Tesla’s self-driving taxi service is now a reality. If you’re wondering where you can actually catch a ride in one of these cars, this guide covers everything you need to know about Tesla Robotaxi service areas, how to book a ride, and what’s coming next.
What Are Tesla Robotaxi Service Areas?
Tesla Robotaxi service areas are the specific zones where Tesla’s self-driving taxi service operates. These areas are also called geofences. As of January 2026, the service is live in two major US cities with more on the way.
Current Cities Where Tesla Robotaxi Operates
Austin, Texas: Where It All Started
Tesla launched its first Robotaxi service in Austin on June 22, 2025. The service started small with just 20 square miles of coverage. Today, it covers about 171 square miles after three major expansions.
The latest expansion doubled the service area. It now reaches northwest and east of the original boundaries. The best part? The service now includes Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. You can take a Robotaxi to and from the airport.
Austin is special because the cars operate with no one in the driver’s seat. Instead, a safety operator sits in the front passenger seat. They can take control if needed. Tesla has been testing rides with no safety monitor at all since mid-December 2025. This brings the service closer to true self-driving.
The service runs from 6 AM to 2 AM Central Time. Right now, rides are limited to roads with speed limits of 40 mph or less during daylight and good weather.
San Francisco Bay Area
Tesla launched in the San Francisco Bay Area at the end of July 2025. The coverage area is huge. It stretches from South San Francisco and Berkeley down through Hayward, Fremont, and into San Jose. That’s about 80 miles from north to south.
But here’s the catch. California has stricter rules than Texas. Every ride in the Bay Area requires a safety driver behind the wheel. Their hands must stay on or near the wheel the entire time. This makes it feel more like a regular Uber ride than a self-driving car.
Tesla hasn’t gotten the permits needed from California regulators to operate truly driverless cars. The technology is the same as Austin, but human oversight is required by law.
Pricing is also higher in the Bay Area. Fares are about double what Austin charges. They’re similar to what you’d pay for Uber or Waymo.
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The Cars: Tesla Model Y
All Tesla Robotaxis are currently Model Y vehicles. Specifically, they’re the long-range dual-motor version. But these aren’t regular Model Ys you can buy at a dealership.
The Technology Inside
Tesla uses a “vision-only” system. This means the cars rely on eight cameras and artificial intelligence to navigate. They don’t use Lidar or radar like competitors such as Waymo do.
Some experts worry that cameras alone aren’t enough. They say Lidar provides extra safety, especially in bad weather or low light. But Tesla believes that if humans can drive with just their eyes, AI can do it with cameras.
These Model Ys have Hardware 4 (also called AI4). This is Tesla’s most advanced computer for self-driving. The cars run Full Self-Driving software that’s specifically tuned for taxi operations. Regular Tesla owners don’t have access to this version yet.
The newer Model Y vehicles include an extra camera on the front bumper. This gives better visibility of what’s directly in front of the car.
How Many Cars Are Out There?
As of mid-December 2025, Tesla has about 135 robotaxis operating across Austin and the Bay Area. That’s tiny compared to Waymo’s fleet, but Tesla plans to scale up fast once they get more regulatory approvals.
The Cybercab: Tesla’s Future Robotaxi
The Model Y is just the beginning. Tesla has designed a car specifically for self-driving taxi service called the Cybercab.
What Makes It Different
The Cybercab is built from the ground up for autonomous driving. It has no steering wheel, no pedals, and no side mirrors. It only seats two passengers. The doors open upward like butterfly wings. It looks futuristic with massive disc wheels.
Inside, there’s just one screen and plenty of space. Without driver controls, the cabin can focus entirely on passenger comfort.
When Will It Launch?
Elon Musk announced that production will start in April 2026 at Tesla’s factory in Texas. He said this at shareholder meetings and earnings calls. But Tesla has a history of missing deadlines, so take this date with a grain of salt.
Musk described the manufacturing process as more like making smartphones than traditional cars. He claims Tesla will build one Cybercab every 10 seconds once production ramps up.
The goal is to reach full production by the end of 2026. Tesla wants to make 2 million Cybercabs per year eventually. Musk even mentioned 5 million per year is theoretically possible, though that seems far-fetched right now.
The Price
Musk unveiled the Cybercab with a target price under $30,000. He even said riding in one could be cheaper than taking a bus. Whether these promises hold up remains to be seen.
Where Is Tesla Robotaxi Expanding Next?
Tesla has big plans beyond Austin and the Bay Area.
Confirmed Next Cities
At the 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting, Tesla named five cities for expansion:
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Dallas, Texas
- Houston, Texas
- Miami, Florida
Tesla vs. Waymo: How They Compare
Here’s how Tesla stacks up against Waymo, the current market leader:
| Metric | Tesla Robotaxi | Waymo |
|---|---|---|
| Current Cities | 2 (Austin, SF Bay Area) | 5 (Austin, SF Bay Area, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Atlanta) |
| Fleet Size | ~135 vehicles | 700+ vehicles |
| Austin Coverage | ~171 square miles | Smaller than Tesla |
| Fully Driverless? | Only in some Austin rides | Yes, in all markets |
| Operating Hours | 6 AM – 2 AM CT | 24/7 in most markets |
| Technology | 8 cameras only | Lidar, radar, and cameras |
| Annual Rides | Unknown (newly launched) | 20+ million projected for 2025 |
How to Hail a Tesla Robotaxi
Ready to try a Tesla Robotaxi? Here’s exactly how to get a ride.
No More Waitlist
As of November 2025, Tesla removed the waitlist. Anyone in North America with an iPhone can now download the app and use it immediately. No invitation needed.
Here’s the catch: you can download the app from anywhere, but rides only work in Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area. If you’re in New York or Miami, you can access the app but can’t book a ride until Tesla launches there.
This is a big change because when the service started in June 2025, only influencers, investors, and Tesla employees could use it.
How to Book Your First Ride
Step 1: Get the App
Download the Tesla Robotaxi app from the Apple App Store. Search for “Tesla Robotaxi” and download the official app from Tesla, Inc. Android users will have to wait a bit longer.
Step 2: Log In
You need a Tesla Account. If you own a Tesla or have registered on Tesla’s website, use those login details. Don’t have an account? You can create one in the app for free. It takes just a few minutes.
Step 3: Pick Your Region
Choose either Austin or San Francisco Bay Area. The app shows a map of where service is available. This geofenced area is where you can start and end your trip.
Step 4: Request a Ride
Enter your pickup and drop-off locations. You can track your Robotaxi in real-time as it approaches.
Step 5: Get In
When your Tesla Model Y arrives, check that the license plate matches the app before getting in. In Austin, the driver’s seat is empty. A safety operator sits in the passenger seat (though some rides now have no human at all). In the Bay Area, a safety driver sits behind the wheel.
You can’t sit in the front-left driver’s seat. Use the rear seats. Each car holds up to three passengers plus the safety monitor if there is one.
Step 6: Control Your Ride
Use the car’s touchscreen to adjust climate, play music, and watch your trip progress. The car connects to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other services.
If something feels wrong, tap “Pull Over” on the touchscreen or in your app. The car will stop at a safe spot. Or tap “Support” to instantly connect with Tesla’s customer support team.
Step 7: Finish Your Trip
When you arrive, just exit the car. The app automatically ends the trip and asks for feedback. Your input helps Tesla improve the service.
Who Can Ride?
Tesla has clear rules about who can use the service:
- Age: You must be 18 or older to ride alone. Ages 13-17 can ride with an adult. No children under 13 allowed. This is stricter than Waymo, which has no age limits.
- Passengers: Up to three riders per car, plus the safety monitor if there is one.
- Service Animals: Disabled riders can bring service animals. Other pets aren’t allowed.
- Location: While the app works anywhere in North America, rides only work in Austin and the Bay Area.
What It Costs
Austin rides are cheap. Tesla charges a flat rate plus taxes and fees. Early reports say rides cost about 80% less than Uber or Waymo. That’s huge savings and reflects lower costs without a human driver.
Bay Area pricing is different. Fares are about double Austin’s rates and match traditional ride-hailing services. The higher price covers the cost of the required safety driver.
Tesla labels these prices as “subject to change.” Current rates are part of an introductory program to encourage people to try the service.
If You’re Not in a Service Area
Want to know when Tesla comes to your city? Here’s how to stay updated:
Sign Up: Visit tesla.com/robotaxi and fill out the form. You’ll get notified when service launches in your area.
Follow Updates: The verified @robotaxi account on X (formerly Twitter) announces expansions and new features.
Watch Job Postings: Tesla hiring patterns show where they’re expanding next. Job postings for Robotaxi Fleet Support Specialists appear before launches.
The Bottom Line
What’s clear is that Tesla Robotaxi service areas will keep expanding and the technology will keep evolving.
The autonomous vehicle revolution is underway.
Want to try a Tesla Robotaxi? Download the Tesla Robotaxi app or visit tesla.com/robotaxi to sign up for updates about when service launches in your area.
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I’m Dr. Brandial Bright, also known as the AVangelist. As a dedicated and passionate researcher in autonomous and electric vehicles (AVs and EVs), my mission is to educate and raise awareness within the automotive industry. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Fifth Level Consulting, I promote the adoption and innovation of advanced vehicle technologies through speaking engagements, consulting, and research as we progress to level 5 fully autonomous vehicles.
