I Rode Tesla's Robotaxi. Here's What It Was Really Like.

During a recent trip to Austin, I rode in Tesla's new Robotaxi. Here's what surprised me about the driving, the pickup experience, and how other drivers reacted.

During a recent trip to Austin, I had the chance to ride in Tesla's new Robotaxi. Before getting in, I expected the driving itself to be the biggest surprise. Instead, the smoothest part of the experience was actually the ride. The car handled turns, traffic, and busy intersections with confidence. It navigated several complex areas with ease, and I was impressed by how naturally it drove through situations that would normally require quick decisions from a human driver.

The biggest challenge wasn't the driving. It was getting to and from the car. Robotaxi pickup and drop-off locations are often a short walk from your actual destination. In my experience, the walk was usually between two and ten minutes. During busy times, the app also showed wait times of more than 30 minutes before a vehicle became available. Another small area for improvement is the acceleration. It occasionally felt just slightly jolty, but only by a small amount.

One of the most entertaining parts of the experience was seeing how other drivers reacted. When the Robotaxi pulled up next to another car at a stoplight, people would naturally glance over to see who was driving. After making eye contact with me, they would realize there was no one sitting in the driver's seat and their expressions would immediately change. It was a funny moment that happened several times during my rides. While Robotaxis are still in their early stages, the experience gave me a glimpse of how transportation may look in the years ahead.