Waymo's cars will start circulating in Madrid, Alcobendas and Getafe in the coming weeks, with a person at the wheel. Passenger trips are expected to begin in 2027.
According to madridinforma.es, Waymo robotaxis will begin operating in Madrid, Alcobendas and Getafe in the coming weeks, although initially they will have a person at the wheel. The company announced on 20 October 2026 that it will start testing before offering commercial rides, expected in 2027.
The arrival coincides with the pilot project of the Community of Madrid, presented on 10 September for the last quarter of the year. This project has an initial duration of two years, which can be extended, and does not grant new taxi licenses or VTC authorisations.
The General Directorate of Traffic updated its ES-AV Programme registry on 20 October with 16 Waymo vehicles and 20 from Avomo Cars, associated with WeRide and Uber. These are 36 level 4 automated cars with a national scope, but the authorisation does not imply that all will operate simultaneously in Madrid or provide a commercial service.
Waymo will use electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles equipped with cameras, radars and lidar sensors. Initially, they will drive manually to understand local conditions and then conduct automated tests with validation specialists at the wheel.
According to the DGT programme, the first two phases of testing require a safety operator inside the vehicle. The pre-deployment phase allows for the absence of this physical presence but requires remote supervision.
For residents, this means they will be able to see these cars on the streets of the region, but not request a ride. Uber maintains its intention to start its service in 2026, although this is not confirmed, and Waymo has not published fares or a date for public opening.
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