Las Vegas Is Testing Robotaxis, Here’s How Tourists Can Ride

If you’ve ever pictured yourself in a car that drives itself down the Strip, Las Vegas is making that possible. As of September 2025, Zoox has launched a public pilot allowing visitors to ride in fully autonomous pods along fixed routes.

The experience blends innovation and convenience, a sci-fi moment for tourists. Below is how to catch a robotaxi, what the ride feels like, and what you should know before trusting your next trip to automation.

A Glimpse Into the Future: Las Vegas Launches Public Robotaxi Rides

There’s a certain buzz you can’t ignore when a city like Las Vegas rolls out something new, and right now, the entire state of Nevada is watching as robotaxis become part of daily life. Since September 10, 2025, Zoox, an Amazon-owned company, has invited the public to test rides in its purpose-built autonomous pods. I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity as I waited on the Strip, watching a driverless pod pull up silently next to the curb.

What stands out is that these rides are free during the pilot phase, while Zoox gathers feedback before charging fares. Zoox wants feedback and is inviting locals and tourists to be part of the experiment. Their hope? To create trust in this new mode of transport before fares kick in. The state’s commitment to innovation shines through, and by keeping things without charge for now, Zoox is making sure everyone can see what the future might look like.

But don’t expect to hail a robotaxi from just anywhere. The initial rollout is strictly limited to several points along the Strip, including famous spots like Resorts World, Luxor, New York-New York, Topgolf, and AREA15. Each location feels intentional, handpicked to balance tourist demand and traffic flow.

Inside, the pod feels unlike any ride-share I’ve tried. Instead of facing forward, four “living room” style benches let you sit across from each other. There’s no steering wheel or pedals, just you, your friends, and a glowing button that starts the ride. Fasten your belt, press start, and you’re on your way, gliding up to three miles in a vehicle that sees, senses, and navigates without a human hand on the wheel.

It’s not just about novelty; it’s about giving people a voice in how the city moves. Las Vegas has always been a place where the extraordinary is possible, and with robotaxis now part of the urban fabric, the state sets a national example for smart, user-driven transport. Every ride lets you be both a passenger and a pioneer.

Step-by-Step: How Tourists Can Ride a Robotaxi in Las Vegas

Starting your journey in a Las Vegas robotaxi takes a little more planning than summoning a regular ride-share, but the process is straightforward. Downloading the Zoox app is your first step, available for both iOS and Android. As soon as I opened it, I noticed the clean design and clear options. You’ll need to create an account, which takes just a couple of minutes with basic information and a few taps.

Next, the app checks if you’re within the robotaxi’s service area. If you’re standing anywhere outside the select pickup zones, like Resorts World, Luxor, New York-New York, Topgolf, or AREA15, the robotaxi option simply won’t appear. I found this out the easy way, double-checking my location before making plans. It keeps the system running smoothly while Zoox tests its routes.

After confirming your zone, select your destination from the approved list. For now, rides are only possible between the five preset destinations, keeping trips short and manageable for the system. This limitation ensures consistent testing conditions and avoids routes outside the Strip during the pilot. I chose to go from AREA15 back to my hotel, and loved how the app estimated wait times and showed exactly which pod was coming to get me.

Once your robotaxi is on the way, the anticipation feels different than waiting for a human driver. There’s a bit of a thrill knowing no one is behind the wheel. Boarding is easy, just follow the simple on-screen instructions, buckle your seat belt, and press “start ride” when everyone’s ready.

During the trip, the ride feels uniquely calm. The pod obeys all traffic laws, moves confidently through intersections, and never rushes. If you’re new to Nevada or even an old pro, it’s a novel way to see the Strip without worrying about directions or traffic. The process is made to be accessible, so even first-time visitors can ride like locals.

Inside the Zoox Pod: What the Robotaxi Experience Feels Like

Stepping into a Zoox robotaxi for the first time feels a bit like walking onto a movie set. The absence of a driver’s seat grabs your attention, the space is open, airy, and organized around two benches that face each other. I sat down opposite my travel partner, both of us curious to see how the trip would unfold.

The seat belts click into place, and with a single press of the “start ride” button, we begin moving. The sensation differs from any rideshare or taxi I’ve experienced. Zoox’s pod glides with smooth, controlled motion. There are no abrupt stops or awkward jerks. Even when stopping for pedestrians or Las Vegas’s unpredictable traffic, everything feels calculated and steady.

The windows are large, inviting you to take in the state’s signature neon. The Strip looks different when you don’t have to keep your eyes on the road. Unexpectedly, I found myself talking more with my companions, the living room layout encourages conversation.

A surprising comfort is how quiet the ride seems without the hum of an engine or small talk from a driver. There’s a sense of privacy, even with strangers sharing the pod. I could see families, friends, or even solo riders appreciating this unique twist on getting around Nevada’s busiest city.

At the end of the short journey, the pod pulls smoothly to a stop, and the doors open automatically. Every detail, from the lighting to the temperature, feels crafted for passenger ease. The experience is more than novelty, it’s a glimpse at what daily travel could become in the coming years, right here in Nevada.

Each pod has no steering wheel or pedals, just two benches facing each other, reflecting Zoox’s design exemption granted by U.S. regulators in 2025.

Tips and Watch-Outs for Tourists Using Robotaxis

Trying out the Zoox robotaxi is exciting, but it pays to know a few key details before you set out. Since the service is still experimental in Nevada, I quickly learned not to rely on it for every trip. There are only five pickup and drop-off zones, so your journey has to fit within these limits. I planned to visit a couple of attractions but found myself double-checking the route options to make sure I wouldn’t get stranded.

The rides are free for now, which is great, but the trial phase does mean some unpredictability. On my first attempt, a robotaxi took longer to arrive than the app estimated. These little hiccups are part of the testing process. Sometimes, the pods may be unavailable during peak times. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan, especially if you’re on a tight schedule in Las Vegas.

Another detail caught me off guard, there’s no safety driver onboard. Unlike earlier autonomous vehicle tests, Zoox pods are fully driverless, making the ride both thrilling and, for some, a tad unnerving. If you have questions or concerns, the Zoox app has a help section and staff at pickup zones.

Other companies, including Waymo, are testing autonomous vehicles nearby, but their services are not yet open to the general public. The landscape is changing quickly, and I felt a sense of being part of history. As more routes open and the state updates regulations, I expect robotaxis to become an everyday way to get around.

For now, riding a Zoox robotaxi is best suited for those who enjoy trying something new and don’t mind a few surprises. Pack your patience, keep your route flexible, and enjoy the novelty of navigating Las Vegas on the cutting edge.

The Future of Robotaxis in Las Vegas: What’s Next?

Every big idea starts small, and the Zoox robotaxi project is no exception. Backed by years of testing in and around Las Vegas, Zoox’s service rollout marks just the beginning of a much larger vision for transportation in Nevada. I heard from several locals who see these vehicles as the first step toward a more flexible, connected city. As with any pilot program, there’s excitement, questions, and a sense of possibility.

Current rides are short, no more than three miles, and only link five destinations. Expansion will depend on regulatory approval and performance data collected during the pilot. That may sound restrictive, but it’s providing Zoox the data and real-world feedback needed to expand. Regulators in the state monitor performance and public response closely. If all goes well, expect the geographic range to widen, adding new attractions, hotels, and maybe even airport connections.

Several industry insiders hinted that once Zoox moves past the free trial, fares will likely resemble those of Uber or Lyft. This could make robotaxis a real alternative for both tourists and locals. The app’s ability to provide instant, driverless rides is designed to keep pace with the growing, ever-busy Las Vegas Strip.

With companies like Waymo also piloting autonomous vehicles nearby, competition could help speed up improvements. In the coming years, it’s likely that Las Vegas, and by extension the state of Nevada, will lead the country in smart, connected mobility solutions.

For now, the robotaxi experience is a fun glimpse of what’s ahead. As technology matures and public input shapes future routes, tourists and residents alike will help decide how this innovative transport fits into everyday urban life. If you love trying the latest tech or want to be part of a transportation revolution, Vegas is the place to do it.