In this guide
Short answer: Waymo is open to everyone in metro Phoenix, 24/7, across more than 350 square miles covering parts of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert. It picks up at the curb at Sky Harbor around the clock, is the only Waymo city where freeway trips are back (since July 29, 2026), and offers teen accounts for ages 13 to 17.
Phoenix is where Waymo started: it was the first place in the world where the public could ride a fully driverless taxi. It remains Waymo's largest service area and the most complete service. For other cities see every Waymo city.
Where Waymo goes in the Valley
- Phoenix: Downtown, Midtown, Arcadia, Biltmore and the areas around Sky Harbor.
- Scottsdale: Old Town and much of central Scottsdale, plus Scottsdale Airpark.
- Tempe and Mesa: including Arizona State University's Tempe campus area.
- Chandler, Gilbert and San Tan Ranch: about 55 square miles added on August 13, 2026.
The East Valley is where Waymo began testing a decade ago, so service there is mature. Check the app's map for the exact edge before planning a trip to the suburbs.
Sky Harbor airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor was the first airport in the world with robotaxi pickups. Waymo stops at the curb at the terminals 24 hours a day, and freeway routing to the airport was restored on July 29, 2026, which cuts trip times from Scottsdale and Tempe. Waymo also serves Scottsdale Airpark and says Phoenix-Mesa Gateway is next. More in Waymo at the airport.
Freeways are back
In May 2026 Waymo paused freeway trips everywhere after regulators found its cars had missed ramp closures in construction zones, including in Phoenix. After a software update on its fleet, Phoenix became the first city to get freeway trips back, gradually, from July 29, 2026. The app only routes you on a freeway when it is meaningfully faster.
Teen accounts in Phoenix
Phoenix is one of two cities (with Nashville) where Waymo offers teen accounts. Teens aged 13 to 17 can ride on their own with an account linked to a parent or guardian, and can bring up to three guests aged 13 or older. Elsewhere, under-18s can only ride as guests of an adult account holder. Full rules, including car seats, in can kids and teens ride Waymo?
Accessibility
In Phoenix, wheelchair users can request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle by contacting Waymo support (in San Francisco and LA it is a setting in the app). These vans are driven by a person, who can help secure the wheelchair. The regular cars work with screen readers and can honk or play a melody to help blind riders find them.
Phoenix tips
- Summer cabins get hot fast: the car is cooled before pickup, and you can adjust the climate from the rear screen.
- For Cardinals, Diamondbacks or Suns games and spring training, book from a few blocks away to avoid event traffic.
- Tesla has named Phoenix as a coming robotaxi city, and Zoox is testing here, but as of October 21, 2026 Waymo is the only public driverless service in the Valley.
Frequently asked questions
Is Waymo in Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa?
Yes. The Phoenix service area covers more than 350 square miles, including parts of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert. The app shows the exact boundary.
Does Waymo go to Phoenix Sky Harbor?
Yes, around the clock, with curbside pickup and drop-off at the terminals. Waymo also serves Scottsdale Airpark and says Phoenix-Mesa Gateway will follow.
Can my teenager ride Waymo alone in Phoenix?
Yes, with a teen account. In Phoenix, teens aged 13 to 17 can have their own account linked to a parent or guardian, and can bring up to three guests aged 13 or older.
Does Waymo use freeways in Phoenix?
Yes. Phoenix was the first city where Waymo resumed freeway trips, on July 29, 2026, after a pause that began in May. They are rolling back gradually and only used when they save time.
Update log
- Guide published with the August 2026 East Valley expansion (Gilbert, Chandler, San Tan Ranch).
Sources and official texts