In this guide
Short answer: Waymo is open to everyone in San Diego, 24/7, in the Waymo app. The launch area is about 50 square miles: Downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Hillcrest, North Park, South Park, Balboa Park, Mission Bay, Ocean Beach and Sunset Cliffs. San Diego International Airport isn't served yet, and the cars are Waymo's new Ojai.
Waymo got final approval from California regulators in August 2026, began letting people in from its interest list on September 1, and opened to everyone on October 14, 2026. It's Waymo's third California region after the Bay Area and Los Angeles. For the full list, see every Waymo city.
Waymo San Diego at a glance
- Status
- Open to everyone since Oct 14, 2026
- App
- Waymo app
- Hours
- 24/7
- Area
- About 50 sq mi at launch
- Airport (SAN)
- Not served
- Vehicle
- Waymo Ojai
Where Waymo goes in San Diego
- Downtown: Downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy.
- Uptown and parks: Hillcrest, North Park, South Park and Balboa Park.
- The coast: Mission Bay, Ocean Beach and Sunset Cliffs.
Going to the Zoo or a museum in Balboa Park? Pick a pickup point on a main road around the park rather than inside it, where cars can't always stop.
Airport and freeways
San Diego International (SAN) sits right next to Little Italy, but it's not a Waymo pickup point as of October 21, 2026. Freeways aren't part of the service either, so trips stay on surface streets. In Los Angeles, too, Waymo doesn't serve LAX. See Waymo at the airport for airports that are served.
Local opposition
Not everyone in San Diego wanted Waymo. The board of the Metropolitan Transit System, which oversees taxis, voted to oppose the launch without local oversight, and taxi drivers say it's unfair competition. State regulators, not the city, decide whether Waymo can operate in California, so the service went ahead. The debate isn't over, and local rules could still change.
San Diego tips
- Padres games at Petco Park and Comic-Con weekends mean heavy demand; book early.
- Beach trips: shake off the sand. Messes can mean a cleaning fee. See cleaning fees.
- Prices rise at busy times. See Waymo prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is Waymo available in San Diego?
Yes. Waymo has been open to everyone in San Diego since October 14, 2026, after letting riders in from its interest list from September 1. It runs 24/7 in the Waymo app.
Does Waymo go to San Diego airport?
Not as of October 2026. San Diego International (SAN) isn't a Waymo pickup point yet.
Does Waymo go to Ocean Beach and Mission Bay?
Yes. Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs and Mission Bay are part of the launch area, along with Downtown, the Gaslamp, Little Italy, Hillcrest, North Park, South Park and Balboa Park.
What car does Waymo use in San Diego?
The Ojai, Waymo's new vehicle built on a Zeekr base, with sliding doors and four passenger seats.
Update log
- Guide published with the October 14, 2026 public opening and launch service area.
Sources and official texts