After extensive discussions and numerous attempts, Waymo has received approval to operate its robotaxi service to and from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The company, a subsidiary of Alphabet, announced that it will initially provide rides to a limited group of customers, with plans to expand access to all riders in the near future.
Pickups and drop-offs will be facilitated at the SFO Rental Car Center, which is conveniently reachable via AirTrain. Waymo has indicated intentions to extend its services to additional airport locations in the future.
The recent approval for SFO is pivotal for Waymo's business strategy, which relies on geographical coverage and a high volume of passengers. "Offering rides to and from San Francisco International Airport is one of the most requested features by our riders, strengthening our connection with the city," stated Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana.
Waymo has accelerated its expansion efforts over the past year, launching services in new cities, increasing its fleet, and incorporating freeways into its operational routes. Currently, Waymo robotaxis are available across most of the San Francisco Bay Area and extend into Silicon Valley, including access to San Jose Airport. The company also operates in parts of Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, and Phoenix, where it has curbside service at Sky Harbor Phoenix International Airport.
The journey to secure operations at SFO has been lengthy. In 2023, Waymo attempted to obtain a permit to map the airport but faced setbacks. Following renewed negotiations with city officials and the airport authority, Waymo was granted a permit in March 2025, allowing it to proceed with mapping SFO under specific data-sharing conditions.
By September, a pilot permit for testing and operations was signed, bringing Waymo closer to fully commercial operations at the airport.