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Driving at Tampa International Airport (TPA)

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.

Airport regulations

Per airport regulations, drivers must adhere to the terms below. Failure to do so may result in a citation or even restriction of access to airport trips. Please note that Uber will not pay for any citations that you may incur.

When on airport property, the Uber driver app must be open at all times (drivers must not go offline unless exiting the airport area, not on a trip).

Uber’s technology uses a queuing process. This means that in order to receive a trip request, you need to enter the designated waiting lot located at 2402 North Westshore Blvd, just south of Airport Service Rd, which can be accessed off North Westshore Blvd. You will then be placed in a virtual queue, where you’ll be able to receive a trip request. Please only use the parking spaces designated for TNC vehicles.

Drivers waiting elsewhere will not receive airport trip requests through the Uber Driver app. Please note that you will now be sharing a parking lot with other ground transportation companies, including taxis.

The Uber sticker (trade dress) must always be displayed on the vehicle’s windshield for airport trips. Drivers can fill out this form to receive one by mail.

Pro Tips

Driver cancellations: Trip cancellations can take away from the great Uber experience that both riders and drivers expect. Please remember that drivers who improperly use the app and intentionally disrupt the service, including excessively canceling rides or asking riders to cancel rides, may lose the ability to receive trip requests to and from the airport through the Uber Driver app.

Ground transportation and airport security staff: Airport rules are as important as traffic rules. Airports expect drivers to follow the instructions of the airport staff.

Pickups at the airport

Receiving trip requests from riders leaving the airport work a little differently than other requests.

Waiting for requests In order to receive a trip request, drivers are required to enter a designated waiting area, a driver queue zone. Upon doing so, drivers are placed in a virtual queue to receive trip requests.

Some things to know about the waiting lot

Proximity to the terminal within the driver queue zone does not create an advantage for drivers or move you closer to the top of the queue.
 If there are no drivers in the zone, trip requests will go to Uber drivers in the area - outside of the zone - based on proximity and other factors

You can lose your place in line if: - You go offline on your Uber driver app - You drive outside the zone - You do not accept multiple incoming trip requests in a row - You cancel a ride (if the rider cancels, you will remain at the top of the queue)

TPA Waiting Lot

The TPA Rideshare Waiting Lot is located at 2402 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607. Drivers are not permitted to wait for trip requests for TPA at any other location.

Dropoffs at the airport

Based on the operating agreement with the airport, riders can be dropped off on the departures level of Tampa International Airport. After your passenger is dropped off, you may be eligible for a Re-Match trip. if you are not matched immediately, please go to the waiting lot to wait for another trip.