My First Ride in a Self-Driving Car: The Future of Travel Is Here
Waym driverless car and riders
This past summer, I rode into the future.
Literally.
While staying at the InterContinental in Downtown Los Angeles, I spotted a familiar name cruising silently down the street—Waymo. I’d seen their autonomous vehicles in San Francisco last year and had been so intrigued. But this time, I didn’t just stare—I jumped in.
My friend and I booked a ride from downtown LA to the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica, and that’s how I experienced my first ever ride in a driverless car.
The Ride: Smooth, Quiet, and Surprisingly Natural
Once we requested the ride through the Waymo app, the car pulled up—no driver, just us. We were able to unlock the doors, adjust the climate control, choose music, and get comfy. The car even pulled up right in front of us at the hotel and dropped us off right at the front entrance of the Fairmont.
And the ride itself? Absolutely smooth.
It slowed for pedestrians
Pulled to the side for emergency vehicles
Navigated around cyclists
Gave space to cars coming out of driveways
It felt thoughtful… like a very cautious and competent driver. Honestly? It drove better than a lot of humans I’ve ridden with!
The only limitation? It didn’t take the highway, which added a little time. Our ride took about 60 minutes, but that gave us more time to get comfortable with the experience. The best part? The cost it was under $30 for the ride.
The Sustainability Factor
One thing I really appreciated is that Waymo’s fleet is entirely electric. No tailpipe emissions, no gas stations—just clean, quiet travel. For anyone who values sustainable tourism (like I do!), this is a huge step forward. Imagine major cities shifting away from fossil-fuel rideshares and toward electric, autonomous travel. Less congestion. Cleaner air. Smarter routes. It’s not just futuristic—it’s necessary.
My Takeaway: Don’t Be Afraid of What’s Next
There’s something kind of wild about stepping into a car with no one behind the wheel. You have to let go of control and trust the system—something that’s hard for a lot of us (especially travelers who like to plan every move!).
But here’s the truth: once you do it, it’s easy. And honestly? These cars might just be better drivers than most people.
So if you find yourself in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Phoenix, Arizona—where Waymo operates—I highly recommend giving it a try. Maybe they're coming to a city near you next.
We have to embrace technology and the future. This might just be one of the biggest leaps—because it challenges our comfort zone. But trust me, once you're in, it feels like the most natural thing in the world.
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Have you ever tried a self-driving car? Would you now?
An Image of WAYMO driverless vehicle in front of a hotel.
