SYDNEY AIRPORT: Catch an Uber almost like a taxi with new pickup areas and PIN technology

Rideshare pickups at Sydney International Airport, Terminal 1, will be almost the same as catching a taxi, just like they are already in Melbourne.

The Uber pick-up areas are moving closer to the arrivals area of Terminal 1, and arriving Uber users will now use PIN technology to allow you to use the first available ride.

Needless to say, taxi companies and drivers are not happy. I tend to be in the same camp as Ben Groundwater over at the SMH on this. On the whole, ride-share cars tend to be cleaner, more reliable and more prompt than taxis. Taxis still tend to be dirty, late, or cancel on you. The advantage taxi drivers used to have was their experience and knowledge of navigation. The times you get an old-school taxi driver who can name the streets to one of several routes to your destination are now as rare as getting assistance with your luggage.

Content of this Post:

New rideshare pickup system for International Terminal 1

From this week (Tuesday, 24 September 2024), passengers arriving at the International Terminal can head to one of two demarcated Uber pickup areas close to the arrivals areas—closer than the taxi rank.

The two areas are outside Arrivals Hall A (Cathay Pacific, Qantas and others) and Arrival Hall B (Air New Zealand, Emirates, Qatar and Singapore).

From either Hall, turn left at the building exit. The map below makes it clearer:

a map of a airport Taxi and Uber pickup areas — From Arrivals Hall A & B, turn left to get to the new Uber pickup area. For other rideshare companies, still head for P7 Car Park

So, Uber has moved from the previous Rideshare pickup area adjacent to the P7 Car Park to an area much closer to the Arrival Halls and the Taxi Ranks. You will know the Uber pickup area from the black Uber logo signage.

New Uber PIN at Sydney Airport pickup for UberX

The seven Uber bays in the new pickup area are for UberX ride requests, and you will need to use the new to Sydney Uber PIN system. This system has been in use for a while in Melbourne, so is tried and true. The system reduces waiting times, and makes the Uber driver waiting area work similarly to the Taxi Rank holding area. See below:

a map of a taxi and Uber pickup area — Map showing Taxi and Uber holding areas, and how they feed their respective ranks adjacent to the Arrivals Halls.

Instead of following your Uber’s arrival route on the phone app, you will use a PIN. Let me explain. You order an Uber on the app in the usual way. Your Uber will be coming from the holding area on the map above.

You will receive a 6-digit PIN code on the app, which will put you into the next available Uber at the pickup bay zone. Get into the Uber, show the driver the PIN, and you will be on your way. The PIN allows your driver to access the details of your Uber destination and preferences.

This UberX pickup zone is only open between 6:30 am. and 10:30 pm. It’s for UberX, PIN-based ordering only.

Uber Green, Max, XL, Premier or Assist

For these Uber orders, you will need to head to the accessible pickup zone between the Uber Rank C and the Taxi Rank A — see map above.

No PIN is required here. It will operate the same way is if you request a non-airport Uber ride. Your driver will still come from the holding area, but you can’t identify them using your PIN. You need to find the number plate displayed on your app.

Auckland Airport Arrival baggage claim passport control sign — Auckland Airport arrivals [Schuetz/2PAXfly]

2PAXfly Takeout

This looks like a great improvement to the Rideshare system if you are using Uber. It makes it almost more convenient than the taxi rank.

I see growing complaints about Sydney Airport’s arrivals system, especially Passport control. But in the half-dozen times I have had to use it this year, I’ve found it fairly easy and efficient.

But you need not to make these rookie mistakes which I have.

Make sure you get your passport scanned and that little white ticket at the first available self-service machine. Don’t wait until you get to the actual arrivals hall. That’s where the chaos is, with those unfamiliar with the system slowing down the process.

My other tip is for when you are heading out through immigration in Sydney or other airports. As well as making sure you have removed your hat and mask, make sure that your wheelie bag is with you—and I mean by your side or immediately behind you.

If not, it can register as an obstruction and stop the unit from activating to take your image.

Embarrassingly, this has happened to me too many times to mention!