Waymo has announced the launch of its robotaxi service for travelers at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This move marks a significant step in Waymo’s expansion plans within the Bay Area.
After prolonged negotiations with the airport’s management, Waymo secured a ‘Testing and Operations Pilot Permit’ with SFO in September 2025. This permit outlines a phased approach for the deployment of Waymo’s airport service, starting with vehicle testing with a human driver, progressing to driverless testing, and ultimately the initiation of commercial operations.
Currently, Waymo’s access to SFO terminals is restricted, and pickups and drop-offs are designated at the airport’s Rental Car Center, connected to the terminals via the AirTrain. SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel emphasized the importance of starting at the rental car lot to ‘isolate’ Waymo’s robotaxis from the bustling passenger terminals, drawing similarities to the initial rollout at Phoenix’s airport. SFO may mandate adjustments based on Waymo’s performance during this phase of the pilot program.
Waymo plans to gradually scale up the number of riders until anyone can hail a Waymo at the airport, a milestone anticipated to be achieved ‘in the coming months.’
Source: The Verge