Waymo plans to begin testing its robotaxis in Madrid, Alcobendas and Getafe and receive its first passengers in 2027. For now, it does not offer commercial rides in the region.
The autonomous vehicle company Waymo expects to test its robotaxis in the Community of Madrid and welcome its first passengers in 2027, as announced on October 20, 2026. As reported by NeoTeo, the company does not yet offer commercial rides in the region.
The initial tests would take place in Madrid, Alcobendas and Getafe, although Waymo does not rule out adding other areas. The trials would be conducted day and night, typically 24 hours a day.
The company outlines three stages: manual driving, technical validation with trained local specialists behind the wheel, and later, fully autonomous operations. Additionally, it plans to adapt its Waymo Driver system to Spanish roads, signs, and traffic patterns.
The Instruction VEH 2025/07 from the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) establishes the framework for authorising and supervising tests of automated vehicles on public roads. This instruction does not, by itself, grant permission to Waymo nor enable a commercial passenger service, and the company states that it is working with authorities to obtain the necessary permits.
Regarding privacy, Waymo claims that its vehicles process environmental data to operate and validate the system, and that it will collect data to adapt Waymo Driver to Spanish conditions. The company asserts that it does not use facial recognition or other biometric identification methods, does not sell the data, and does not use it for advertising purposes. It also states that it will comply with the General Data Protection Regulation and applicable Spanish legislation.
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