Waymo is reportedly preparing to begin testing its robotaxis in Berlin before the end of 2026, according to German media reports, as the autonomous driving company expands its planned European operations. Berlin’s city administration says discussions with Waymo are already well advanced, although the company has not publicly confirmed a Berlin launch.
Waymo, which originated from Google’s autonomous driving project, recently expanded its robotaxi service to Denver, San Diego and Tampa, bringing its operations to 14 US cities. The company is also preparing to enter Europe, with London and Munich among its planned markets.
Waymo Reportedly Plans Berlin Testing
A joint investigation by German publications manager magazin and Spiegel reported that Waymo is preparing a potential Berlin launch based on internal documents from the Berlin Senate Administration.
According to the report, Waymo had planned to map Berlin with up to 50 vehicles operating in test mode and conduct road testing before the end of 2026. A commercial robotaxi launch was reportedly targeted for 2027.
The reported plans have not been publicly confirmed by Waymo.
In response to questions from manager magazin, Waymo said it would “very much like to bring the service to more locations across Germany” but indicated that it had no further announcements at this stage.
Berlin Says Discussions Are Advanced
Berlin’s city administration has provided a more positive indication of the potential project.
A spokesperson for the Berlin administration said discussions with Waymo were already well advanced and that, from the administration’s perspective, testing could begin in Berlin before the end of 2026.
According to the report, Waymo was the first company to approach the Berlin administration with a concrete plan for scaling its vehicles and a detailed business plan.
The Berlin government also indicated that it is open to testing autonomous vehicles in the capital.
“We are technology-neutral and have a genuine interest in testing such robotaxis on Berlin’s roads,” said a spokesperson for the Senate Department for Transport.
Munich Launch Planned For 2027
Berlin would join Munich as a potential German market for Waymo.
The company recently confirmed plans to launch in Munich, with initial test drives expected to begin in the coming weeks. These early tests are planned to use human drivers behind the wheel before the company moves toward commercial robotaxi operations.
Waymo has scheduled the commercial launch of its Munich robotaxi service for the end of 2027.
The company’s European expansion follows rapid growth in the United States, where its robotaxis are now operating in 14 cities following the latest expansion to Denver, San Diego and Tampa.
Germany Requires Multiple Approvals
Waymo faces several regulatory requirements before it can operate driverless Level 4 vehicles commercially in Germany.
The company first needs a testing permit for Level 4 autonomous driving from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority, known as the KBA. It would then need a regular operating licence from the same authority.
The KBA has not yet granted such a regular operating licence to any company, according to the supplied information.
Waymo would also require approval from the relevant state authority for its proposed operating area. In addition, it would need a commercial licence under Germany’s Passenger Transport Act.
The existing passenger transport framework regulates services such as taxis and rental cars with drivers but does not currently provide a specific framework for driverless vehicles.
Waymo Faces Regulatory Hurdles Before Commercial Operations
The regulatory process means that reported preparations in Berlin do not necessarily guarantee that Waymo will begin testing or commercial operations on the stated timeline.
The company must secure federal, state and commercial approvals before deploying driverless robotaxis as a passenger service.
With Munich already on Waymo’s European roadmap and Berlin reportedly under discussion, Germany could become an important market for the company’s expansion beyond the United States. For now, however, Waymo has publicly confirmed Munich while its Berlin plans remain unconfirmed.