In this guide
Short answer: Waymo runs 24/7 in Denver across about 60 square miles, including Union Station, Sloan Lake, Cherry Creek North, Washington Park and Central Park. It started on September 1, 2026 with riders from its waitlist and now lists Denver as open. It uses only the new Ojai vehicle, built for snow, but doesn't serve Denver International Airport or use highways yet.
Denver is Waymo's first city with real winter weather and high altitude, so it's being watched closely. Here's what riders need to know. For the full list of cities, see every Waymo city.
Waymo Denver at a glance
- Launch
- Sep 1, 2026
- App
- Waymo app
- Hours
- 24/7
- Area
- About 60 sq mi
- Vehicle
- Waymo Ojai only
- Airport (DEN)
- Not served
Where Waymo goes in Denver
The launch area reaches Union Station and Lower Downtown, Sloan Lake, Cherry Creek North, Washington Park and Central Park (the former Stapleton area). Waymo says it plans to expand into the wider metro later. As always, the map in the app is the final word.
Can Waymo drive in snow?
This is the big question in Denver. Here's what Waymo has said:
- The Ojai, built on a Zeekr base and fitted with Waymo's 6th-generation system, has heated sensor housings and small wipers to keep cameras and lidar clear of snow and ice.
- Its winter-driving software was tested in the Sierra Nevada, Michigan and New York.
- Waymo sets limits for driving in snow and follows official traffic advisories, and says those limits will widen as the technology improves.
On a heavy snow day, don't count on a Waymo. Service may be limited or paused, and the app will tell you if no cars are available. Plan a backup. More in Waymo hours and weather.
Denver International Airport
DEN is far outside the launch area, about 25 miles from downtown. Waymo has named the airport as a later expansion target, where demand is highest, but has given no date. Take the A Line train from Union Station, then a Waymo from there. See Waymo at the airport for the airports already served.
The Ojai
Denver and San Diego launched with only the Ojai, Waymo's new vehicle with sliding doors. It has four passenger seats, like the Jaguar I-PACE that Waymo uses in older cities. Read more in what car does Waymo use?
Denver tips
- Skis and snowboards must fit fully inside the car; nothing can stick out. See Waymo rules.
- Rockies, Nuggets and Broncos games bring surge prices. See Waymo prices.
- New to robotaxis? Start with how to ride Waymo.
Frequently asked questions
Is Waymo available in Denver?
Yes. Waymo started public rides in Denver on September 1, 2026, letting people in from its interest list, and now lists Denver among its open cities. Open the Waymo app to check whether you can book.
Can Waymo drive in snow?
Waymo says its Ojai vehicles have heated sensors and small wipers to keep them clear, and its winter software was tested in the Sierra Nevada, Michigan and New York. It sets limits for driving in snow and follows official advisories, so heavy storms can still pause service.
Does Waymo go to Denver International Airport?
No. DEN is outside the launch area. Waymo has said the airport is a goal for a later expansion.
Does Waymo use highways in Denver?
No. Denver rides stay on surface streets.
Update log
- Guide published with the September 2026 launch, service area and winter-driving plans.
Sources and official texts