Waymo Cleared to Offer Robotaxi Rides at San Jose Airport
Waymo cleared to offer robotaxi rides at San Jose airport, marking a major milestone for the autonomous driving company. The approval makes San Jose Mineta International the first California airport where Waymo will officially operate. Testing will begin in the coming months, with commercial rides expected to roll out by the end of the year.
Image Credits:Smith Collection/Gado / Getty Images
Why San Jose Airport Matters for Waymo
Expanding into airports has long been a goal for Waymo. While the company attempted to secure operations at San Francisco International back in 2023, negotiations stalled. Earlier this year, however, Waymo gained permission to manually map the major airport as a potential step toward future service.
Success at Phoenix Sky Harbor Set the Stage
Waymo’s airport strategy isn’t new. The company launched curbside robotaxi rides at Phoenix Sky Harbor International in 2023 and upgraded to 24/7 service in August 2024. Since then, it has provided hundreds of thousands of trips, making the airport the most popular destination for its Phoenix customers.
Growing Fleet and Expanding Cities
Waymo currently operates more than 2,000 robotaxis nationwide. The Bay Area alone accounts for 800 of these vehicles, followed by 500 in Los Angeles, 400 in Phoenix, 100 in Austin, and dozens in Atlanta. This steady growth reflects its push to make autonomous transportation a mainstream option.
Next Stops: Denver, Seattle, and Beyond
Earlier this week, Waymo shared plans to launch services in Denver and Seattle. Future operations are also lined up for Dallas, Miami, and Washington, D.C., while New York City has already approved Waymo for testing. Each step brings the company closer to becoming the leading player in self-driving ride services.
What This Means for Travelers
For travelers at San Jose airport, Waymo’s arrival signals easier, tech-driven rides without the hassle of traditional pickups. With proven success at Phoenix Sky Harbor, expectations are high that San Jose passengers will soon enjoy safe, convenient, and fully autonomous transportation options.
