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Driving at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

Airports can be complicated places, especially for drivers. But knowing the basics, and getting information in advance about your local airport, can help make sure you’re prepared for your first pickup or dropoff.

Rules and regulations

Airport regulations for Uber partners

Per airport operating rules, drivers must adhere to the terms set by the airport below. Failure to follow these rules may result in a citation - you will be solely responsible for handling these citations and paying any associated fines. In certain cases, the airport may permanently restrict your access to the airport.

  • You must wait for airport ride requests in the designated Uber staging lot.
  • Dispose of any trash, cigarettes, etc. in the provided trash cans and ashtrays. Littering is a a prohibited activity and can result in loss of access to airport trips.
  • Do not leave your vehicle unattended.
  • Any cleaning or maintenance of your vehicle in the staging lot is prohibited.
  • All drivers and vehicles must vacate the staging lot no later than 30 minutes after the last flight arrives each night.
  • The airport asks that you promptly load/unload your rider. Additionally, according to airport requirements, you should not be curbside for more than one minute.
  • The Uber vehicle decal (trade dress) must always be displayed by affixing the decal to the lower right corner on the front passenger windshield facing outward. - Driver-partners can obtain this Uber decal at their local Greenlight Hub.
  • You may be asked to show your waybill. To access it, tap the “info” button that appears in your app.
  • Abide by the terminal and staging lot limit of 20mph.
  • Be respectful and courteous to others and to the Airport Authority Personnel.
  • When entering the staging lot, stay to the right side of the red line painted on the ground and be sure to park in a parking space. Do not leave your vehicle unattended.

Pickups at the airport

How pickup requests work

It’s easy to receive trip requests from riders leaving the airport. However, these trips work a little differently than other requests. To receive a trip request at the airport, you need to enter the dedicated waiting lot, where you will be placed in line to receive a pickup request from the airport.

Here’s how it works:

  • To pick up or drop off at the airport, the airport requires you to have Uber trade dress on your vehicle. Please display the trade dress by affixing the decal to the lower right corner of the front passenger windshield facing outward. Driver-partners can obtain Uber trade dress at their local Greenlight Hub. You can also order decal here.
  • All ride pickups must occur in the purple prearranged zones: Zone 1 at Terminal 1 and Zone 8 at Terminal 2

Rides to the airport

How dropoff requests work

At the airport, simply drop off riders at their requested terminal on the Departures level. It’s important to keep the Uber Driver App on until you exit airport property.

All ride dropoffs must occur near the ticketing offices at Terminal 1 and on the Departures level at Terminal 2.

Where to wait

Uber staging lot at the airport

Uber partners must wait for ride requests in the designated staging lot. You will not receive an airport request outside of this lot (and may be issued a citation).

Click here to navigate to the staging lot located off of Departure Drive. Keep in mind that:

  • You can only receive requests on airport property at the designated staging lot
  • The lot is “first in, first out”: upon entering the staging line, you will be placed in a virtual queue for the next trip request
  • If you leave the staging lot or turn off your app, you will be placed at the back of the line
  • You will not lose your place in line if a rider cancels on you or if you drive around within the staging area
  • Staging at terminals or elsewhere on airport property is prohibited and may result in a citation

Note: Be sure to take the correct exits when leaving the staging lot:

  • DO NOT take the first exit, which is marked Terminal Parking ONLY
  • DO take the second exit, which is marked Terminals 1 -2, Express Parking, Economy 4, Rental Car Return