Waymo to Launch Fully Driverless Ride-Hailing Service in London by 2026
Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle unit, Waymo, has announced plans to launch its fully driverless ride-hailing service in London in 2026, signalling a major step in its global expansion strategy. The move will make London one of the first international cities to experience Waymo’s robotaxi technology outside the United States.
The company confirmed that its autonomous vehicles are en route to London, where safety drivers will begin preliminary testing ahead of the service’s official rollout.
Expanding Beyond the U.S.
Waymo’s entry into London marks its first major international market expansion after years of steady growth across the U.S. Despite the challenges of strict regulations and high development costs, Waymo has established itself as a leader in the autonomous driving industry.
Currently, the company operates over 1,500 autonomous vehicles and completes more than 250,000 paid rides weekly in major U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Austin.
Earlier in 2025, Waymo began data collection and human-driven testing in Tokyo, Japan, in collaboration with local taxi operator Nihon Kotsu and ride-hailing app Go.
Partnership with Moove for London Operations
In London, Waymo will partner with Moove, a vehicle financing and fleet management firm, to oversee fleet operations, facilities, and charging infrastructure. The partnership mirrors Waymo’s U.S. collaborations in Phoenix and Miami, where Moove supports similar logistics and infrastructure needs.
Waymo said it is actively engaging with both local and national regulators in the United Kingdom to ensure compliance and secure the necessary operational approvals.
Competitive Landscape in the UK
Waymo’s UK expansion comes as competition intensifies in the autonomous ride-hailing space. Uber announced earlier this year that it would trial fully driverless rides in the UK starting in spring 2026 through its partnership with AI startup Wayve, signalling an impending showdown between major players in the robotaxi race.
While commercialising autonomous vehicles has proven challenging in the U.S., with companies such as GM’s Cruise facing recalls, collisions, and regulatory investigations. Waymo appears to be leveraging a more cautious, phased rollout model that emphasises safety validation and regulatory collaboration.
Paving the Way for Europe’s Autonomous Future
Waymo’s London launch underscores the growing global momentum for self-driving technology as cities prepare to integrate AI-driven mobility solutions. The company’s strategic expansion—combining partnerships, compliance, and proven operational models, positions it as a frontrunner in the next generation of urban transportation.
If successful, London could serve as a blueprint for further European expansion, ushering in a new era of safe, sustainable, and fully autonomous ride-hailing services across the continent.
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