A New Chapter for Airport Travel
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has approved Waymo to launch its autonomous ride-hailing service. The rollout will happen in three phases to ensure safety and reliability. First, Waymo vehicles will operate with a trained driver behind the wheel but without passengers. Next, cars will run fully driverless, carrying only Waymo employees and airport staff. In the final stage, paying customers will be able to request rides directly through the Waymo app.
Where Rides Begin
At the start, pickups and drop-offs will be limited to the “Kiss and Fly” zone near the rental car center. Passengers will then use the AirTrain to reach their terminals. Airport officials noted that other pickup points could be added later as the program expands. Weekly check-ins between Waymo and SFO staff will guide how quickly the service moves from one phase to the next.
Building on Experience
This is not Waymo’s first airport venture. The company has been running autonomous rides at Phoenix Sky Harbor for nearly three years. Plans are also underway to begin service at San Jose Mineta International Airport, with discussions ongoing at Oakland International Airport. With SFO now in the mix, San Francisco strengthens its position as a hub for advanced mobility technology.
Support from City and Airport Leaders
Mayor Daniel Lurie highlighted the approval as a step toward making travel in San Francisco more modern and visitor-friendly. He noted the city’s goal of letting travelers experience Waymo rides the moment they arrive.
SFO Director Mike Nakornkhet reinforced that safety, sustainability, and reliability remain the airport’s top priorities. He described the partnership with Waymo as a way to give passengers an innovative option that fits the airport’s long-term vision.
Waymo Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana added that the expansion to SFO is about more than convenience. She called it a chance to offer travelers a safe and reliable way to connect with the people and places that matter most.
What’s Next for Travelers
For passengers, this partnership promises a seamless new way to move between the airport and city. By combining innovation with strict safety standards, SFO and Waymo are setting the stage for a future where autonomous vehicles become part of everyday travel.
