Booking a Tesla Robotaxi is currently an exclusive experience, available only to a select group of invitees in specific geographic areas. As of July 2025, the service is operational in limited parts of Austin, Texas, with plans for expansion to the San Francisco Bay Area in the coming months, pending regulatory approvals. Tesla is taking a cautious, phased approach, prioritizing safety and gathering feedback from its initial users.
Step 1: Discovering Availability and Getting Invited
The very first step to booking a Tesla Robotaxi isn't about opening an app; it's about availability and invitation. Currently, you can't just download an app and hail a Robotaxi.
Current Status of Robotaxi Service
Limited Geographic Availability: As of now, Tesla's Robotaxi service is primarily available in a specific, "geofenced" area of Austin, Texas.
Invite-Only Program: Access to the Robotaxi service is strictly by invitation only. These invites have primarily gone out to Tesla investors and enthusiasts.
How to potentially get an invitation:
While there's no guaranteed path, here are a few things to consider:
Be a Tesla Owner: Tesla often prioritizes its existing customers and those with Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability.
Engage with the Tesla Community: Stay updated on official Tesla announcements and community forums. Sometimes, early access programs are communicated through these channels.
Sign Up for Notifications: On Tesla's official Robotaxi support pages, there may be an option to sign up for notifications when the service becomes available in your area. This is a crucial step to ensure you're aware of any expansions.
Step 2: Setting Up Your Tesla Robotaxi App
Once you've received an invitation and the service is available in your location, the next step involves getting the necessary app and setting up your account.
Downloading the Robotaxi App
Dedicated App: Tesla has a specific Robotaxi app for this service. This is distinct from the general Tesla app used for managing your personal Tesla vehicle.
Download from App Store/Google Play: Search for "Tesla Robotaxi" in your device's app store and download it.
Logging In and Account Creation
Tesla Account Credentials: You'll need to use your existing Tesla Account credentials to sign in. If you don't have one, you'll be prompted to create a Tesla Account before attempting to sign into the Robotaxi app.
Profile Setup: Complete any necessary profile information within the app, such as payment methods and contact details.
Step 3: Requesting a Ride with the Robotaxi App
With the app installed and your account set up, you're ready to request a ride!
Entering Your Destination
Open the Robotaxi app.
Enter your desired destination within the designated service area. The app will display a visual map showing where Robotaxi service is provided based on your current location. If your destination is outside the service area, you won't be able to book a ride.
Confirming Your Ride
Review Fare and Estimated Arrival: Before confirming, the app will show you the estimated ride fare and the estimated time of arrival for the vehicle.
Confirm Request: Tap to confirm your ride request. You'll receive a notification that your Robotaxi is on its way.
Important Considerations Before Your Ride
Wait at Designated Pickup Location: Ensure you wait at the exact pickup location specified in the app. The vehicle will notify you when it's nearby.
Time Limit for Pickup: The Robotaxi will typically wait for five minutes at the pickup location. If you don't arrive within this time, your ride may be canceled.
Verify Vehicle: When the vehicle arrives, always confirm the license plate number displayed on the car matches the one provided in your Robotaxi app. This is a crucial safety step.
Step 4: Experiencing Your Autonomous Journey
Once you've confirmed the vehicle, it's time to step into the future of transportation.
Starting Your Trip
Enter the Vehicle: Open the door, enter the vehicle, and close the door.
Fasten Your Seatbelt: Ensure all passengers fasten their seatbelts.
Tap 'Start' in the App: To begin the trip, tap the 'Start' button in the Robotaxi app. The vehicle will then commence its autonomous journey to your destination.
During Your Ride
In-App and Touchscreen Information: Critical ride information, such as trip progress and estimated time of arrival, will be available on both the Robotaxi app and the vehicle's touchscreen.
Climate and Entertainment Controls: You can adjust climate settings, seat position, and enjoy entertainment features like music streaming directly from the Robotaxi app or the vehicle's touchscreen.
Requesting Support: In case of any issues or if you need assistance, you can tap 'Support' on the vehicle's touchscreen or in your Robotaxi app. Tesla's Customer Support team can connect with you directly through the vehicle's internal cabin microphone and speakers.
Pull Over/Stop: If you need the vehicle to pull over or stop for any reason, you can tap 'Pull Over' on the vehicle's touchscreen or in the Robotaxi app. The vehicle will stop at the nearest and safest location.
Changing Destination: You can change your destination while en route by opening the Robotaxi app, tapping on the current destination, tapping 'Edit', and entering your new details. Note: At this time, you cannot add additional stops to your route.
No Front-Left Seat Occupancy: Riders are generally prohibited from sitting in the front-left seat (the traditional driver's seat) in Robotaxi vehicles.
Step 5: Concluding Your Ride and Providing Feedback
Upon reaching your destination, the experience seamlessly concludes.
Ending Your Trip
Automatic Ride End: Once you arrive at your destination, gather your belongings, exit the vehicle, and close all doors. Your ride will automatically end.
Providing Feedback
Rate Your Experience: After your ride, you can provide valuable feedback on your experience directly in the Robotaxi app. This feedback is crucial for Tesla to continue improving the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to know if Tesla Robotaxi is available in my city?
To know if Tesla Robotaxi is available in your city, the best approach is to check Tesla's official Robotaxi support pages or sign up for notifications on their website. Currently, it's in limited areas of Austin, Texas, with planned expansion.
How to create a Tesla Account for Robotaxi?
You will need to create a standard Tesla Account on the official Tesla website if you don't already have one. This account will then be used to log in to the Tesla Robotaxi app.
How to download the Tesla Robotaxi app?
You can download the Tesla Robotaxi app from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iOS) by searching for "Tesla Robotaxi."
How to change my destination during a Robotaxi ride?
To change your destination during a Robotaxi ride, open the Robotaxi app, tap on your current destination, select 'Edit', and then enter and confirm your new destination details.
How to contact support during a Tesla Robotaxi ride?
During your ride, you can contact support by tapping 'Support' on the vehicle's touchscreen or in your Robotaxi app. A Customer Support team member will then connect with you through the vehicle's speakers and microphone.
How to cancel a Tesla Robotaxi ride?
You can cancel a Tesla Robotaxi ride directly from the Robotaxi app or via the vehicle's touchscreen. Look for a "Cancel Ride" option.
How to report a lost item in a Tesla Robotaxi?
To report a lost item, open the Robotaxi app, navigate to 'Ride History', select the relevant ride, and then tap 'Start Lost Item Report'. Fill out the required form, and Tesla will contact you if the item is found.
How to check the pricing for a Tesla Robotaxi ride?
The estimated fare for your Tesla Robotaxi ride will be displayed in the Robotaxi app before you confirm your ride. Currently, during the introductory program, Tesla charges a simple, low-cost flat rate plus applicable tax for rides within the service area.
How to know what kind of vehicle will I ride in?
Initially, Tesla's Robotaxi fleet consists of Model Y vehicles.
How to provide feedback after a Tesla Robotaxi ride?
After your ride has ended and you've exited the vehicle, you can provide feedback on your experience directly within the Robotaxi app.
