Compare cheap flights for Riverside, California. See the best airports to use for Riverside and Inland Empire trips, then book on our partner site.
Main airport
ONT - Riverside
Best for
Short city breaks
Travel style
city
Flying to Riverside
If you are looking for flights for Riverside, the airport you usually want is Ontario International Airport (ONT), not Riverside Municipal. ONT is the main commercial airport for Riverside trips and one of the most practical gateways for the Inland Empire. It is often easier to use than LAX and closer for travelers staying in Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, or nearby cities.
Airports
Ontario should be your first search for most Riverside itineraries. John Wayne (SNA), Long Beach (LGB), and Los Angeles (LAX) can still be worth checking if your route is cheaper there, but the extra ground transfer can erase the fare difference. For short trips especially, airport convenience matters.
Timing
Shoulder season is usually the sweet spot for Riverside: lower fares, easier airport flows, and more room to be flexible with your schedule.
Highlights
Do not judge the fare by airfare alone. Rideshare cost, rental-car pricing, and traffic can change the best airport choice fast in Southern California. For Riverside, a slightly higher fare into ONT is often the better overall buy than a cheaper ticket into a much farther airport.
Better-value fares
Prices usually increase during holidays, school breaks, and peak summer travel. If your schedule has some flexibility, compare departures on Tuesday or Wednesday and avoid the most popular return days. Lower-demand dates often surface better options into Ontario.
A nearby airport can be cheaper than the obvious one, especially when a city is served by multiple airports or regional alternatives.
Friday departures and Sunday returns often cost more. Midweek combinations are usually a better place to start.
Shoulder-season trips can deliver better fares, shorter lines, and more flexible flight options.
The cheapest headline fare is not always the best value after carry-on fees, seat selection, and airport transfer costs.
No. Riverside Municipal Airport (RAL) is not the main choice for scheduled commercial flights. Most travelers heading to Riverside use Ontario International Airport (ONT).
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