Riding a Waymo in Nashville: A Guest's Guide to Robotaxis

Driverless Waymo rides now cover central Nashville on both the Waymo and Lyft apps. Here is how guests can use them, where they go, and how the new airport rides work.

You can now ride a fully driverless Waymo around central Nashville, from Broadway to East Nashville, using either the Waymo app or the Lyft app. Just know one thing before you land: Waymo started serving the airport on October 13, but only for a limited group of riders at first.

Key Takeaways

  • Where: about 50 square miles of central Nashville, covering Downtown and Broadway, North Nashville and Germantown, East Nashville, Midtown and South Nashville.

  • How: hail one in the Waymo app, or get matched with one on Lyft.

  • Airport: live since October 13 for a limited number of riders, with pickups and drop offs in Terminal Garage 2. Waymo says it will gradually open airport rides to everyone.

  • Cost on Lyft: Lyft says you pay the same whether a Waymo or a human driver shows up.

  • Behind the scenes: a Waymo and Lyft depot opened in Donelson on October 12 to charge, clean and maintain the fleet.

What is Waymo, and is it really in Nashville?

Waymo is a ride service with no one in the driver's seat. It opened to its first public riders in Nashville in April 2026, and since June 25 anyone in the city can download the Waymo app and hail a ride.

On September 9, Waymo rides also arrived on the Lyft app. Nashville is the first city where you can get a Waymo on both apps.

How do you ride one?

Option 1: the Waymo app

Download the Waymo app, set your pickup and destination inside the service area, and a driverless car comes to you. This is the way to go if you specifically want a Waymo.

Option 2: the Lyft app

Request a Standard, Priority Pickup, Wait and Save or Extra Comfort ride, and you may be matched with a Waymo. Your trip has to start and end inside the service area. Lyft says availability is limited for now and will grow over time.

Rather have a human driver? You can decline a Waymo match on Lyft, or opt out of driverless rides completely.

Where can a Waymo take you?

Waymo launched with a 60 square mile area and now describes its Nashville service area as about 50 square miles. Lyft lists it as Downtown and Broadway, North Nashville and Germantown, East Nashville, Midtown and South Nashville. Waymo calls out the honky tonks of Broadway, the boutiques of 12 South, Midtown and the food scene in East Nashville.

Lyft says the cars run 24 hours a day. Always check the map in the app before you plan a trip, since the edges of the area can change.

Can you take a Waymo from the airport?

Yes, if your account has access. Waymo started serving Nashville International Airport on October 13, 2026. Pickups and drop offs are in Terminal Garage 2, and local TV reports the dedicated spot is the D1 curb on the lower level of the Ground Transportation Center. Follow the directions in the Waymo app.

Access is limited to start. Waymo says it will gradually welcome all riders, and the app lets you know when airport rides are available to you. The cars still stay off the interstate and use surface streets to reach BNA, local TV reports, so allow a little extra time.

If the app doesn't offer you an airport ride yet, book a regular rideshare, taxi or shuttle to your home. Once you are settled in, Waymo is a fun way to get around the center of town.

What is the new depot in Donelson?

On October 12, Lyft and Waymo opened an 80,000 square foot depot on Ellory Court in Donelson, run by Lyft's Flexdrive fleet arm. Crews there charge, clean and repair the cars, and the cars drive themselves in for service. Waymo picked the spot because it is close to the airport, which it now serves.

For guests, the depot does not change where you can ride today. It is a sign the fleet is growing.

How much does a Waymo cost?

On Lyft, the company says riders pay the same amount whether they are matched with a Waymo or a human driver. In the Waymo app, prices are set by Waymo and shown before you book. Waymo told local TV it expects prices to land close to Uber and Lyft, and there is no driver to tip.

Tips for a first ride

  • Check that both your pickup and your destination are inside the service area.

  • Check whether the Waymo app offers you airport rides. If not, plan a separate ride from BNA.

  • Big night downtown? Request your ride home a little early, or walk a few blocks from the crowd first.

  • Prefer a human driver? Turn off driverless matches in the Lyft app.

Where should you stay to ride Waymo?

Stay inside the service area and your trip to dinner or Broadway can start right at your door.

  • Downtown Delight, 222 Polk Ave, Downtown. Steps to Broadway.

  • East Oasis, 821 Marina St, East Nashville. Private pool and putting green.

  • Stylish and Spacious, 2106 9th Ave N Unit 3, North Nashville. A short ride to Germantown and Broadway.

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FAQ

Is Waymo available in Nashville? Yes. Anyone can ride in central Nashville on the Waymo app, and Lyft riders can be matched with a Waymo too.

Does Waymo go to the Nashville airport? Yes, for a limited number of riders so far. Since October 13, Waymo picks up and drops off in Terminal Garage 2 at BNA, and it says access will open to all riders gradually.

Is a Waymo more expensive on Lyft? Lyft says no. You pay the same whether a Waymo or a driver picks you up.

Can I choose not to ride in a Waymo on Lyft? Yes. You can decline a Waymo match or opt out of driverless rides in the app.

What areas does Waymo cover in Nashville? About 50 square miles, including Downtown and Broadway, Germantown, East Nashville, Midtown and South Nashville.

About the author: Alex Self founded Host Extraordinaires and runs nearly 200 homes across Nashville.