Waymo Secures Permit to Launch Robotaxi Service at San Jose Airport
Key Points
- Waymo cleared to test robotaxi rides at San Jose Mineta International Airport
- Commercial service at the airport targeted for later this year
- Existing 24/7 curbside service at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport since August 2024
- Fleet exceeds 2,000 autonomous vehicles across multiple U.S. markets
- Expansion announced for Denver, Seattle, Dallas, Miami, Washington, D.C., and New York City
Waymo has received clearance to begin testing robotaxi (autonomous) rides at San Jose Mineta International Airport, marking its first airport service in California. The company plans to move from testing to commercial rides later this year. Waymo previously opened curbside service at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport and expanded to 24/7 operation, reporting hundreds of thousands of trips. Its fleet now exceeds 2,000 vehicles across multiple U.S. markets, and the firm continues to announce expansion to additional cities including Denver, Seattle, Dallas, Miami, Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Permit and Upcoming Service at San Jose Airport
Waymo announced that it has been cleared to operate its autonomous robotaxi service at San Jose Mineta International Airport. The approval allows the company to begin testing rides in the coming months, with a goal of launching commercial service by the end of the year. This represents Waymo’s first airport permit in California after previous attempts at other airports were not successful.
Existing Airport Operations in Phoenix
Waymo already provides curbside drop‑off and pick‑up services at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport. The service started in late 2023 and was later expanded to 24/7 operation in August 2024. Since its launch, Waymo reports that the Phoenix airport has become its most popular destination, with hundreds of thousands of trips to and from the facility.
Fleet Growth and Regional Presence
The autonomous‑vehicle fleet now numbers more than 2,000 robotaxis nationwide. The distribution includes roughly 800 vehicles in the Bay Area, about 500 in Los Angeles, around 400 in Phoenix, approximately 100 in Austin, and dozens in Atlanta. This sizable fleet underpins Waymo’s ability to support both existing services and upcoming expansions.
Future Expansion Plans
Waymo continues to broaden its geographic footprint. Recent announcements detail plans to extend service to Denver and Seattle. Earlier initiatives also outlined upcoming launches in Dallas, Miami, and Washington, D.C. Additionally, the company received approval to begin testing its vehicles in New York City, indicating a continued push into major urban markets across the United States.