The McCarran International Airport (LAS) saw over 50 million visitors in 2019. Located in Paradise, Nevada just five miles south of downtown Las Vegas, the airport is one of the busiest in the United States.
That means high potential earnings for rideshare drivers in the Las Vegas area. After all, those millions of passengers need rides to and from the aviation hub, right? And that’s where you come in.
McCarran International allows Uber and Lyft vehicles at the pick-up and drop-off terminals, but before heading that way, there are a few rules you’ll want to know. To maximize earnings (and avoid a fine), it’s important to understand how to navigate the airport, join the queue, and legitimize your vehicle.
To help rideshare drivers be successful at McCarran International, we put together this blog post to serve as a guide. The following topics are covered:
- What should you do before arriving at McCarran International Airport?
- Do you need any permits to drive there?
- Where is the rideshare waiting area at McCarran International?
- What are the passenger pick-up rules at McCarran International?
- What are the passenger drop-off rules at McCarran International?
- When is the best time to drive at the airport?
- What is the best driving strategy?
Let’s dive in!
What should you do before arriving at McCarran International and entering the airport queue?
To pick up passengers at McCarran International, you’ll need your trade dress, which (as you know) is the Lyft or Uber decal that goes on your front passenger windshield facing outward.
Uber sends out this decal when drivers sign up. If you’ve lost yours since then, there are a few easy ways to replace it. You can request that a new one be mailed to you, pick one up at your local Greenlight Hub (be wary of recent closures), or print out a temporary version at home.
You can order a Lyft decal from your Dashboard or print a temporary emblem to use while waiting for yours to come in the mail.
You’ll also have to have your NTA Vehicle Inspection Decal and a valid Clark County Business License (laminated) on the lower passenger side of your front windshield.
Also, make sure you familiarize yourself with McCarran’s TNC guidebook beforehand. There are some strange rules (who knew feeding the birds on airport grounds was prohibited?) that you’ll want to know about and follow.
Where is the Uber/Lyft waiting area at McCarran International?
The staging lot at McCarran International recently switched locations. It was formerly on the corner of Gus Giuffre Drive and Rent A Car Road, but it is now at the corner of Swenson Street and Thomas Mack Drive, just east of Paradise Road. This lot is closed daily during the early morning hours of 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.
You’ll be automatically entered in the queue once you enter the lot, and you can check your place in line in the Uber or Lyft app. Unfortunately, if the lot is full you’ll have to leave the airport.
While waiting for requests, you may get a pre-match (Uber) or pre-dispatch (Lyft) message urging you to head to the pick-up terminal. While on the way, you should be matched with a rider. If not, just return to the staging lot within fifteen minutes, and you’ll be first in the queue.
Remember to keep your app open in driver mode, park correctly in the stall, follow all traffic control signs, remain with your vehicle unless taking a short restroom break, and avoid littering. Or feeding birds.
How should Uber and Lyft drivers pick up passengers at McCarran International?
The driver who has been waiting the longest in the staging area gets the next rider request.
Once you accept a trip request, the Terminal 1 pick-up location is on Level 2 on the south side of the public parking garage. Terminal 3 pickups are on the valet level of the parking garage. It might help to call your passenger to tell him or her to follow the Rideshare signs from the main terminal to the designated parking garage (level and section) where you will meet.
Make sure to use the designated stalls when picking up passengers—NOT the Thru Lane. If the area is getting congested, airport staff will direct you where to go.
How should Uber and Lyft drivers drop off passengers at McCarran International?
Fortunately, drop-offs at the Las Vegas airport are simple. Just head to the Departure Curbs area at the passenger’s carrier of choice.
That’s it, and you’re back on the road!
When is the best time to drive at McCarran International Airport?
Turn to your Gridwise app for information about all arrivals and departures at McCarran International, as well as delays and cancellations.
Typically, midday is the best time for airport driving; most passenger arrivals and departures occur sometime between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
With Gridwise Plus you’ll be able to see airport data 24 hours in advance, so you can lock in a solid airport strategy the night before you head out. You’ll also be able to create custom alerts for arrivals and departures.
What are some good airport strategies?
Pick up a passenger on the way to the airport
Count on Gridwise to let you know when there’s a peak in airport departures, so you can hang around near hotels at that time to maximize your chances of an airport ride.
Do not cancel on a passenger after you’ve accepted a fare
If you do, you will be bumped to the bottom of the queue and your wait starts all over again. (This also happens if you enter out of driving mode or leave the property while in the queue.) The good news is, if it’s a short ride, some companies let you jump back in line after you’ve dropped the passenger off.
Always be prepared
The fact is, you never know when law enforcement will show up. Keep your driver’s license, insurance card, and registration handy, and don’t forget to have your placard displayed.
Have your waybill ready
Your waybill is a digital receipt of your last drive, which airport officials at McCarran International will occasionally ask to see. Search “waybill” on Lyft or click “Info” on Uber to make it appear.
Congrats! Now you’re all set to make some pick-ups and drop-offs at the McCarran International Airport—and maybe sneak some time at the slots in between.
