Waymo Robotaxis Are Now Operating In 10 US Cities

Waymo Robotaxis Expand to 10 US Cities: What Riders Need to Know

Waymo robotaxis are now available to the public in 10 U.S. cities, including newly added Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando. Riders can access the service by downloading the Waymo app and waiting for an invitation, with access rolling out gradually. This expansion marks the company's fastest growth phase yet, bringing autonomous rides to millions more potential users across diverse urban and suburban landscapes.

Credit: Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe / Getty Images

How Waymo's City-by-City Rollout Strategy Works

Waymo's expansion follows a carefully staged approach designed to ensure safety, reliability, and user confidence. When entering a new market, the company first invites a small group of experienced app users to test the service. This controlled rollout allows Waymo's operations and support teams to monitor performance, gather feedback, and refine local routing before opening access more broadly.
New riders are added on a rolling basis, meaning availability expands incrementally rather than all at once. Eventually, anyone in the service area with the Waymo app can request a ride. This phased method helps manage demand while maintaining the high service standards Waymo has built its reputation on. It also gives local authorities and communities time to adapt to the presence of autonomous vehicles on their roads.
The strategy reflects lessons learned from earlier launches in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. In each market, Waymo prioritized mapping accuracy, weather adaptation, and complex traffic scenarios before going fully public. That disciplined approach has contributed to the company's strong safety record and growing rider trust.

Where You Can Ride Waymo Robotaxis Right Now

As of late February 2026, Waymo robotaxis operate commercially in ten U.S. metropolitan areas. The newest additions—Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando—join established markets including Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, and Austin. In several of these cities, service areas now extend beyond downtown cores to include suburbs, major highways, and key transportation hubs.
Airport access continues to be a priority. Waymo riders can now be picked up or dropped off at three major airports, including San Francisco International. This integration with air travel makes autonomous rides a more practical option for business travelers and tourists alike. In Atlanta and Austin, the service operates through a partnership with Uber, expanding reach through a familiar booking interface.
Freeway driving capability has also expanded. Waymo vehicles now navigate limited-access highways in three cities, significantly increasing the utility of each trip. This advancement allows for faster, more direct routes that better match the expectations of conventional ride-hailing services. For riders, that means less time waiting and more time reaching their destinations efficiently.

What to Expect During Your First Autonomous Ride

First-time Waymo riders often wonder what the experience feels like. The process begins in the app, where users enter their destination and confirm pickup. Once matched, a fully autonomous vehicle—equipped with cameras, radar, and lidar sensors—arrives at the curb. There is no safety driver behind the wheel; the car handles all driving tasks.
Inside, the cabin is designed for comfort and clarity. A screen displays the vehicle's route, nearby objects, and real-time decisions, helping passengers understand what the car "sees." Riders can adjust climate controls, play music, or contact support through the interface. Seat belts are required, and the vehicle follows all traffic laws, including speed limits and stop signs.
Safety remains the top priority. Waymo's system is trained on millions of miles of real-world and simulated driving. It can detect pedestrians, cyclists, construction zones, and unexpected obstacles, responding with cautious, predictable maneuvers. If the vehicle encounters a situation it cannot resolve, it can safely pull over and connect the rider to a remote specialist for assistance.

Why Waymo's Rapid Expansion Matters for Riders

The pace of Waymo's growth signals a turning point for autonomous transportation. Just one year ago, commercial robotaxi service was limited to a handful of cities. Today, with operations in ten major markets, the technology is becoming a mainstream mobility option. For riders, that means greater availability, more competitive pricing, and increased convenience in daily travel.
Expansion also drives innovation. As Waymo operates in more diverse environments—from Florida's rain to Texas' sprawling highways—its AI systems learn to handle a wider range of conditions. This continuous improvement benefits all users, making rides smoother and more reliable over time. Additionally, larger fleets enable better wait times and broader coverage within each city.
From an accessibility standpoint, autonomous rides can offer new independence to people who cannot drive. Waymo has designed its app and vehicle interfaces with inclusivity in mind, supporting features like voice commands and step-by-step guidance. As the service scales, these benefits reach more communities, potentially transforming how people access jobs, healthcare, and social connections.

The Technology Powering Waymo's Growing Fleet

Behind every Waymo robotaxi is a sophisticated stack of hardware and software working in concert. The fifth-generation Waymo Driver integrates custom sensors, high-definition maps, and advanced machine learning models to perceive and navigate complex environments. Redundant systems ensure that if one component fails, backups maintain safe operation.
The fleet now numbers approximately 3,000 vehicles, all continuously updated over-the-air. This allows Waymo to deploy improvements in perception, planning, and rider experience without taking cars offline. Recent upgrades include enhanced nighttime visibility, better handling of emergency vehicles, and more natural interactions at uncontrolled intersections.
Data privacy and security are built into the platform from the ground up. Rider information is encrypted, and trip data is used primarily to improve safety and service quality. Waymo adheres to strict internal governance and external regulatory standards, reinforcing trust as the service expands into new jurisdictions.

What's Next: Future Cities and Service Upgrades

Waymo shows no signs of slowing down. The company has announced plans to launch robotaxi services in additional cities this year, including Denver, London, and Washington, D.C. Each new market brings unique challenges, from weather patterns to local traffic laws, but Waymo's modular approach allows for efficient adaptation.
A recent $16 billion funding round, led by prominent investors, values the company at $126 billion. This capital will support fleet growth, technology development, and international expansion. It also signals strong confidence from the investment community in Waymo's long-term vision for autonomous mobility.
Looking ahead, riders can expect more seamless integration with other transit options, enhanced in-vehicle amenities, and potentially new service tiers. As the technology matures and public familiarity grows, autonomous rides could become as routine as hailing a conventional taxi—only safer, cleaner, and increasingly affordable. For now, the message is clear: Waymo robotaxis are no longer a future concept. They're here, expanding fast, and ready to take you wherever you need to go.