Image: from Shay Boloor X@StockSavvyShay
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
SAN FRANCISCO — In a milestone for autonomous transportation, Waymo has officially launched its driverless taxi service to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), filling one of the last major gaps in its Bay Area coverage map.
The service, which began operations on January 29, 2026, allows passengers to book fully autonomous “Level 4” rides through the Waymo One app. While the expansion marks a significant achievement for the Alphabet-owned company, the initial rollout comes with specific logistical constraints designed to navigate the complexities of airport traffic.
“Driver less car ride” at #SanFrancisco through #Waymo cars on hire. Amazing technology being in use . Quite enjoyed 👍 pic.twitter.com/EqwqWV9gyO
— G Dhananjheyan (@Dhananjayang) January 3, 2026
Under the current phase of the pilot program, Waymo vehicles are restricted to pick-ups and drop-offs at the SFO Rental Car Center. To reach the passenger terminals, travelers must utilize the airport’s AirTrain people mover, a journey that adds approximately 15 to 20 minutes to the total travel time.
“Serving rides to and from SFO delivers one of the most requested features for our riders,” said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo. “We are proud to offer a service that is improving road safety while providing a magical start or end to Bay Area journeys.”
The cautious approach mirrors Waymo’s earlier rollout at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where the company initially served a nearby transit station before eventually gaining permission to pick up passengers directly at the terminal curbside in 2024. Waymo confirmed it is in ongoing discussions with SFO officials to move its operations closer to the terminal gates in the future.
The launch follows a rigorous three-phase testing period that began in September 2025, moving from human-monitored tests to fully driverless employee shuttles, and finally to the current paid passenger service. SFO Director Mike Nakornkhet praised the move, stating it aligns with the airport’s commitment to “safe, sustainable, and reliable” transportation.
Despite the innovation, early adopters have noted that the service currently commands a premium price compared to traditional rideshare options. Recent reports indicate that Waymo fares to the airport can be significantly higher than Uber or Lyft, partly due to the lack of human tipping and the specialized nature of the autonomous fleet.
The SFO expansion cements San Francisco’s status as a global hub for autonomous vehicle testing, even as competitors like Tesla begin limited “robotaxi” operations in the region. Waymo now provides driverless service across a 260-square-mile area of the Bay Area, including recent expansions into San Jose and the Peninsula.