Uber introduces airport kiosks—no app needed!

A New Approach to Ride Booking for International Travelers

As international tourism to the United States continues to grow, especially in anticipation of major events like the World Cup, Uber has introduced a new innovation aimed at simplifying the ride-booking process for newcomers. This initiative includes the introduction of phone-free ride-booking kiosks, which offer a nostalgic yet practical solution that brings back the concept of traditional taxi lines, where travelers would wait in line to hail a ride.

A Phone-Free Way to Book Rides

To cater to the increasing number of international travelers, Uber is rolling out its new phone-free ride-booking kiosks. The first of these kiosks is located at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal C and allows users to bypass the Uber app entirely. Instead of using their smartphones, travelers can approach the kiosk, enter their destination and preferred ride type, and receive a paper receipt with the details of their trip.

According to Uber, this service is "perfect for international visitors arriving without a local data plan." Many tourists may face challenges with costly roaming charges or lack access to Wi-Fi upon arrival, making the kiosk an ideal alternative. Uber envisions expanding the service to more locations, including international airports, hotels, and ports, reaching even more travelers.

By reintroducing the concept of a physical booking point, Uber provides an accessible way to secure transportation for those who are unfamiliar with digital tools. "Simply walk up to the kiosk, enter your destination, then start your ride type," the company stated. The move to add more kiosks in busy areas, especially airports, highlights Uber’s commitment to meeting the needs of global travelers.

Expanding Uber’s Presence at Key Travel Hubs

While LaGuardia Airport will be the first to feature these new kiosks, Uber has confirmed that it plans to roll out the service at additional locations soon. According to a spokesperson, the company sees the addition of these kiosks as a "strong opportunity" to improve its presence as major global events, like the World Cup, bring more international visitors to the U.S.

Moreover, Uber is enhancing its operations at key airports. The company also announced the launch of the Uber Shuttle service at Newark Liberty International Airport, joining LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International Airport as part of the shuttle network. This service allows passengers to easily navigate between terminals and nearby locations, further solidifying Uber’s place in the transportation ecosystem at major U.S. airports.

The addition of these services reflects Uber’s ongoing effort to streamline the travel experience for users across all stages of their journey. Whether it's simplifying ride-booking for international travelers or providing reliable shuttle services between terminals, Uber is keen to ensure that the convenience it offers is accessible to all passengers, regardless of their tech-savviness or local connectivity.

A Step Toward Autonomous Ride Services

As Uber continues to innovate in the transportation space, it is also preparing for the launch of autonomous vehicles. In July, the company announced plans to roll out its first robotaxis in 2026. Developed in collaboration with electric car company Lucid and self-driving technology firm Nuro Inc., these autonomous vehicles will be exclusive to Uber and based on the Lucid Gravity SUV model. While the service will initially be available in the San Francisco Bay Area, Uber’s long-term goal is to deploy over 20,000 autonomous taxis in multiple locations.

The phone-free kiosks represent just one facet of Uber’s larger strategy to revolutionize urban mobility and cater to diverse user needs. By leveraging both physical and digital innovations, Uber is positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the rapidly evolving world of transportation.