Where Uber and Lyft pick up at Reid Terminal 3
Uber and Lyft pick up from the same designated area at Reid Terminal 3, located on the ground level outside the terminal building. The pick-up zone is separate from the taxi stand and ride-share drop-off area, so you will need to walk to the correct section after you request your ride.
The ride-share pick-up area is on the east side of the terminal, accessible from the baggage claim level. Look for signage marked "App-Based Rides" or "Ride-Share Pick-Up" — these signs direct you to the waiting area where your driver will meet you. The zone is designed so drivers can pull in, collect passengers, and leave quickly without blocking other traffic.
If you are picking someone up, the same area is where they will be waiting. Text or call them once you arrive at the terminal so they know to head to the ride-share zone rather than the main passenger pick-up area.
Key Takeaways
- Uber and Lyft share a single pick-up zone on the ground level, east side of Reid Terminal 3, marked with "App-Based Rides" signage.
- The ride-share area is separate from taxi stands and regular passenger pick-up, so you must go to the correct zone after requesting your ride.
- The zone is accessible from the baggage claim level and is designed for quick driver entry and exit.
- If you are picking someone up, tell them to wait in the ride-share zone, not at the main terminal entrance.
How to request a ride from Reid Terminal 3
Open the Uber or Lyft app on your phone and set your pick-up location to Reid Terminal 3 (or the specific terminal name if your app shows it). The app will show you the estimated wait time and driver fare before you confirm. Once you request the ride, the app will send you a notification when the driver is nearby and will show you their vehicle details and license plate.
After you request your ride, head to the ride-share pick-up zone on the ground level. Most drivers arrive within 5 to 15 minutes depending on demand and time of day. Watch your app for updates on the driver's location — they will text or call if they cannot find you or need directions.
What to do if your driver does not show up
If your driver does not arrive within the estimated time shown in the app, check the app first to see if the driver has cancelled or if there is a message from them. If the ride is still active but the driver is not there, move to a different spot in the pick-up zone and take a photo of your location so you can describe it to the driver if they call.
If more than 10 minutes have passed beyond the estimated arrival time, you can cancel the ride in the app and request a new one. You will not be charged a cancellation fee if the driver has not yet arrived. If you were charged a fee by mistake, contact Uber or Lyft support through the app to dispute it.
Parking and waiting near the pick-up zone
You cannot park in the ride-share pick-up zone while you wait for your driver — the area is for active pick-ups only. If you need to wait, use the short-term parking garage or the cell phone lot, both of which are clearly marked from the terminal entrance. The cell phone lot is free and is designed for people waiting for rides; you can sit in your car there without time limits.
If you are on foot and arriving from inside the terminal, you can wait in the baggage claim area or near the terminal exit until your driver is a few minutes away. Once you see the driver approaching in the app, head to the ride-share zone so you are ready to get in immediately.
Peak times and wait times at Reid Terminal 3
Wait times for Uber and Lyft vary by time of day and day of the week. Early morning (5 a.m. to 8 a.m.) and evening (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.) are typically the busiest periods, when wait times can stretch to 20 to 30 minutes or longer. Mid-day and late-night rides usually have shorter wait times, often 5 to 10 minutes.
The app will show you the current estimated wait time before you request a ride, so you can decide whether to wait or use another transportation option. If the wait is very long, you may want to check if a taxi or shuttle is available instead, or wait a few minutes and request again.
Ride-share rules and restrictions at Reid Terminal 3
Reid Terminal 3 requires all ride-share drivers to use the designated pick-up zone. Drivers cannot pick up passengers at the main terminal entrance, baggage claim, or any other location in or around the terminal. If a driver asks you to meet them elsewhere, do not do so — report the ride to Uber or Lyft through the app and request a new one.
Luggage and bags are allowed in the vehicle, but drivers are not required to help you load them. If you have a large amount of luggage, mention it in the app notes when you request the ride so the driver knows what to expect. Some drivers may cancel if they think the luggage will not fit, so it is better to be upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a ride before I land or before I get my luggage?
Yes. You can request a ride as soon as you land or even before you land if your flight is on schedule. Request the ride when you are about 10 to 15 minutes away from the pick-up zone so the driver arrives around the time you do. If your flight is delayed, you can cancel and request a new ride later without a fee.
What if I cannot find the ride-share pick-up zone?
Ask a terminal staff member or look for the "App-Based Rides" signs. The zone is on the ground level, east side of the terminal, accessible from baggage claim. If you are still lost, call or text your driver — they know the terminal well and can give you directions.
Is the ride-share pick-up zone covered or indoors?
The pick-up zone is partially covered but not fully enclosed. It is outdoors on the ground level. During bad weather, you may want to wait just inside the terminal exit and move to the zone only when your driver is a few minutes away.
Can I use Uber Pool or Lyft Shared rides from Reid Terminal 3?
Shared ride options are usually available at Reid Terminal 3, but they may have longer wait times than standard rides because the driver waits to pick up other passengers. If you need to leave quickly, request a standard Uber or Lyft ride instead.
What if my driver goes to the wrong pick-up area?
Call or text your driver immediately and tell them you are in the ride-share zone, not the taxi stand or main passenger pick-up. If the driver is confused or refuses to come to the correct zone, cancel the ride and request a new one.