When it comes to getting around cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, or Las Vegas, two names dominate the conversation: Waymo and Uber. Both services promise convenience, safety, and efficiency—but which one should you choose?
We’ve tested both with our family, from taking a Waymo to dinner at ORLA in Santa Monica to hopping in an Uber when autonomous cars weren’t available. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Waymo vs. Uber—including costs, safety, availability, family-friendliness, and future potential—to help you decide which is right for your next trip.
What Is Waymo? A Quick Overview
Waymo is Google’s self-driving car project, now operating as a standalone company under Alphabet. Its mission is to create a safe, fully autonomous ride-hailing service where passengers can travel without a human driver.
Currently, Waymo operates in select cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles (limited areas), with more expansions planned.
Key Features of Waymo:
- 100% driverless rides (no human driver in the front seat)
- Clean, futuristic interiors
- Quiet, smooth rides with advanced navigation
- Privacy—no small talk with drivers
- Currently available in select coverage zones
What Is Uber? A Quick Overview
Uber is the world’s largest ride-hailing platform, connecting riders with human drivers in cities worldwide. Unlike Waymo, Uber operates everywhere—from Los Angeles to Honolulu to Paris.
Key Features of Uber:
- Available in thousands of cities worldwide
- Multiple service levels: UberX, UberXL, Comfort, Black, etc.
- Pricing based on demand (surge pricing applies)
- Human driver interaction (which can be good or bad)
- Wider coverage, including airports
Waymo vs. Uber: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Waymo | Uber |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Limited to specific cities/zones | Global (10,000+ cities) |
| Cost | Generally competitive with UberX | Varies, can surge during peak times |
| Safety | Autonomous, fewer human error risks | Human drivers, background-checked but variable |
| Comfort | Clean, futuristic, quiet | Varies by car/driver |
| Privacy | High—no driver in the car | Low—conversation and driver presence |
| Family-Friendly | Spacious, private, kids feel safe | Flexible—car seats sometimes available |
| Best For | Tech lovers, families wanting privacy, late-night rides | Travelers, airport pickups, cities without Waymo |
Cost Comparison: Waymo vs. Uber
One of the first questions families ask is: “Which one is cheaper?”
- Waymo: Pricing is generally on par with UberX. A 3-mile ride in Phoenix might cost $7–$10. There are no surge prices.
- Uber: Prices vary widely, especially with surge pricing. That same 3-mile ride might cost $8 one minute and $20 during peak times.
👉 For predictable costs, Waymo often wins. For global flexibility, Uber is more reliable.
Safety: Autonomous vs. Human Drivers
Safety is where the Waymo vs. Uber debate gets interesting.
- Waymo: Autonomous cars are built to minimize human error. They obey traffic laws strictly, drive defensively, and use lidar/radar to detect surroundings. While rare incidents have occurred, data suggests autonomous driving could drastically reduce accidents.
- Uber: Human drivers go through background checks and ratings systems. But experiences can vary—some drivers are excellent, others not as much. Human error remains the top cause of accidents.
👉 Families may feel safer in Waymo due to the privacy and predictability of the ride.
Comfort and Experience
We’ve ridden both as a family:
- Waymo: The experience feels futuristic. No small talk, no awkward music choices—just a private, quiet ride. My kids loved the novelty of being in a car with no driver.
- Uber: Comfort varies. Some cars are spotless and luxurious, while others are average. A good driver can make the ride fun, but a poor one can make it uncomfortable.
👉 For consistency and comfort, Waymo is the winner.
Privacy: A Big Factor for Families
For parents, privacy matters.
- Waymo: No driver means no overhearing conversations, no awkward interactions, and no pressure to make small talk. You can relax, chat with your kids, or even take calls.
- Uber: Your experience depends on the driver. Some are chatty, some are quiet. While most rides are fine, privacy is lower overall.
👉 Families who value private time love Waymo.
Availability: Uber Still Rules the Map
This is where Uber dominates.
- Waymo: Coverage is expanding, but it’s still limited to certain parts of cities like Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. If you’re outside the service area, you can’t request one.
- Uber: Available almost everywhere. From airports to small towns, Uber has global coverage.
👉 If you’re traveling or outside major Waymo hubs, Uber is your only option.
Family-Friendly Factors
Which is better for kids?
- Waymo: Kids enjoy the novelty of riding in a driverless car. Parents feel comfortable knowing the car is monitored remotely and follows traffic rules carefully. However, car seats are not available—you’ll need to bring your own.
- Uber: Offers Uber Car Seat in some cities, making it convenient for families with small children. However, driver quality varies.
👉 If you’re traveling with small kids who need a car seat, Uber wins. For older kids, Waymo is exciting and private.
Airport Rides: The Clear Winner
- Waymo: Currently limited in airport coverage. Not always the best option.
- Uber: Strong airport presence worldwide. Easy pickups and drop-offs.
👉 For airports, Uber is still king.
Future Potential: Who Will Win Long-Term?
- Waymo: As autonomous driving becomes more mainstream, Waymo could dominate urban markets. Imagine hailing a safe, private, driverless car anywhere in LA.
- Uber: Already experimenting with autonomous partnerships (including a past collaboration with Waymo). Uber’s global network gives it an edge in scale.
👉 The future might look like Uber + Waymo integrations, where you can choose between human drivers and autonomous cars in the same app.
Personal Experience: Waymo vs. Uber in Santa Monica
One night, our family took a Waymo to ORLA in Santa Monica. The kids were thrilled, and the privacy was wonderful. After dinner, no Waymos were available, so we took an Uber home.
At first, I was annoyed—I wanted another Waymo. But our Uber driver, Christian, ended up being fantastic. He knew LA’s restaurant scene, and we had a fun conversation about upcoming openings.
👉 The takeaway? Waymo feels more relaxing, but Uber still saves the day when Waymo isn’t available.
Which Should You Choose?
- Take Waymo if:
- You’re in a supported city/zone
- You want privacy and quiet
- You’re traveling with older kids
- You dislike surge pricing
- Take Uber if:
- You’re at the airport
- You need a ride outside Waymo zones
- You require a car seat
- You want guaranteed availability
Final Verdict: Waymo vs. Uber
Both Waymo and Uber have their strengths. Waymo is futuristic, private, and safe—a dream for families who want a comfortable ride without small talk. Uber is practical, available worldwide, and flexible, making it essential for airports and international travel.
For us, Waymo feels like the future of family transportation, but Uber remains the reliable safety net when Waymo isn’t available.
