Uber’s First European Robotaxi Service Launches in Zagreb

Uber, Verne and Pony.ai launched autonomous rides in Zagreb on August 19, 2026, giving European riders their first opportunity to book an autonomous vehicle directly through the Uber app. 5 The launch is an important step toward commercial robotaxi services in Europe, but it is not yet a fully driverless rollout: a licensed operator remains in the vehicle to monitor the ride. 5

Why the Zagreb launch matters

Zagreb is the first European city where Uber users can request an autonomous vehicle through the platform. That makes the launch more than a technology demonstration: it puts robotaxi rides into an established consumer booking and trip experience. 5

The deployment also represents the first live market rollout from the three-way partnership announced in March. That agreement identified Zagreb as the starting point for a commercial robotaxi service, with the ambition of creating a model that could later be extended to other European cities and markets. 2

Where the service is available

At launch, autonomous rides are available in key areas of Zagreb, including the city centre. The companies say both service availability and geographic coverage are expected to expand over time. 5

The initial footprint means that an autonomous vehicle will not necessarily be available for every Uber request across the city. Coverage depends on the operating area and vehicle availability shown in the app.

Why the rides are not fully driverless yet

The rollout is deliberately phased. A licensed operator sits behind the wheel during the initial phase and monitors the vehicle as the service operates under applicable regulations and Uber’s safety standards. 5

The stated long-term direction is fully driverless operation, but the Zagreb launch itself still includes human supervision. That distinction is important for riders: the vehicle uses autonomous-driving technology, while a qualified person remains present to oversee the trip. 5

What each company does

The service combines three separate roles:

• Pony.ai: Supplies the autonomous-driving technology that powers the vehicles. 5
• Verne: Owns the fleet and operates the service, providing the local operating structure. 5
• Uber: Integrates the rides into its mobility network and provides the customer-facing booking and trip experience through the Uber app. 5

This division allows the partnership to combine autonomous-driving technology, local fleet operations and an established ride-hailing platform rather than asking one company to provide the entire service.

How to book an autonomous ride in Zagreb

Riders in the launch area can:

1. Open the Uber app.
2. Request UberX or Comfort.
3. Check whether an autonomous vehicle is available for the trip.
4. Follow the vehicle details and in-app instructions for starting and completing the ride. 5

An autonomous vehicle may not appear for every request. The app determines whether one is available based on the service area and current supply.

What comes next

The Zagreb service is intended to serve as the first operating model for the partnership’s wider European expansion. The companies said the collaboration would move beyond the initial city, with additional market announcements to follow. 25

For now, the key milestone is narrower but significant: autonomous rides have moved from partnership plans and deployment work into a live Uber booking experience in a European city. The next stages will depend on the expansion of coverage, regulatory requirements and the companies’ progress toward fully driverless operation.