Various embodiments are directed to determining an elevator car position within an elevator shaft using radar-based distance measurements and a plurality of radar reflectors positioned along the elevator shaft. In one aspect, an example method is provided. The method includes associating a height segment of the elevator shaft with each of the plurality of radar reflectors. The method further includes selecting a target reflector from the plurality of radar reflectors based at least in part on an initial height of the elevator car being within a height segment associated with the target reflector. The method further includes determining an inferred position of the elevator car within the elevator shaft based at least in part on determining a radar-based distance measurement to the target reflector. The radar reflectors may be positioned such that at least one radar reflector is optimally detectable by a dynamically-positioned radar transceiver of the elevator car.