Waymo robotaxis are now giving rides to and from San Francisco International Airport

After extensive discussions and setbacks, Waymo has received the green light to commence its robotaxi service to and from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The Alphabet-owned company announced on Thursday that it will initially provide rides to a limited number of users, with plans to expand to all customers in the upcoming months. The designated pickup and drop-off location for passengers will be the SFO Rental Car Center, conveniently accessible via the AirTrain. Waymo has indicated its intentions to extend services to additional airport locations in the future. This recent achievement comes amid scrutiny of Waymo’s safety protocols in various operational cities. The company disclosed that one of its robotaxis was involved in a collision with a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, prompting an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning the incident that occurred on January 23, resulting in minor injuries to the child. Furthermore, Waymo is under investigation by the NHTSA and the National Transportation Safety Board for instances of its robotaxis violating regulations around school buses. Gaining access to airports, particularly SFO, is essential for Waymo’s business strategy, which relies on geographic expansion and a substantial rider volume. "Providing rides to and from San Francisco International Airport fulfills one of the most requested services from our users and strengthens our connection with the city," stated Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana. In the past year, Waymo has expedited its growth plans, launching services in new cities, expanding its fleet, and broadening its operational routes to include more freeways. Currently, Waymo’s robotaxis cover most of the San Francisco Bay Area and extend into Silicon Valley, where it services the San Jose Airport. Additionally, the company operates in parts of Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, and most of Phoenix, including curbside service at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Waymo’s journey to establish operations at SFO has been lengthy. In 2023, the company attempted to secure a permit for mapping SFO, a crucial initial step, but faced challenges. Following a re-engagement with the city and airport authority, Waymo succeeded in obtaining a permit in March 2025, which allowed it to proceed with mapping SFO while adhering to certain data-sharing requirements. By September, the company had finalized a testing and operations pilot permit with SFO, bringing it closer to launching its commercial services at the airport.