What Waymo rides are and how to request one
Waymo is a self-driving car service that operates through the Uber app in certain cities. When you open Uber and request a ride in an area where Waymo operates, you may see a Waymo option alongside regular Uber drivers. If you select it, a driverless vehicle will arrive to pick you up. The car is operated remotely by Waymo's technology, not by a person sitting in the driver's seat.
Waymo currently runs in Phoenix, Arizona and San Francisco, California. The service is expanding to other cities, but availability depends on where you live. You request a Waymo ride the same way you request any Uber ride — open the app, enter your destination, and select Waymo if it appears as an option. The pricing is set by Uber and may differ from regular Uber rides.
The vehicle itself is a modified Jaguar I-PACE electric car. It has cameras, sensors, and radar that let it navigate streets without a human driver. There is no steering wheel or pedals for a passenger to use. You sit in the back seat, and the car takes you to your destination on its own.
Key Takeaways
- Waymo rides are self-driving cars you request through the Uber app in Phoenix and San Francisco.
- The vehicle is controlled by Waymo's technology and sensors, not by a person in the driver's seat.
- You request a Waymo ride like any other Uber ride, and pricing is set by Uber for your location.
- Waymo vehicles are electric Jaguar I-PACE cars with no steering wheel or pedals in the passenger area.
- If Waymo is not available in your area, you will only see regular Uber driver options in the app.
How to request a Waymo ride through Uber
Open the Uber app and enter your pickup location and destination as you normally would. The app will show you available ride options. If Waymo operates in your area and a vehicle is nearby, you will see "Waymo" listed as one of the ride types, usually alongside UberX, Uber Comfort, and other options.
Tap on the Waymo option to see the estimated price and arrival time. The price is calculated the same way as other Uber rides — based on distance, time of day, and current demand. Once you confirm your selection, a Waymo vehicle will be dispatched to your location. You will see the car's location on the map in real time, just as you would with a regular Uber driver.
When the Waymo vehicle arrives, the doors will unlock automatically. Get in the back seat and the car will begin driving to your destination. The ride works like any other Uber trip — you can track your progress on the app, and payment is handled through your Uber account.
What to expect during a Waymo ride
The vehicle will drive itself to your destination using its sensors and cameras. You do not need to give directions or interact with the car. The ride may feel smoother than a ride with a human driver because the car is programmed to follow traffic laws and avoid sudden movements.
The car is monitored by Waymo's technology at all times. If something unexpected happens — a road closure, construction, or an accident — the system is designed to handle it. In rare cases where the car cannot proceed, Waymo support can intervene remotely.
You will be alone in the vehicle with other passengers if you are sharing the ride. There is no driver to talk to. The car is clean and climate-controlled, and you can use the door handles and windows normally. When you reach your destination, the doors will unlock and you can exit.
Pricing and payment for Waymo rides
Waymo rides are priced through Uber's system. The cost depends on the distance, time of day, and demand in your area at that moment. Pricing may be higher or lower than a regular UberX ride — this varies by location and time. You will see the estimated price before you confirm your ride request.
Payment is automatic through your Uber account. You can use the same payment method you use for regular Uber rides — a credit card, debit card, or Uber Cash. Tips can be added after the ride is complete, just like with any other Uber trip.
Waymo rides are covered by Uber's insurance policy. If there is damage to the vehicle or an accident during your ride, Uber's coverage applies. You do not need to purchase separate insurance for a Waymo ride.
Where Waymo rides are currently available
Waymo operates in Phoenix, Arizona and San Francisco, California. In Phoenix, service is available in parts of the city and surrounding areas. In San Francisco, service covers certain neighborhoods and routes. Availability within these cities may be limited to specific times of day or weather conditions.
Waymo is expanding to other cities, but the timeline and locations have not been fully announced. Check the Uber app in your city to see if Waymo is available. If you do not see Waymo as a ride option, it is not yet operating in your area.
Even in cities where Waymo operates, the service may not be available at all times. Waymo does not operate in heavy rain, snow, or fog, because these conditions affect the vehicle's sensors. If weather is poor, you will only see regular Uber driver options.
Safety features and how Waymo vehicles are monitored
Waymo vehicles have multiple layers of safety technology. The car uses cameras, radar, and lidar (a laser-based sensor) to see the road and detect obstacles. The system processes this information thousands of times per second to make driving decisions.
Each Waymo vehicle is monitored by Waymo's operations center. Trained operators watch the fleet and can intervene if needed. The vehicle is also equipped with emergency brakes and other safety systems that work independently of the main driving system.
Waymo vehicles follow traffic laws and drive conservatively. They obey speed limits, stop at red lights, and yield to pedestrians. The car is designed to avoid accidents by predicting what other drivers and pedestrians might do.
What to do if something goes wrong during a Waymo ride
If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable during a Waymo ride, you can contact Waymo support through the Uber app. There is a help button in the app that connects you to a support agent. You can also pull the emergency brake handle inside the vehicle, which will stop the car when ready.
If the vehicle breaks down or cannot complete your ride, Waymo will arrange for you to be picked up by another vehicle or a regular Uber driver. You will not be charged for the incomplete ride. Contact Waymo support through the app to report the problem.
If you have a complaint about your Waymo ride — the route taken, the vehicle's condition, or your experience — you can report it through the Uber app just as you would for any other ride. Uber and Waymo review these reports to improve the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a driver in a Waymo car?
No. Waymo vehicles are fully self-driving. There is no person in the driver's seat. The car is controlled by Waymo's technology and monitored remotely by Waymo's operations center, but no human is physically in the vehicle with you.
Can I choose a Waymo ride if I prefer a human driver?
Yes. If Waymo appears as an option in the Uber app, you can choose a different ride type like UberX instead. You are not required to use Waymo. straightforward select the ride option you prefer.
What happens if the Waymo car gets into an accident?
Waymo vehicles are covered by insurance. If an accident occurs, Uber's insurance policy covers damage and injuries. You should report the accident through the Uber app and cooperate with any investigation. You will not be held responsible for accidents caused by the vehicle's operation.
Can I eat or drink in a Waymo vehicle?
Yes, you can eat and drink in a Waymo vehicle the same way you would in a regular Uber. However, be respectful of the vehicle's condition and clean up after yourself. Damage caused by passengers may result in a cleaning fee charged to your account.
What if I need to make a stop during my Waymo ride?
You can request a stop through the Uber app during your ride. The vehicle will pull over safely. You can also communicate with Waymo support through the app if you need to change your destination or make an unplanned stop.