In this guide
Short answer: in Austin, Waymo is only available through Uber, 24/7. Turn on autonomous rides in the Uber app and request UberX, Uber Electric, Comfort or Comfort Electric inside the service area (Downtown, South Congress, Zilker, Hyde Park and about 28 neighborhoods). Some rides use freeways since September 2026. Tesla Robotaxi runs separately in its own app.
Waymo arrived in Austin in March 2025 through its partnership with Uber, and Tesla launched its first Robotaxi service here in June 2025. That makes Austin the best city to try both. For the step-by-step Uber settings, see how to get a Waymo on Uber.
Austin robotaxis at a glance
| Waymo | Tesla Robotaxi | Zoox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| App | Uber only | Tesla Robotaxi app | Employees and guests only |
| Hours | 24/7 | About 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. | n/a |
| Who's in front | Nobody | Mixed: some cars with a safety monitor | No driver's seat |
| Freeways | Select rides since Sep 2026 | Varies | No |
| Kids | Under-18s ride with an adult; no teen accounts on Uber | Ages 8-17 with an adult | n/a |
Where Waymo goes in Austin
Waymo's area covers about 28 neighborhoods across North, Central, East and South Austin, including Downtown, Hyde Park, South Congress (SoCo) and Zilker, plus the separate town of Sunset Valley. The Uber app only offers a Waymo when both pickup and drop-off are inside the area.
You can't pick a Waymo in Uber; you can only make yourself eligible. Matches are more likely in the center of the area and at off-peak times. If you get a Waymo you don't want, you can decline it and Uber sends a regular driver.
Freeway trips
Since the week of September 22, 2026, select Waymo rides in Austin use MoPac, I-35, US 183 and US 290. Waymo is rolling this out gradually, and the route only uses freeways when they save time. Austin and Phoenix are among the first cities where riders get freeway trips again after Waymo's May 2026 pause.
Airport (AUS)
Waymo doesn't serve Austin-Bergstrom. Uber doesn't match airport trips with Waymo, so you'll get a regular driver. See Waymo at the airport for cities where it does work.
Tesla Robotaxi in Austin
Austin was Tesla's first Robotaxi city. You need a Tesla account and the Tesla Robotaxi app. Some cars run with nobody aboard and others with a safety monitor; Tesla doesn't say how many of each. Since September 4, 2026 the two-seat Cybercab also carries riders in limited areas, though you can't choose it over a Model Y. More in Tesla Robotaxi and Tesla vs Waymo.
Zoox in Austin
Zoox has given rides to employees, friends and family since March 25, 2026, around West and East Sixth Street, Downtown, East Cesar Chavez, Riverside and Rainey Street. It plans to open its Zoox Explorers early-rider program later; you can join the waitlist on Zoox's site. See Zoox.
Austin tips
- During SXSW, ACL and UT game days, demand spikes and Waymo matches get rarer. Plan extra time.
- Waymo on Uber is priced like the Uber ride type you requested. See Waymo prices.
- Rules on pets, food and kids are Waymo's own: see Waymo rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use the Waymo app in Austin?
No. In Austin, Waymo rides are only available through the Uber app. Turn on autonomous rides in your Uber settings and request UberX, Uber Electric, Comfort or Comfort Electric inside the service area.
Does Waymo go on freeways in Austin?
Yes, on select rides since the week of September 22, 2026, using MoPac, I-35, US 183 and US 290. The rollout is gradual.
Does Waymo go to Austin airport?
No. Airport trips in Austin aren't matched with Waymo; Uber sends a regular driver.
What are Tesla Robotaxi's hours in Austin?
Tesla reported hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. as of October 2026, unlike Waymo, which runs 24/7.
Update log
- Guide published with freeway trips (since late September 2026), Tesla's Cybercab and Zoox's employee rides.
Sources and official texts