Driverless taxis: in which cities around the world can you already ride in an autonomous vehicle

Let’s look at which countries already have robotaxi services operating — vehicles that transport passengers without a driver behind the wheel.

How robotaxis work

In most cases, autonomous taxis can be booked through a mobile app. The vehicle independently drives to the passenger, plans the route, and completes the trip without human intervention.

However, these systems still operate under controlled conditions. This means:
— restricted travel zones
— dependence on weather conditions
— remote monitoring by operators.

USA: the most developed robotaxi market

To date, the United States remains the key market for autonomous taxis, where such services are already being used in real-world trips.

Robotaxis are available in several cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin. In these locations, users can book a ride via an app and travel around the city without a driver.

This does not represent full coverage. Services operate within specific neighborhoods where the technology has already been implemented. As the technology develops, these zones are gradually expanding, but currently, access is limited to particular areas of the city.

China: rapid growth and scaling

China is among the countries where autonomous taxis are already in practical use. Services are expanding in major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.

In these cities, autonomous vehicles operate in designated districts. Users can take driverless rides, although access is often limited—for example, through app registration or participation in pilot programs.

This does not involve full city coverage but rather specific zones where the technology has already been tested. These zones are gradually expanding as services develop and data accumulates.

UAE: pilot services and implementation

In the United Arab Emirates, autonomous taxis are currently being developed through pilot projects. The main hub is Dubai.

The city is already conducting tests of autonomous vehicles and launching services with restricted access. Rides are not available everywhere but only in certain districts and as part of pilot programs.

However, this sector is actively developing: as testing progresses and regulatory approvals are obtained, services will gradually expand, and the number of available routes will increase.

Europe: cautious approach

In European countries, the deployment of autonomous taxis is still in the testing phase and is subject to stricter regulation compared to the US and China.

The most active work is being conducted in the United Kingdom. In London, autonomous vehicles are undergoing trials, and authorities are preparing the regulatory framework for the commercial use of such services.

Pilot projects are also being implemented in other European countries, but they are limited to specific zones and have not yet moved to mass transportation. The full launch of robotaxis is hindered by safety requirements and the need to adapt legislation.

Japan: testing and preparation phase

In Japan, autonomous taxis have not yet been launched for mass operation. The technology is undergoing testing, including in Tokyo, where autonomous vehicles are being evaluated and infrastructure is being prepared.

Driverless rides are available only within pilot projects and limited zones. A full launch of services is expected after the completion of trials and the acquisition of regulatory approvals.