Uber Relaunches Motional Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas

Uber riders in Vegas can now be matched with autonomous Motional Ioniq 5 vehicles at no extra cost.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:54pm

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Uber Technologies Inc. is relaunching a robotaxi service with the Hyundai Motor Co.-backed company Motional in Las Vegas, adding to the growing list of autonomous vehicles available to customers on its app. Uber riders in Las Vegas may be matched with a Motional Ioniq 5 autonomous vehicle when they request a regular UberX, Uber Electric or Uber Comfort ride at no additional cost. A safety driver will initially be present behind the wheel to monitor the road, but the companies expect to remove the operators by the end of the year.

Why it matters

Uber's partnership with Motional is part of the company's broader strategy to establish itself as an aggregator of robotaxi services, allowing it to offer driverless rides in more cities globally. This expansion of autonomous vehicle options on the Uber platform could provide more transportation choices for riders while also helping advance the commercialization of self-driving technology.

The details

At launch, pick-ups and drop-offs with the Motional Ioniq 5 vehicles will be limited to major hotel-casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, the Town Square shopping district near the Harry Reid International Airport, and downtown Las Vegas. There are plans to expand the operating area in the future. There is no way for Uber users to specifically request a robotaxi in Las Vegas, but the company said customers can increase their chances of being matched by expressing their ride preferences in their app settings.

  • The Uber-Motional robotaxi service in Las Vegas relaunched on March 13, 2026.
  • The companies expect to remove the safety drivers from the Motional Ioniq 5 vehicles by the end of 2026.

The players

Uber Technologies Inc.

A ride-hailing company that is expanding its platform to include autonomous vehicle services through partnerships with self-driving technology companies.

Motional

A Hyundai Motor Co.-backed company that develops autonomous driving technology and is providing the Ioniq 5 vehicles for Uber's robotaxi service in Las Vegas.

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What’s next

The companies plan to expand the operating area for the Motional robotaxi service in Las Vegas in the future.

The takeaway

Uber's partnership with Motional to offer autonomous vehicle rides in Las Vegas is part of the company's broader strategy to position itself as a leading platform for accessing driverless transportation options, which could provide more choices for riders while also advancing the commercialization of self-driving technology.