Waymo

Manual WAV options checked October 30

Waymo’s WAV help page describes manually driven alternatives, not autonomous rides, and says requesting riders must be 18 or older. In San Francisco and Los Angeles, requests use the Waymo app’s Accessibility/WAV flow. In Phoenix, Waymo Support arranges the vehicle through the app’s Accessibility contact option.¹²

For Las Vegas, the page refers riders to Nellis Cab, Deluxe Cab and Western Cab Company. For San Diego, it lists Happy2Help Transportation and FACT. These are local-provider referrals, not a promise of a Waymo Driver vehicle or coverage of every address.¹²

The stated driver help covers boarding and securing the wheelchair and rider, with no extended assistance outside the vehicle. Confirm coverage, timing, fare and any companion or child-restraint needs with the provider. Ordinary autonomous-ride capacity and rules do not establish those terms for a WAV.¹²

Where can you book a ride?

As of October 26, 2026, Waymo lists service in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area and Tampa. Austin and Atlanta rides use Uber: riders can express a Waymo preference and may receive a match for a trip inside the operating area. A preference does not guarantee a Waymo vehicle.²⁵

Check account access before relying on Denver or Las Vegas for a time-sensitive trip. Waymo's general FAQ says Denver has immediate app access, while its dedicated service-area page says riders are being added gradually. Las Vegas also has a gradual-rollout label. London and Tokyo appear under the separate Up Next heading, so they are future destinations rather than current booking options.⁴³²

Can everyone in your party travel?

Waymo's direct-service rules allow up to four riders. Children under eight need a suitable child or booster seat brought and secured in the rear, and cannot use the front passenger seat. Under-18 guests may accompany an adult, with parental or guardian consent when required. Check these rules before booking, and check the applicable Uber terms separately for Austin and Atlanta.⁷⁵

If a passenger needs to stay seated in a wheelchair, confirm the accessible-vehicle arrangement before booking. Waymo lists manually driven wheelchair-accessible options in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Las Vegas, with arrangements that differ by city. Those are separate from an ordinary autonomous ride.⁸

Can a teenager ride without an adult?

Waymo's official pages disagree about teen eligibility. The dedicated teen-account guidance describes linked parent or guardian accounts for ages 13 to 17 in Phoenix metro and Nashville; the general FAQ says ages 14 to 17 in Phoenix. Confirm eligibility for the teenager, account and city before arranging unaccompanied travel.¹¹³

What should you check before setting off?

Airport trips have their own pickup instructions. Waymo lists arrangements at Phoenix Sky Harbor, San Antonio and San José Mineta, while Harry Reid, Nashville and San Francisco initially serve selected riders. At San Francisco, the listed locations are the Rental Car Center and Grand Hyatt rather than a terminal curb. Allow time for the transfer when choosing a pickup.⁹

The app shows a fare before booking, with pricing and changes depending on the trip. In the vehicle, use the passenger controls and Support rather than the driving controls. Waymo says it records cabin video during trips, with audio recorded during support calls or when microphones are actively enabled.³⁷¹⁰

Try the comparison with one journey you already make: a station pickup, an evening out or a visit across town. Check coverage, passenger eligibility, luggage and the return trip before comparing the fare. The useful question is whether the service can handle that whole journey.²³⁷

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