Rideshare & Ground Transport
Uber & Lyft Pickup at Reno-Tahoe International Airport
Rideshare pickup at RNO 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 RNO
UUber Pickup Zone
Ground Transportation Loop, outside baggage claim Door D — weather shelter at the far end of the lot
LLyft Pickup Zone
Ground Transportation Loop, outside baggage claim Door D
In the app
Enter 'Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)' in the app
How to find the rideshare zone
Exit baggage claim through Door D; cross the parking lot following the painted crosswalk all the way to the far end where a weather shelter and rideshare signage mark the pickup zone.
Cell Phone Lot
Free Cell Phone Waiting Lot at 1198 National Guard Way (also referenced as the end of Plumb Lane behind Hyatt Place) — 24/7, no published time limit; stay with vehicle; a short drive from the terminal. Cell phone lot details →
Avoiding surge pricing at RNO
When surge peaks: Surge peaks during ski season (December–March) on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings as Lake Tahoe and Sierra Nevada crowds arrive; New Year's Eve and major casino events in downtown Reno also spike fares.
Wait tip
Walk to the far end of the lot — the shelter is not immediately at the door; the short walk keeps you out of the weather and positions you at the correct pickup point.
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 RNO including rental cars and public transit, see the RNO Getting Around guide.
Know exactly when to leave for RNO
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 →