What Uber's driverless cars are and where you can use them
Uber operates a driverless taxi service in a small number of cities through its subsidiary Uber ATG (Advanced Technologies Group). The service works like regular Uber — you open the app, request a ride, and a self-driving car picks you up — except there is no human driver in the vehicle. Instead, the car is controlled by autonomous driving software and monitored remotely by Uber staff.
As of now, driverless Uber rides are available only in specific cities and neighborhoods. Uber has tested the service in Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Phoenix, though availability changes as the company expands or pauses operations. You cannot request a driverless car everywhere Uber operates; the app will show you whether one is available in your area when you open it.
The ride itself costs the same as a standard Uber ride in that city. You are not charged extra for the autonomous vehicle, and you do not pay a premium for the technology. Pricing follows Uber's normal surge pricing rules — fares go up during busy times and down during quiet periods.
Key Takeaways
- Driverless Uber rides are only available in certain cities and neighborhoods, not nationwide, and you can see if they are available in your area by opening the app.
- The car operates without a human driver but is monitored by Uber staff who can take control remotely if needed.
- Fares for driverless rides cost the same as regular Uber rides and follow the same surge pricing structure.
- You still rate the ride and provide feedback through the app just as you would with a human driver.
How to request a driverless Uber ride
Requesting a driverless ride uses the same Uber app you already know. Open the app, enter your pickup location and destination, and select your ride type. If driverless cars are available in your area, you will see an option for an autonomous vehicle — it may be labeled as "Uber Autonomous" or similar, depending on the city.
Tap the driverless option and request the ride as you normally would. The app will show you the vehicle's location and estimated arrival time, just like a regular Uber. When the car arrives, unlock it using the app — there is no driver to let you in, so you open the door yourself using your phone.
Once inside, the car will begin driving to your destination. The ride proceeds automatically; you do not need to give directions or interact with the vehicle. At the end of the trip, the car will pull over at your destination, and you exit normally. The app will prompt you to rate the ride and provide feedback, the same way you would after a ride with a human driver.
Safety features and remote monitoring
Each driverless Uber car has multiple cameras, radar, and lidar sensors that let it see the road, other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles in all directions. The car uses this information to navigate, obey traffic signals, and avoid collisions. The autonomous driving system is designed to follow traffic laws and drive defensively.
Even though there is no human driver in the car, Uber staff monitor the vehicle remotely from a control center. If the car encounters a situation it cannot handle — an unusual traffic pattern, a road closure, or a sensor malfunction — a remote operator can take control of the vehicle and drive it manually. This remote takeover is a safety backup, not the normal mode of operation.
The car is also equipped with an emergency stop button inside the vehicle that you can press if you feel unsafe. Additionally, the vehicle is insured and registered like any other commercial vehicle on the road.
What happens if something goes wrong during the ride
If the car experiences a technical problem — a sensor failure, a software glitch, or an unusual road condition — the remote monitoring team will be alerted. In most cases, the remote operator will take control and drive the car to a safe location, or the car will pull over and wait for information.
If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe during the ride, you can press the emergency stop button inside the vehicle. This will alert the remote monitoring team and stop the car. You can also contact Uber support through the app while the ride is in progress.
If an accident occurs, the process is similar to a regular Uber accident. Uber's insurance covers the vehicle, and you can report the incident through the app and follow up with Uber support. Document any injuries or damage and keep records of the incident for your own protection.
Differences between driverless and regular Uber rides
The main difference is the absence of a human driver. You will not have someone to chat with, ask for directions, or request a detour. The car follows the route the app calculates and does not deviate unless instructed through the app or unless a remote operator intervenes.
Driverless rides may feel quieter and more predictable. The car will not speed, will not take shortcuts through residential areas, and will follow traffic laws consistently. Some riders find this reassuring; others prefer the flexibility and conversation of a human-driven ride.
Pickup and dropoff work slightly differently. With a driverless car, you unlock the door yourself using the app rather than waiting for a driver to arrive and let you in. Similarly, you exit the car yourself at your destination rather than saying goodbye to a driver.
Cities and neighborhoods where driverless Uber is available
Driverless Uber service is not yet available nationwide. The company has operated test programs in Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Phoenix, with Phoenix being the city where the service has been most widely available to the general public.
Availability can change. Uber may expand to new cities, pause service in existing ones, or shift operations based on regulatory approval, technical improvements, or business decisions. The best way to know if driverless rides are available where you are is to open the Uber app and check. If driverless cars are operating in your area, the app will show them as an option when you request a ride.
Regulatory approval from local and state governments is required for driverless service to operate in each city. This means that even if Uber wants to expand to your area, local rules may prevent it or delay it. Check your local news or Uber's website for announcements about expansion to your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a driverless Uber if I have luggage or a lot of bags?
Yes. Driverless Uber cars have trunk space and back seats just like regular Ubers. You can load your luggage the same way you would in any other vehicle. The car will not complain about the amount of luggage, though extremely large items may not fit depending on the vehicle model.
What if the driverless car gets lost or takes a wrong turn?
The remote monitoring team watches the vehicle's progress and can intervene if it goes off course. In most cases, the car's navigation system is accurate, but if a mistake occurs, the remote operator can take control and correct the route. You can also contact Uber support through the app if you notice an issue.
Do I tip the driverless car?
There is no driver to tip, so tipping does not explore to driverless rides. You can rate the ride and provide feedback through the app, which helps Uber improve the service. Some riders choose to rate the experience highly or leave positive comments if the ride went smoothly.
Is a driverless Uber ride cheaper than a regular Uber?
No. Driverless rides cost the same as regular Uber rides in the same city. Pricing is based on distance, time, and demand — not on whether a human driver is present. You may see price differences between ride types (UberX, Uber Comfort, etc.), but the driverless option does not have a separate price tier.
What if I am not comfortable riding in a driverless car?
You do not have to use the driverless option. When you request a ride, you can select a regular Uber with a human driver instead. Driverless cars are one choice among several; they are not mandatory. If driverless is the only option shown, it means no human-driven rides are available at that moment, but you can wait for one or try again later.