg

Thank you, you've really helped with my decision. Sounds like my fear of LA traffic jams is justified!

MaureenB

The Ontario airport is so convenient to the Claremont schools, I think it's only 15- 20 minutes or so. It might be worth a layover, given the traffic issues going to/from John Wayne and the stress you'd be under to catch your flight. Never underestimate the traffic in southern Cal, I always say!
Enjoy your visit. We liked Pomona College a lot when we toured there.

janis

How long is your layover if you use ONT? Unless it is a REALLY inconvenient flight, I'd definitely fly in/out of Ontario.

The trip to/from ONT/Claremont really couldn't be easier and you'll just be stressed worrying about the traffic to/from SNA

Chele60

Personally, I would pick Ontario over SNA, but it depends on where you will be spending the majority of your time. (Why go into SNA if your true destination is visiting the Claremont Colleges? Unless you plan to spend time in OC???)

A couple of weeks ago I was on my way out to Arizona and took this route in the reverse. However, there was a horrible accident on the other side of the freeway (the direction you would be heading) and the entire freeway was shut down. And this at roughly 1:00pm. No one was getting anywhere soon! Frankly, the traffic out that way is just so unpredictable - and you think LA traffic is bad?!

If the bulk of your trip is to the Inland Empire, I would consider using Ontario over John Wayne.

mikemo

We used Ontario only when visiting daughter (Pomona '99).
M