Waymo to Launch Robotaxi Test Rides in Munich; Planned Through 2027

Autonomous Driving Waymo Begins Robotaxi Test Rides in Munich

2026-08-26 By Holger Holzer/SP-X | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Waymo is bringing its driverless taxi service to Munich: The first mapping trips will begin in the coming weeks, and commercial robotaxi operations are scheduled to begin in late 2027.

Waymo has announced a robotaxi service for Munich.(Source: Waymo) — Waymo has announced a robotaxi service for Munich.
(Source: Waymo)

Waymo, a Google subsidiary, plans to bring its driverless taxi service to Germany. In the coming weeks, the first vehicles are expected to hit the roads in Munich for mapping trips. Commercial operations using fully autonomous vehicles are scheduled to begin in late 2027. Before then, the necessary regulatory approvals, among other requirements, must be obtained.

In the initial phase, Waymo plans to create high-resolution maps of Munich’s road network and collect data on local traffic conditions. This will be followed by autonomous test drives, during which specially trained safety drivers will remain behind the wheel. Only after that is driverless operation planned. The testing is scheduled to take place both during the day and at night in numerous Munich neighborhoods.

No Details on Waymo's Operations in Munich

Waymo emerged from Google’s self-driving project, which was launched in 2009. No specific service area for the future commercial ride-hailing service has yet been announced for the expansion into Munich. Prices and fleet size have also not been determined yet. Waymo operates commercial robotaxi services in several U.S. cities. According to the company, it now completes more than 500,000 trips per week in those cities.

Waymo's Competitors—Holon, Moia, and Momenta

The Chinese supplier Momenta also plans to launch a robotaxi service in Munich. To that end, the company is partnering with the ride-hailing platform Uber. In early August, Momenta announced that it had received approval from the Federal Motor Transport Authority for the Germany-wide deployment of its technology—initially for test drives. The tests in Munich are scheduled to begin later this year.

Startups like Wayve are developing software stacks that enable automated driving in new locations—without prior "training". (Image: Wayve)

Volkswagen is developing an autonomous ID Buzz in collaboration with Mobileye through its mobility subsidiary, Moia. Since July, select residents of Hamburg have been able to book rides in the self-driving minibuses. This is still a pilot program, but VW plans to turn it into a production-ready solution for public transit agencies and other fleet customers. In the long term, the autonomous ID Buzz is also set to operate in the U.S.

Another competitor from Germany is Holon. This Benteler subsidiary has also held a KBA test permit valid throughout Germany since the end of 2025. Unlike the competitors mentioned above, Holon relies on a vehicle concept that clearly sets itself apart from passenger cars. The interior, with its bucket seats and standing room, is more reminiscent of a tram or a city bus in miniature.

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