What Uber is doing with self-driving technology right now
Uber does not currently operate a fleet of self-driving cars for passenger rides in most places. The company has invested in autonomous vehicle research and partnerships, but the vehicles you request through the Uber app today are driven by human drivers. Uber shut down its own self-driving car division in 2020 and now partners with other companies — like Waymo and Motional — that are testing autonomous vehicles in limited cities.
In a few specific locations, you may see Uber advertising rides in self-driving cars as an option. Waymo operates autonomous taxi service in parts of Phoenix, Arizona and San Francisco, California, and Motional operates in Las Vegas, Nevada. These are pilot programs, not citywide services. If you live outside these areas, self-driving Uber rides are not yet available to you.
The shift toward autonomous vehicles is happening slowly because the technology is still being tested, regulated, and refined. States and cities have different rules about where and how self-driving cars can operate. Insurance, liability, and safety standards are still being worked out in courts and legislatures.
Key Takeaways
- Uber does not operate its own self-driving fleet; it partners with companies like Waymo and Motional that run autonomous taxi services in specific cities.
- Self-driving Uber rides are only available in parts of Phoenix, San Francisco, and Las Vegas as of now, and availability changes as pilots expand or pause.
- When you request a ride in a city with autonomous options, the app may show you both human-driven and self-driving choices at different prices.
- Self-driving cars typically charge a different rate than human-driven Uber rides, and surge pricing rules may differ between the two options.
- If something goes wrong during a self-driving ride — an accident, a safety issue, or a complaint — the liability and your recourse depend on which company operates the vehicle.
Where you can currently request a self-driving Uber ride
Waymo operates autonomous taxis in Phoenix (through a service called Waymo One) and in San Francisco. In Phoenix, Waymo's service covers parts of the city and surrounding areas; in San Francisco, the service area is limited to specific neighborhoods. Motional runs autonomous rides in Las Vegas under a partnership that includes Uber integration.
These services are expanding and contracting based on testing results, regulatory approval, and operational capacity. A city that has autonomous rides today may pause the service temporarily, and a city without them may add them in the future. The best way to know whether self-driving rides are available where you are is to open the Uber app, enter your pickup and dropoff locations, and see what options appear.
If self-driving rides show up as an option, the app will tell you which company operates the vehicle and may show you the price difference compared to a human-driven ride. You can choose which type of ride you want, or you can request only human-driven rides if you prefer.
How pricing and payment work for self-driving Uber rides
Self-driving Uber rides are priced separately from human-driven rides. The base fare, per-mile rate, and per-minute rate may be different. In some cases, self-driving rides cost less because there is no driver to pay; in other cases, they cost more because the technology is new and the companies are recovering development costs. The exact price depends on which company operates the vehicle and which city you are in.
Surge pricing — the temporary price increase during high-demand periods — applies to self-driving rides, but the surge multiplier may be different from human-driven rides. If human-driven rides are surging at 1.5x and self-driving rides are surging at 1.2x, you will see both prices in the app before you confirm your ride.
Payment works the same way as a regular Uber ride: you pay through the app using a credit card, debit card, or other payment method linked to your account. The charge appears on your receipt and your account history just like any other Uber trip.
Safety and liability if something goes wrong
If a self-driving Uber ride is involved in an accident or you experience a safety problem, the liability and your options depend on which company operates the vehicle. Waymo, Motional, and Uber each have insurance and legal responsibility frameworks, but they are not identical.
If you are injured or your property is damaged, you may be able to file a claim with the operating company's insurance. You should report the incident through the Uber app immediately — take photos, note the time and location, and document any injuries or damage. Keep a copy of your trip receipt and any medical records or repair estimates.
If you want to pursue a claim or legal action, you will likely need to contact the autonomous vehicle company directly, not just Uber. The app should provide contact information for the operating company, or you can find it on their website. Some states have specific laws about autonomous vehicle liability; your state's attorney general's office or a local consumer protection agency can tell you what applies where you live.
What happens inside a self-driving Uber car
A self-driving Uber ride operates without a human driver in the front seat. The vehicle has cameras, sensors, and a computer system that navigate the route, follow traffic laws, and respond to obstacles. Some autonomous vehicles have a safety operator or monitor who can take control if needed, depending on the company and the stage of testing.
You enter the vehicle using a code or app unlock, and the car takes you to your destination. You can communicate with a remote support team through an in-car screen or speaker system if you have a question or concern. When you arrive, you exit the vehicle and the trip ends in the app.
The experience is quieter and smoother than a human-driven ride in most cases, because the autonomous system does not accelerate or brake as abruptly. However, the car may move more slowly or take a longer route than a human driver would, because the system prioritizes safety over speed.
How Uber's business model is changing because of self-driving cars
Uber's long-term strategy includes reducing its dependence on human drivers by shifting toward autonomous vehicles. This would lower Uber's labor costs and increase profit margins. However, the company still relies on human drivers for the vast majority of rides and will for years to come.
For riders, this shift means more options over time. You may eventually be able to choose between human-driven and self-driving rides in more cities, and prices may change as autonomous fleets scale up. For drivers, it means uncertainty about the future of driving as a job with Uber, though that transition is not happening overnight.
Uber is also testing autonomous delivery and freight services, not just passenger rides. These experiments are separate from the passenger ride program but use similar technology and partnerships.
Regulations and legal status of self-driving Uber rides
Self-driving cars are regulated by state and local governments, not by Uber or the autonomous vehicle companies alone. Each state has different rules about where autonomous vehicles can operate, whether they need a human safety operator, what insurance they must carry, and how accidents are handled.
California, Arizona, and Nevada have been more permissive than other states, which is why Waymo and Motional operate there. Other states are still developing regulations or have not yet approved autonomous taxi services. If you live in a state without autonomous ride rules, self-driving Uber rides are not available because the state has not authorized them.
Federal regulators — including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — are also developing standards for autonomous vehicles. These standards may eventually apply nationwide, but for now, state and local rules are the primary constraint on where and how self-driving Uber rides can operate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request only a human driver if I do not want a self-driving car?
Yes. In cities where both options are available, the Uber app shows you both choices before you confirm your ride. You can select a human-driven ride and the app will match you with a driver. You are never forced to take a self-driving ride.
What if the self-driving car breaks down or gets stuck during my ride?
The autonomous vehicle company has a remote support team that can communicate with you through the in-car screen or speaker. They can help troubleshoot the problem or arrange for a human driver or tow truck to assist. You should not be stranded; the company is responsible for getting you to your destination or providing a refund.
Is a self-driving Uber ride cheaper than a human-driven ride?
It depends on the city and the company. In some cases, self-driving rides cost less; in others, they cost more. The Uber app shows you the price for both options before you book, so you can compare and choose based on price and preference.
Will Uber stop using human drivers and go fully autonomous?
Not in the near future. Uber still relies on human drivers for the vast majority of rides and will for many years. Self-driving technology is still being tested and refined, and regulations are still being developed. Human drivers will remain a core part of Uber's service for the foreseeable future.
What states and cities will get self-driving Uber rides next?
Uber and its partners have not announced specific timelines for expansion to other cities. Availability depends on regulatory approval, testing results, and operational readiness. You can check the Uber app in your city to see if self-driving rides are available, or contact Uber support to ask about plans for your area.