Our cars use 3D mapping technology and sensors to get both a static and play-by-play picture of what’s happening on the road, and to plan your route accordingly.
Waymo One cars map your route ahead of time
Do you plug your destination into a navigation app at the beginning of car trips? Waymo One cars do the exact same thing. Our maps highlight information like road profiles, traffic lights, and other fixed road features, to help every Waymo One car plan its route before your trip starts.
Once you’ve requested a ride, two lines will show up on the map. The green line shows your car’s planned route to get to you. The blue line shows the planned route to your destination.
Waymo One cars may adjust to unexpected changes on the road
You might sometimes notice your route changing or becoming a little longer. Like any human driver, our cars are flexible enough to change course if they encounter a situation that’s difficult to navigate.
How do cars know to change their route?
Waymo One cars use sensors and software to scan their surroundings for potential road blockages and to predict the actions of nearby cars and pedestrians.
Waymo One cars occasionally need to reroute
Our maps are designed for our autonomous vehicles. The best route for a Waymo One car might be different than the route a human driver would take.
For example, Waymo One cars might need to reroute if they:
- Want to avoid a busy intersection
- Miss a turn or aren’t able to join a shared turn lane because of traffic
Could rerouting affect the price of my trip?
No. We base the price of your trip on the most direct route — so even if your car ends up taking a different route, the cost to you won’t change. (Program or promo specific rules may apply.) Learn more about pricing here.