Do you want to experience the futuristic feeling of riding in a self-driving taxi with no driver? Robotaxis are now a reality in the United States and are becoming more and more accessible. Whether you’re curious to try this revolutionary technology or planning a trip to the USA, this guide explains exactly how to order a Robotaxi in the United States and in which cities you can enjoy one.
Currently, three main services dominate the American market: Waymo (Google), Tesla Robotaxi and Zoox (Amazon). Each offers a unique experience with its own apps, coverage areas and rates. Discover how to book your first autonomous ride in just a few clicks.
Ordering a Waymo Robotaxi?
1. Download the Waymo One App
Waymo is the undisputed leader in robotaxis in the United States, with more than 250,000 paid rides per week. To use this service, you first need to download the Waymo One app, available for free on iOS and Android.
Warning for international travelers : The app is officially available only on American app stores. If you are coming from Europe or elsewhere, you will need to set up your phone with an American Apple or Google account to access the download.
2. Create Your Account
Once the app is installed, create your account by providing:
- Your full name
- Your email address
- Your phone number (a US phone number may be required)
- A payment method (international credit card accepted or Apple Pay)
Important : There is currently a waiting list of about one month to access the service, as Waymo is experiencing explosive success. Travelers in a hurry can contact Waymo customer service on social media to obtain a temporary three-day access code.
3. Book Your Ride
Waymo’s interface looks exactly like Uber or Lyft, which makes it very intuitive to use. Here are the steps:
- Open the app and allow location access
- Enter your destination in the search bar
- Check the estimated fare shown before confirming
- Confirm the booking – the average wait time is 5 to 10 minutes
- Track the vehicle’s arrival in real time on the map
You will receive the details of the assigned vehicle: model (electric Jaguar I-PACE), color, and license plate number.
4. Get On Board
When the Waymo robotaxi arrives, you will easily recognize it by its sensors visible on the roof and your initials displayed on a small illuminated screen.
Boarding procedure :
- Check the license plate number against the one in the app
- Unlock the doors via the app
- Take your seat (up to 4 passengers possible)
- Fasten your seatbelt
- Tap “Start ride” on the rear touchscreen or in the app
During the Ride
Waymo vehicles offer an impressively high-tech experience:
- Touchscreen in the back seat to control the air conditioning, music, and view the route in real time
- 3D view showing what the vehicle’s sensors detect around you
- Smooth and safe driving thanks to LiDAR sensors, cameras, and radars
- 24/7 assistance : a button lets you contact the support team at any time
Arrival and Payment
When you reach your destination, the vehicle stops precisely at the indicated point. Payment is automatic via your saved card. You immediately receive a detailed trip summary and the receipt in the app.
Service Areas and Availability
Waymo operates 24/7 in the following areas:
San Francisco and surroundings : Full service across the city, Daly City, and as far as San Mateo. More than 150,000 people are on the waitlist.
Los Angeles : Coverage area of 79 square miles including the main neighborhoods.
Phoenix, Arizona : The very first city where Waymo launched its commercial service, starting in 2020.
Austin, Texas : Recent rollout in 2024.
Atlanta, Georgia : Waymo is available through the Uber app in this city.
Silicon Valley : Gradual expansion underway in the San Jose area.
Waymo Prices and Rates
Waymo fares are comparable to Uber and Lyft, sometimes with a slight markup. According to recent analyses:
- Waymo prices are on average 31% more expensive than Uber and 41% more expensive than Lyft
- A 15 km trip costs about 20 dollars (roughly 18-19 euros)
- During peak hours, the gap can reach 9 to 11 dollars more than traditional ride-hailing services
- No tipping required, which partially offsets the difference
Users accept paying this premium for the technological novelty, the comfort, and the ability to ride alone without mandatory social interaction.
Ordering a Tesla Robotaxi
- 1. Download the Tesla Robotaxi app
Tesla launched its robotaxi service in June 2025 in Austin, Texas. To access it, you must download the Tesla Robotaxi app currently available only on iOS (separate from the standard Tesla app).
Sign in : Use your existing Tesla account credentials or create a new Tesla account if needed.
- 2. Enter your destination within the service area shown on the map
- 3. Check the estimated fare – initially set at $4.20 per ride, now $6.90 as a flat rate
- 4. Confirm the booking and track the vehicle’s arrival
- 5. Check the license plate of the black Tesla Model Y that is arriving
- 6. Get in the back seat – the front seats are not accessible to passengers
Limited Access by Invitation
Warning : The Tesla Robotaxi service is currently in a very restricted testing phase. Access is granted only by invitation to:
- Tesla employees
- Selected privileged customers (“Early Access” program)
- A geographic area limited to south Austin
How the Service Works
Once you have access to the app:
- Enter your destination within the service area shown on the map
- Check the estimated fare – initially set at $4.20 per ride, now $6.90 as a flat fare
- Confirm the booking and track the vehicle’s arrival
- Check the license plate of the black Tesla Model Y that is arriving
- Get in the back seat – the front seats are not accessible to passengers
Tesla Feature : A safety supervisor is always present in the front passenger seat, even though they do not drive. The car uses the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in unsupervised mode.
On-Board Experience
Early users describe an impressive experience:
- Very smooth driving and confident according to testimonials
- Touchscreen to customize the ambiance (air conditioning, music)
- Syncing with your Tesla profile for your multimedia preferences
- 100% autonomous ride – the supervisor does not intervene except in an emergency
Tesla Coverage Area
Austin, Texas only : The service currently covers a limited geographic area in south Austin.
Tesla plans to gradually extend the service to other neighborhoods in Austin, then to other American cities in the coming months.
Tesla Robotaxi Fares
Tesla currently offers the most aggressive pricing on the market :
- $6.90 per ride (about 6.30 euros), regardless of distance within the service area
- Flat fare with no variation based on peak hours or demand
- Initially launched at $4.20, the price rose by 64% in less than a month
This fare remains extremely competitive compared to traditional taxis or ride-hailing services, which easily charge 15-20 euros for 10 km.
Future of the Tesla Service
Tesla plans to launch the Cybercab starting in 2026-2027, a vehicle designed entirely for robotaxi service with no steering wheel or pedals. Tesla owners equipped with FSD will also be able to offer their personal vehicle as a robotaxi when they aren’t using it.
Order a Zoox Robotaxi
The Zoox App
Zoox, an Amazon subsidiary, takes a unique approach with a vehicle 100% designed for autonomous transportation. To use the service, download the Zoox app, available on iOS and Android.
The app is free and does not require a waiting list, unlike Waymo.
Free Service in Las Vegas
Zoox currently operates an entirely free service in Las Vegas as part of its public testing phase. This free access attracts many tourists and residents curious to try the technology.
How to Book
Using the Zoox app is simple:
- Open the app and allow location access
- Choose your destination from the available pickup points on the Las Vegas Strip
- Confirm the request – the Zoox is on its way
- Wait for arrival – the sliding doors open automatically
- Take a seat in the face-to-face, carriage-style seats
- Control your ride using the built-in controls at each seat
The Unique Zoox Experience
The Zoox vehicle stands out radically from other robotaxis:
Revolutionary design :
- Bidirectional vehicle with no distinct front or back
- Complete absence of steering wheel and pedals
- Automatic sliding doors
- Face-to-face carriage-style seating for 4 passengers
On-board technologies :
- Wireless charging at each seat for your devices
- Individual controls for temperature and music
- Touchscreen displaying ride progress
- Starry roof in Rolls-Royce style for a premium atmosphere
- Live customer support accessible with a single button
Ultra-advanced sensors :
Available Zones
Las Vegas Strip : Zoox operates along the famous Las Vegas boulevard, serving the main hotels, casinos and attractions.
San Francisco : Testing is underway, with a commercial rollout planned soon.
Future expansion : Zoox announces the arrival of its service in Austin and Miami in the coming months.
Zoox Pricing
Currently 100% free during the testing phase in Las Vegas. Once the service is fully commercialized, Zoox is expected to charge competitive rates similar to other robotaxis, but no official price has been announced yet.
Service Comparison Table
| Criteria | Waymo | Tesla Robotaxi | Zoox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available cities | San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, Atlanta | Austin (limited area) | Las Vegas, SF/Austin/Miami soon |
| Availability | 24/7 | By invitation only | Public testing phase |
| Application | Waymo One (iOS/Android) | Tesla Robotaxi (iOS) | Zoox (iOS/Android) |
| Average fare | $20-30 depending on distance | $6.90 flat rate | Free (test) |
| Waiting list | Yes (about 1 month) | By invitation only | No |
| Vehicle | Modified Jaguar I-PACE | Tesla Model Y | Unique custom vehicle |
| Human supervisor | No – 100% autonomous | Yes (passenger seat) | No – 100% autonomous |
| Capacity | 4 passengers | 3 passengers (rear) | 4 passengers |
| Number of vehicles | 1500+ | About 20 in testing | About 50 in testing |
Practical Tips for Your First Ride
Before Your Trip to the USA
Set up your account : If you are an international tourist, create a US Apple or Google account a few weeks before your departure.
Sign up quickly : For Waymo, join the waiting list as soon as possible, as the wait can last up to a month.
International bank card : Make sure your card works for US payments, or set up Apple Pay.
During Your Experience
Film and take photos : This unique experience is worth capturing! The apps allow cameras on board.
Try different times of day : Take one ride during the day and another at night to see how the sensors perform in different conditions.
Ask questions : The support team is available 24/7 through the app to answer your questions.
Compare services : If you are in Las Vegas or Austin, where several services operate side by side, try them all to compare the technologies.
Safety and Responsible Use
Follow the rules : Always fasten your seatbelt right from the start.
Stay alert : Even if the vehicle is autonomous, keep an eye on the road and report any issue through the app.
Keep the vehicle clean : Don’t forget your belongings when you get out and keep it clean for the next passengers.
The Future of Robotaxis in the United States
The American robotaxi market is experiencing explosive growth. Waymo aims for 2,000 vehicles by the end of 2026 and expansion into 3 to 5 new major cities. Tesla plans to deploy its Cybercab on a large scale starting in 2026-2027 and to turn thousands of private Teslas into shared robotaxis. Zoox is preparing its expansion to Miami, Austin, and other American metropolitan areas.
By 2030, analysts estimate that 40 to 80 American cities will have operational robotaxi fleets. This revolution will profoundly transform urban transportation by reducing costs, congestion, and pollution while offering accessible 24/7 mobility.
Book your first robotaxi experience now on your next trip to the United States and discover the future of urban mobility!
