Summary:
- Waymo receives approval to begin offering fully autonomous ride services at San Francisco International Airport as part of a pilot program aimed at enhancing transportation options.
- The program follows a three-phase rollout, with Phase 3 introducing paid autonomous rides for eligible Waymo customers at SFO’s Rental Car Centre.
- SFO’s commitment to innovation includes providing safe, sustainable, and reliable transportation options, reinforcing its status as a leading airport for the region.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has approved Waymo to begin offering its fully autonomous ride service for passengers to and from the airport. This approval begins the final phase of a pilot program launched in September 2025 to ensure the safety of autonomous operations on SFO roadways.
“We are excited to launch Waymo passenger service at SFO,” said Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet. “As the premier airport for a region of innovation, this new option demonstrates our continued commitment to providing an extraordinary travel experience with transportation options that are safe, sustainable, and reliable.”
Waymo can make pick-ups and drop-offs at the Rental Car Centre Level 1 Curbside, which is easily accessed by the AirTrain people mover.
The pilot program consists of three phases:
- Phase 1: Testing autonomous vehicles in autonomous mode with a trained specialist behind the wheel.
- Phase 2: Testing passenger service in fully autonomous mode with Waymo employees and designated airport staff as passengers.
- Phase 3: Piloting paid for hire autonomous passenger service for eligible Waymo customers.
“Serving rides to and from San Francisco International Airport delivers one of the most requested features for our riders and further deepens our relationship with the city,” said Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana. “With millions travelling in for major events this year, we look forward to meeting the growing demand for reliable, fully autonomous rides. We are proud to offer a service that is improving road safety in San Francisco and providing a magical start or end to Bay Area journeys.”
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