Robotaxis in Austin: A Family Guide to the Driverless Future

Book a Robotaxi in Austin? What Families Need to Know About the Future of Travel

Austin has officially joined the front lines of transportation innovation. With both Waymo and Tesla now operating robotaxis—driverless, electric taxis—families visiting the Texas capital have the unique opportunity to experience a futuristic mode of travel.

But how do these services work? Are they safe for kids? Can you bring a child seat? And how do you actually book a ride?

We recently tested both services as a traveling family, and here’s what we learned.

Waymo: The Most Family-Ready Robotaxi in Austin

Waymo, a subsidiary of Google’s parent company Alphabet, is currently the most established self-driving taxi service in Austin. The fleet consists of fully electric Jaguar I‑PACE vehicles that operate autonomously within designated areas, including downtown, South Congress, and parts of East Austin.

To ride, you’ll need to:

• Download the Waymo One app

• Request access (they’re expanding through a waitlist)

• Once invited, book rides just like Uber or Lyft

Car Seat Compatibility and Safety

Waymo vehicles do not provide built-in child seats, but you’re welcome to bring your own booster or car seat. The rear seats are spacious and equipped with standard seat belts. During our trip, we installed a foldable travel booster with ease.

Each ride includes:

• Real-time route tracking on the in-car display

• 24/7 remote monitoring by Waymo’s support team

• Emergency contact features via the screen and app

From a parent’s perspective, the ride was incredibly smooth. The car drove cautiously, stopped for pedestrians and cyclists, and even slowed for a squirrel crossing the street. The lack of a human driver was quickly forgotten once we saw how reliably the vehicle behaved.

Pricing

Waymo’s pricing is comparable to Uber and Lyft, with a typical 15-minute ride costing around $12–$16, depending on distance and time of day.

Tesla Robotaxis: The Newcomer with a Bold Approach

In June 2025, Tesla launched its robotaxi service in Austin using modified Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. At launch, the service is invitation-only, mostly targeting investors and early testers.

Tesla’s cars operate in a geofenced area of South Austin from 6 a.m. to midnight, with a human “safety monitor” sitting in the front passenger seat. Some rides are also supervised remotely.

Child Safety Considerations

Tesla robotaxis do not provide car seats, and families must bring their own. The Model Y has a roomy back seat and standard seat belts, making it possible to secure a child seat safely. That said, we noted some challenges:

• The vehicle made several sudden stops and unusual maneuvers during our ride

• Passengers have reported phantom braking and inconsistent lane behavior

• Tesla’s system is camera-only, unlike Waymo’s lidar and radar-based tech

We strongly recommend using a booster or travel car seat with a five-point harness and fastening it securely. While the ride was exciting for our older child, it might feel too unpredictable for babies or toddlers.

Pricing

Tesla’s current pricing is a flat $4.20 per ride, regardless of distance—an incredible deal, but one that reflects the service’s beta-phase status.

Booking Guide: Waymo vs. Tesla

Feature	Waymo	Tesla
Availability	Expanding, via waitlist	Invite-only (as of July 2025)
Booking Method	Waymo One app	Tesla app or private invite
Operating Zones	Downtown, East, South Austin	Geofenced zone in South Austin
Child Seats Provided	❌ Bring your own	❌ Bring your own
Safety Monitoring	Remote operators	In-car human monitor
Average Ride Cost	$12–$16 per ride	$4.20 flat fee
Best For	Families with kids 3+	Early adopters & tech fans

Should Families Book a Robotaxi in Austin?

If you're traveling with children aged 3 and up, and you bring your own booster seat, Waymo is a reliable and family-friendly option. Tesla offers a cheaper and more experimental ride, but may feel less predictable for those traveling with younger kids or babies.

Both services are a fascinating glimpse into the future of transportation—and for curious kids, the experience of riding in a car without a driver is a memory they won’t forget.

Final Tips for Parents

• Always bring your own booster or travel car seat

• Make sure your child is comfortable with new environments—especially if there’s no driver

• Have your ride route pre-planned, especially if you're short on time

• For airport pickups or longer trips with guaranteed child seats, traditional family taxis are still your best choice

Book a Trusted Family Taxi Instead?

If you're not ready for driverless rides, or just want the reassurance of a car seat already installed and a driver who will help with luggage and strollers, we've got you covered. Explore our trusted family taxi services in Austin — with vetted drivers, proper child safety options, and the flexibility that families need.