Waymo will begin operating at San Francisco International Airport on Thursday, initially offering rides to a limited number of users before expanding access gradually over the coming months, the robotaxi company said.
Pickups and drop offs will initially be limited to the SFO Rental Car Center, from which passengers can access the terminals via AirTrain. Alphabet-owned Waymo said it plans to serve additional airport locations, including direct routes to terminals, but did not provide a timeline.
Waymo received a permit to operate at SFO in September and began operating on Bay Area freeways in November, though that access is not yet available to all riders. It now runs a unified service spanning more than 260 square miles across the Bay Area.
“SFO’s launch of Waymo passenger pickup adds a safe, reliable, and convenient way to get to and from San Francisco,” Mayor Daniel Lurie said in a statement. “With airport service beginning, residents and travelers will experience the innovation that defines our city — while supporting San Francisco’s continued economic recovery.”
SFO, the Bay Area’s busiest and largest airport, is the third international airport in the U.S. to offer a commercial robotaxi service. In 2024, Waymo launched 24/7 curbside service (opens in new tab) at Phoenix Sky Harbor, and last year it launched at San Jose Mineta International Airport.
“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 traveling in for major events this year, we look forward to meeting the growing demand for reliable, fully autonomous rides.”
Santa Clara County will host several major sporting events this year, including Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup, both at Levi’s Stadium.
