Rideshare & Ground Transport
Uber & Lyft Pickup at Albuquerque International Sunport
Rideshare pickup at ABQ is not always at the arrivals curb — most airports now route Uber and Lyft to a dedicated lot or garage. Here is exactly where to go, how to get there, and how to keep the fare reasonable.
Where to get picked up at ABQ
UUber Pickup Zone
Lower level (arrivals) curbside between Baggage Claim carousels 3 and 4 — look for Door 7 and TNC/Rideshare signage
LLyft Pickup Zone
Same lower-level arrivals curb as Uber, between carousels 3 and 4
In the app
Search 'Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)'; the app assigns a numbered-pillar meeting point on the lower arrivals curb — share that pillar number with your driver
How to find the rideshare zone
Take the escalator down to Level 1 (baggage claim level), exit through doors between carousels 3 and 4, and follow TNC/Rideshare signs to the designated numbered-pillar curb.
Cell Phone Lot
Free 'The Holding Pattern' Cell Phone Lot at 2325 Sunport Loop SE, directly north of the main terminal adjacent to the Sheraton Hotel — 72 spaces including 4 ADA, flight-info screens, and restrooms on site; no posted time limit. Cell phone lot details →
Avoiding surge pricing at ABQ
When surge peaks: Surge peaks on weekend afternoons and during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October) when demand far outpaces driver supply; the smaller driver pool means waits can run long even at moderate demand.
Wait tip
Drivers must not wait curbside; request your ride only after you have your bags and are standing at the numbered pillar — the app shows your exact pillar number so the driver can find you instantly.
Compare your options
Rideshare is usually the fastest door-to-door option, but it is not always the cheapest — especially during surge.
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Rideshare Uber / Lyft | Door-to-door convenience, groups with bags, no cash needed | Surge pricing on busy evenings & events; long walk to pickup lot |
| Taxi Metered cab | Predictable metered fare during surge, no app required | Often more expensive off-peak; cash sometimes required |
| Transit Train / bus | Lowest cost option, immune to surge pricing and traffic | Not available at every airport; less practical with luggage |
For full ground-transport options at ABQ including rental cars and public transit, see the ABQ Getting Around guide.
Know exactly when to leave for ABQ
Add your rideshare pickup time to the Leave-By calculator — it factors in current TSA wait times, so you hit the zone with time to spare.
Calculate leave-by time →