Waymo’s Robotaxis Now Navigating Freeways in LA, San Francisco, and Phoenix
Sixteen years ago, Google’s self-driving project initiated its first autonomous vehicle tests on the freeway connecting Silicon Valley to San Francisco. This endeavor evolved into Waymo, which has since expanded its autonomous vehicle testing to various cities, eventually launching commercial robotaxi services in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Despite these advancements, freeway operations remained a challenge—until now.
On November 12, 2025, Waymo announced the commencement of robotaxi rides utilizing freeways in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. This significant expansion is projected to reduce ride durations by up to 50%, potentially attracting a broader user base requiring efficient travel between suburban areas in the San Francisco Bay Area or expedited commutes across the extensive Los Angeles and Phoenix metropolitan regions.
Integrating freeway routes is also crucial for Waymo’s plans to offer rides to and from San Francisco International Airport, a location currently under testing. Initially, this service will not be available to all riders. Users interested in freeway rides can indicate their preference within the Waymo app. Upon hailing a ride, they may be matched with a trip incorporating freeway segments.
The expansion extends Waymo’s robotaxi routes to San Jose, creating a unified 260-mile service area across the Peninsula. Additionally, the company will initiate curbside drop-off and pick-up services at San Jose Mineta International Airport, complementing its existing curbside service at Sky Harbor Phoenix International Airport.
Freeway driving is one of those things that’s very easy to learn, but very hard to master when we’re talking about full autonomy without a human driver as a backup, and at scale, stated Waymo co-CEO Dmitri Dolgov during a media briefing. It took time to do it properly, with a strong focus on system safety and reliability.
Waymo’s robotaxis have been observed on freeways for several months. TechCrunch experienced a test ride in the Phoenix area last year that included freeway segments. The company has been providing trips to employees for over a year and has expanded testing to include closed courses and simulations.
While freeway driving might seem simpler, it presents unique challenges. Principal software engineer Pierre Kreitmann noted that critical events occur less frequently on freeways, providing fewer opportunities to expose Waymo’s self-driving system to rare scenarios and assess its performance during crucial moments. To address this, the company augmented its public road driving with a combination of closed-course and simulation testing.
This comprehensive testing and software validation ensure that vehicles transition smoothly and safely between freeways and surface streets, recognizing and adapting to the distinct contexts of each road type. Waymo has also expanded its operational protocols, including coordination with safety officials like the California Highway Patrol, to accommodate its robotaxis’ presence on freeways.
This freeway integration marks a pivotal milestone in Waymo’s mission to provide efficient and reliable autonomous transportation solutions, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times for users across these major metropolitan areas.
