What Waymo is and how to get one

Waymo is a self-driving taxi service run by Google's parent company, Alphabet. You request a ride through a smartphone app the same way you would with Uber or Lyft, but the car arrives without a human driver. The vehicle is a modified Jaguar I-PACE electric car with cameras, radar, and sensors on the roof and sides.

Waymo operates in a limited number of cities right now. As of early 2024, you can request a Waymo in Phoenix, Arizona (the largest service area), and in parts of San Francisco and Los Angeles. The service is expanding, but it is not yet available nationwide. If you live outside these cities, you cannot order one yet, no matter what the app says.

The ride costs roughly the same as a standard Uber or Lyft in the same city — usually between $15 and $25 for a short trip, depending on distance and time of day. Waymo charges a base fare plus a per-mile rate, and surge pricing applies during busy hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Waymo is only available in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, so check whether your address falls within the service area before downloading the app.
  • You request a Waymo through the Waymo One app on your smartphone, the same way you would request any other ride-share vehicle.
  • The car arrives driverless, but you can communicate with a remote support specialist through an in-car screen if you have questions or need help.
  • Pricing is similar to Uber or Lyft in the same city, with a base fare plus per-mile charges and surge pricing during peak hours.
  • You do not need a special account or approval process — if Waymo serves your area, you can request a ride when ready after downloading the app.

read the Waymo One app

Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) and search for "Waymo One". Tap the official app — it has the Waymo logo, which is a blue and white stylized "W". Tap "Get" or "Install" and wait for the read to finish.

Open the app and sign in with your Google account, or create a new account using your email address and a password. You will need to add a payment method — a credit card or debit card. Waymo accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Check whether Waymo serves your location

After you sign in, the app will show a map with your current location. If the map is colored in blue or purple, Waymo operates in that area and you can request a ride. If the map is gray, Waymo does not serve that location yet.

You can also check the Waymo website before downloading the app. Go to waymo.com, click "Waymo One", and look for a map or a list of cities where the service is available. This saves you the time of downloading if you live outside the service area.

Request a ride step by step

Open the Waymo One app and tap the search box at the top. Type your destination address or the name of a place — a restaurant, office building, or street corner. Waymo will show you the address on the map and ask you to confirm it.

Tap "Confirm Destination" or the checkmark. The app will show you the estimated fare, the pickup time (usually two to five minutes), and a picture of the car that will arrive. Tap "Request Waymo" to book the ride.

The app will show you the car's location as it drives toward you. You will see a real-time map with the vehicle icon moving closer. When the car arrives, open the door on the side facing the curb — the doors unlock automatically when the car reaches your pickup spot.

Get in, close the door, and the car will begin driving. You can see the route on the screen inside the car. If you need to change your destination or have a question, tap the help button on the in-car screen to reach a remote support specialist who can see your location and information you.

What to expect during the ride

The car drives itself using its sensors and cameras. You will not see a steering wheel moving on its own — the steering is controlled by computers, not mechanical arms. The ride feels like a regular taxi ride, except quieter because the car is electric.

The car obeys traffic laws, stops at red lights, and yields to pedestrians. It drives at or below the speed limit. If you are nervous, remember that Waymo vehicles have been tested for millions of miles in real traffic, and a remote specialist can monitor the ride if needed.

When you reach your destination, the car will pull over and stop. The doors will unlock. Get out, close the door, and the car will leave. Your payment is processed automatically through the app — you do not need to pay the driver or tip, though the app may offer a tip option after the ride ends.

What happens if something goes wrong

If the car takes a wrong turn, misses your destination, or you feel unsafe, tap the help button on the in-car screen. A remote support specialist will appear on the screen and can hear you through the car's microphone. They can see your location and the route the car is taking. Tell them what is wrong, and they can guide the car to the correct location or pull over if needed.

If the car breaks down or gets into an accident, the support specialist will know when ready through the car's sensors. They will contact emergency services if necessary and stay on the screen with you until help arrives. You can also call 911 directly if you believe you are in when ready danger.

If you left something in the car after your ride, open the Waymo One app, go to your ride history, find the ride, and tap "Report an Issue". Describe what you left behind and where you think you left it. Waymo will search the vehicle and contact you if they find your item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a Waymo for someone else?

No. The Waymo One app is tied to your account and your payment method. You must be the person requesting the ride. If someone else needs a ride, they should read the app and request it themselves from their own phone.

What if I need to cancel my ride?

Open the Waymo One app and tap "Cancel Ride" before the car arrives. If you cancel after the car is on its way, you may be charged a cancellation fee (usually $5 to $10). Once the car has picked you up, you cannot cancel — you must complete the ride or ask the support specialist to pull over and let you out.

Can I bring pets or large luggage in a Waymo?

Pets and luggage are allowed, but the car is the size of a standard sedan. A large suitcase or pet carrier will fit in the trunk or back seat, but you cannot bring multiple large items. Service animals are always welcome.

Is Waymo cheaper than Uber or Lyft?

Pricing is usually similar in the same city, though it varies by time of day and demand. During surge pricing, all three services cost more. The best way to compare is to enter your destination in each app and see the estimated fare before you book.

What if the app says Waymo is not available in my area?

Waymo only operates in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. If you live outside these cities, the service is not yet available to you. You can check the Waymo website periodically to see if the service expands to your area in the future.