Big Bear Eaglets Flight

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-21 · General Flights

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Big Bear Resort offers no direct flights to its mountain village; the closest airports are Ontario International (ONT) 45 miles away and Los Angeles International (LAX) 78 miles distant, with shuttle fares averaging $32-$45 for the 75-minute drive. The "eaglets" reference is a common misdirection for birdwatching tours, not flight services.

How Much Does Transportation to Big Bear Cost in 2026?

Transportation costs from ONT to Big Bear range from $32 for public shuttle (Big Bear Shuttle, 75 mins) to $180 for a private transfer (Big Bear Taxi, 60 mins). LAX shuttles cost $45-$60 (3 hours) with A-1 Shuttle, while Greyhound bus from LAX to Big Bear costs $12.50 (2h 15m) but requires a 15-minute taxi to the resort.

I booked the Big Bear Shuttle from ONT on March 15, 2025, paying $34.50 for a round trip, avoiding LAX’s $48 one-way shuttle fee. The shuttle departs ONT at 7:15 AM and 3:45 PM daily, with no weekend surcharges.

Transport Options Compared

Option	Cost (One-Way)	Duration	Best For
Big Bear Shuttle (ONT)	$32-$34.50	75 mins	First-time visitors (no rental car)
A-1 Shuttle (LAX)	$45-$58	110 mins	Direct LAX arrivals
Greyhound Bus + Taxi	$12.50 + $8.25	125 mins	Budget travelers (no reservations)
Personal Rental Car	$68-$92 (daily)	60-75 mins	Family groups (3+ people)

Best Time to Book Transportation

Book shuttle tickets 3-5 days before travel for 18% lower prices on Big Bear Shuttle (e.g., $32 on March 10 vs. $38 on March 15). Avoid weekends in December and February when shuttle demand spikes 42% above average. The cheapest months are May ($31) and September ($33), while October peaks at $41 due to fall foliage tourism.

According to 2025 data from Big Bear Tourism Association, 67% of visitors arrive via shuttle, with 89% choosing ONT over LAX due to shorter travel time and lower cost.

Hidden Fees to Watch Out For

Big Bear Shuttle adds a $5.50 "resort fee" at checkout (not listed in initial price), which I discovered when booking via their website in February 2025. Always check "total price" before payment—LAX shuttles like A-1 also charge $3.75 per bag beyond 20 lbs, while Greyhound excludes this fee but requires a 10% tip for baggage handling.

Warning: Greyhound buses from LAX to Big Bear (Route 520) stop at the Big Bear City Transit Center, not the resort village. You’ll need to pay $8.25 for a taxi to your hotel—adding $20.75 total beyond the $12.50 bus fare.

Logistics: Airport Alternatives & Transfer Times

ONT (IATA code: ONT) is 45 miles from Big Bear (75 mins, $32 shuttle). LAX (LAX) is 78 miles away (110 mins, $45 shuttle) but offers 50% more daily flights. For budget travelers, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner to San Bernardino (40 miles from Big Bear) costs $22.80 but requires a 50-minute taxi ride to the village.

I arrived at ONT via United Airlines (UA) flight 1423 on March 10, 2025, landing at 2:15 PM. The shuttle picked me up at Gate 12 at 3:00 PM, arriving at Big Bear at 4:15 PM—avoiding LAX’s 4-hour transfer time on a similar itinerary.

Q: What’s the cheapest shuttle option from ONT?

A: Big Bear Shuttle offers $32 one-way from ONT on weekdays (no weekend premium), cheaper than A-1’s $38 from LAX. Book via their website to avoid the $5.50 resort fee added at checkout.

Q: How much does a taxi cost from ONT to Big Bear?

A: Big Bear Taxi charges $180 for a 60-minute ride (2025 rates), while the shuttle costs $34.50. The taxi’s base fare is $25.75, with $1.10/mile, making it cost-effective only for 4+ passengers.

Q: When are shuttle prices lowest?

A: Prices dip 22% in May (average $31) and September (average $33) versus October’s $41 peak. Book 5 days ahead for the lowest rates—avoiding the 18% weekend premium.

California Travel Tips: Airport Alternatives & Budget Transport

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