Requesting Autonomous Rides and Fare Estimates
Waymo turns an Android phone into the starting point for a fully autonomous trip. After creating an account, riders can enter a destination, review available pickup and drop-off locations, see an estimated fare, and request a vehicle in a supported service area. The app keeps the booking flow focused on where the trip begins, where it ends, and when the car should arrive.
Ride scheduling extends this workflow beyond immediate requests, with pickup times available up to an hour ahead in participating areas. The map-based setup can account for service boundaries and suitable curb locations, helping riders confirm the trip before a car is assigned. This makes Waymo useful for planned appointments as well as shorter, on-demand journeys.
Pickup Guidance and Secure Car Access
Once a vehicle is assigned, Waymo helps riders move from the map to the correct car. Pickup guidance can direct them toward the selected curb location, while Find My Car tools provide turn-by-turn directions and ways to identify the arriving vehicle. Riders can also use initials shown on the roof display, play a melody, or honk the horn when available.
Bluetooth-based proximity access lets the account holder unlock the assigned vehicle through the app, with automatic unlocking available for supported cars and settings. Arrival notifications and live trip details reduce the need to wait at the exact pickup point without updates. These tools are especially helpful in busy streets, large venues, or unfamiliar neighborhoods where several vehicles may be nearby.
In-Ride Controls, Route Changes, and Support
After boarding, riders buckle up and start the trip from the passenger screen. Waymo shows the route and the surrounding view interpreted by the Waymo Driver, while app and in-car controls can handle practical choices such as cabin temperature and selected audio. The ride remains private, without a human driver occupying the front seat.
Plans can change after departure: riders can update the destination, add a stop, or request a pull-over through the available controls. Live arrival details can be shared with friends or family, and Rider Support is available from the app or passenger screen when help is needed. Together, these controls keep navigation, comfort, communication, and assistance within the same ride workflow.
Multi-Stop Errands and Flexible Trip Planning
Waymo supports trips with multiple destinations, which can fit errands, coffee stops, shopping, or picking up and dropping off a companion. Riders can arrange up to four stops where the feature is available, reorder plans, and create round trips. Fare and timing may change when a destination or stop is added, so the app presents updated trip information before the request is finalized.
At a stop, riders can remain in the car briefly or leave and request the next pickup when ready, depending on the trip rules and location. A different vehicle may continue the next leg, so belongings should travel with the rider. This flexible structure gives the app value beyond a simple one-way ride while keeping each leg tied to the rider's account and itinerary.
