The autonomous vehicle company Waymo announced it will launch its driverless ride-hailing service in London in 2026, marking the company’s first international expansion beyond the United States. A fleet of all-electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles will begin navigating the capital’s streets within weeks, initially with trained human safety specialists behind the wheel, to gather data and adapt its systems ahead of the full commercial launch. This phased rollout is the first step toward making fully autonomous “robotaxi” services a reality for Londoners.
The move signifies a major milestone for the United Kingdom’s burgeoning autonomous vehicle sector, positioning London as a key European hub for the technology. Waymo’s expansion is enabled by the UK’s recent Automated Vehicles Act, passed in May 2024, which created a regulatory framework for the safe deployment of self-driving vehicles on public roads. Supported by a government strategy to accelerate autonomous technology adoption, the launch sets the stage for a significant shift in urban mobility, pitting advanced AI-driven transport against the city’s established network of buses, tubes, and iconic black cabs.
Phased Rollout and Operational Groundwork
Waymo’s entry into London will be gradual and methodical, beginning with a period of extensive testing. The initial fleet of Jaguar I-Pace vehicles will operate with safety drivers to map the city and fine-tune the Waymo Driver system for local conditions. This testing phase will concentrate on a 100-square-mile area of the city, focusing on the unique challenges presented by London’s dense and dynamic environment. The company stated it will work closely with Transport for London and the Department for Transport to secure the necessary permits for full commercial operations.
To manage its physical presence, Waymo has partnered with Moove, a UK-based mobility company, which will oversee the management and maintenance of the local vehicle fleet. Once regulatory approvals are finalized, the company plans to launch its paid ride-hailing service through the Waymo One app, allowing the public to summon a fully autonomous vehicle. This model mirrors its successful operations in several major US cities, including Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
A Favorable Regulatory Climate
The UK government has actively cultivated an environment to attract autonomous vehicle companies, a strategy that directly paved the way for Waymo’s decision. The cornerstone of this effort is the Automated Vehicles Act of 2024, which establishes a legal framework holding companies, rather than individuals, responsible for the vehicle’s actions when in autonomous mode. This legislation is designed to ensure that self-driving vehicles meet a safety standard “as high as, or higher than, a careful and competent human driver.”
Government officials have publicly welcomed the investment. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed her support, stating: “I’m delighted that Waymo intends to bring their services to London next year, under our proposed piloting scheme.” In June 2025, the transport ministry confirmed it was accelerating its implementation of the act to permit automated passenger service pilots to begin in 2026, a year ahead of the original schedule. A wider, more comprehensive rollout of autonomous services is anticipated after the act takes full effect in late 2027.
Navigating a Complex Urban Environment
London presents a formidable challenge for autonomous driving technology, with a streetscape far more complex than the grid-based layouts of many American cities where Waymo first launched. The company’s AI must adapt to conditions that its founder, Sebastian Thrun, admitted he “never envisioned” for an autonomous rollout.
Road and Traffic Complexity
The city’s narrow, winding streets, intricate roundabouts, and constant congestion create a demanding environment for sensors and software. The Waymo Driver will need to reliably navigate interactions with double-decker buses, a high volume of cyclists, and pedestrians accustomed to crossing streets outside of marked crosswalks. Waymo has stated that mastering this complex environment is a key objective of its initial testing phase.
Weather and Sensor Adaptation
Beyond the physical layout, London’s notoriously variable weather adds another layer of difficulty. Rain, fog, and low-light conditions can interfere with the performance of LiDAR, cameras, and radar, the core sensors that allow an autonomous vehicle to perceive its surroundings. Adapting the system’s performance to ensure safety and reliability in adverse weather will be critical for the service’s viability throughout the year.
Technology Backed by Extensive Experience
While the London launch is a first for Europe, Waymo is not a new entrant to the field. The company, which originated as Google’s self-driving car project, has accumulated more than a decade of experience and vast amounts of real-world data. Its vehicles have driven over 100 million fully autonomous miles on public roads across its US operations. This extensive testing has translated into a significant commercial service, with the company providing over 10 million paid rides to passengers.
Waymo leverages this experience to make a strong safety case for its technology. According to company data, its autonomous vehicles are involved in five times fewer crashes that result in injuries compared to vehicles driven by humans. In the United States, the company currently operates a fleet of over 2,000 vehicles and provides more than 250,000 paid rides each week, demonstrating a scalable and mature operational model it intends to replicate in the UK.
Market Entry and Local Reaction
Waymo’s arrival is expected to have a significant economic impact and will introduce a new layer of competition to London’s transportation market. The UK government forecasts that the autonomous vehicle sector could contribute £42 billion to the nation’s economy and create up to 38,000 jobs by 2035. On a local level, the launch is expected to create new roles in fleet operations and depot management.
Competition and Incumbent Response
Waymo will not be alone in the market for long. Uber has also announced plans to launch its own self-driving taxi service in London in 2026, in partnership with the British AI firm Wayve. This sets the stage for direct competition between two major players in the ride-hailing and autonomous technology sectors.
The introduction of robotaxis has been met with skepticism from some existing transport providers. The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, which represents London’s black-cab drivers, has questioned the reliability and safety of the technology. Its general secretary, Steve McNamara, dismissed the service as a “fairground ride” and a “tourist attraction,” citing incidents in San Francisco where autonomous vehicles have reportedly stopped unexpectedly in traffic.
