Get directions & show routes - Computer (2024)

You can get directions for driving, public transit, walking, ride sharing, cycling, flight, or motorcycle on Google Maps. If there are multiple routes, the best route to your destination is blue, all other routes are gray. Some directions in Google Maps are in development and may have limited availability.

Important: Stay alert when you use directions on Google Maps. Always be aware of your surroundings to ensure the safety of yourself and others. When in doubt, follow actual traffic regulations and confirm signage from the road or path that you’re on.

  1. On your computer, open Google Maps.
  2. Click Directions Get directions & show routes - Computer (1).
  3. Click points on the map, type an address, or add a place name.
  4. Choose your mode of transportation.

Tip: To choose another route in any transportation mode, select it on the map. Each route shows the estimated travel time on the map.

Google Maps transportation modes

You can get directions for different modes of transportation in Google Maps. Learn about the differences in features and availability between each mode:

Driving: Get directions & show routes - Computer (2)

  • Driving Get directions & show routes - Computer (3) routes are designed for use by cars and may navigate to car-only roads. When riding motorized bicycles or motorcycles under 125cc, use the “Avoid tolls and highways” route option.
  • If you want to change a driving route, click and hold a spot on the route and drag it to a new spot on the map.

Transit: Get directions & show routes - Computer (4)

  • Not all cities have public transit directions in Google Maps. Before you can get transit directions, your local transit agency needs to add their route info to Google Maps.

Walking: Get directions & show routes - Computer (5)

Ride: Get directions & show routes - Computer (6)

  • If you want directions in an area with ride or taxi services, you can compare ride services with transit and walking directions. Learn how to request a ride.

Cycling: Get directions & show routes - Computer (7)

  • When you ride your bicycle, you can use cycling Get directions & show routes - Computer (8) routes if they’re available in your country/region.

Flight:Get directions & show routes - Computer (9)

  • Directions to multiple destinations, or waypoints, aren’t available for public transit or flight searches.
  • Learn more about how to search for flights.

Motorcycle: Get directions & show routes - Computer (10)

  • Learn how to get directions for motorcycles.

Add multiple destinations

You can get directions to multiple destinations for all modes of transportation except public transit or flight.

  1. On your computer, open Google Maps.
  2. Click Directions Get directions & show routes - Computer (11).
  3. Add a starting point and a destination.
  4. On the left, below the destinations you entered, click Add Get directions & show routes - Computer (12).
  5. To add a stop, choose another destination.
    • You can add up to 9 stops.
  6. Click on a route to getthe directions.

Tip: You can search for places along your route.

To change the order of your stops:

  1. Find the destination you want to move.
  2. Drag the destination.

Preview directions in Street View

Important: To get directions in Street View, click Directions Get directions & show routes - Computer (13). Then,enter starting and ending destinations.

  1. On your computer, under the route you want, click Details.
  2. To get more detailed directions, click Expand Get directions & show routes - Computer (14).
  3. Point to a step in the directions. If Street View is available, you get a preview photo.
  4. To get Street View for the step that you want, click the photo.
    • To get Street View for other steps in the route, in the bottom-left box, click Previous step or Next step.
    • To exit the preview, at the top right, click Close Get directions & show routes - Computer (15).

Customize your route

Avoid tolls & highways

  1. On your computer, open Google Maps.
  2. Click Directions Get directions & show routes - Computer (16).
  3. Click points on the map, type an address, or add a place name.
  4. Choose Options.
  5. Check the box next to "Tolls" or "Highways."

Change the time that you leave or arrive

You can change your travel date or time to find the best route before you leave, based on estimated traffic and transit schedules. This only works for routes with one destination.

  1. On your computer, open Google Maps.
  2. Get directions.
  3. After you getyour directions, click Leave now.
  4. To change your travel dates or times, select Depart at or Arrive by.

Understand how we rank transportation options

When you enter a destination in Google Maps, we show you how to get there using different travel modes, like driving, cycling, or walking.

Sometimes, the transport options we show you are ranked according to a combination of objective factors designed to help you find relevant and useful information. These factors can include duration, distance, price, your mode preference, or the relevance of a mode to your query. Generally, the most important factors are your mode preference, trip durations, and sometimes price.

Where available, we also show you other mobility services like public transport, scooter or bicycle rentals, and vehicle ride services. These mobility services are provided by third parties who have made their transport data publicly available or who have a partner agreement with us. Any partnerships or business relationships we may have with any transportation service providers do not influence the ranking of these services.

Related resources

  • Get traffic or search for places along the way
  • Plan your commute or trip

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FAQs

Get directions & show routes - Computer? ›

Yes, Google Maps does have a route planner. In fact, the Google Maps route planner is one of the most popular options out there. It's reliable, easy to use, and free.

How do I show routes on Google Maps? ›

This only works for routes with one destination.
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app .
  2. Search for your destination or tap it on the map.
  3. In the bottom left, tap Directions .
  4. At the top, tap More. Set depart & arrive time.
  5. To change your travel dates or times, select Depart at or Arrive by.
  6. Tap Set.

How do I force Google Maps to show alternate routes? ›

How Do I Show Multiple Routes on Google Maps?
  1. Search for your destination.
  2. Tap Directions.
  3. Tap the three dots next to your starting point.
  4. Tap Route options.
  5. Choose from the options, then tap Apply.
Mar 13, 2022

How do I plot a route on Google Maps desktop? ›

Save directions
  1. On your computer, sign in to My Maps.
  2. Open or create a map.
  3. Click Add directions .
  4. In the box on the left, type your start and end locations.
  5. The route appears on your map. Add another leg to your trip: Click Add destination.

How do I get detailed driving directions on Google Maps? ›

Then, enter starting and ending destinations.
  1. On your computer, under the route you want, click Details.
  2. To get more detailed directions, click Expand .
  3. Point to a step in the directions. If Street View is available, you get a preview photo.
  4. To get Street View for the step that you want, click the photo.

Does Google Maps have a route planner? ›

Yes, Google Maps does have a route planner. In fact, the Google Maps route planner is one of the most popular options out there. It's reliable, easy to use, and free.

How do I see all routes in Windows? ›

To view the routing table using the route command, you will typically need to open a command prompt or terminal window and run the route print command on Windows or the route -n command on Linux. The output of the command will show you the current routing table, including all the routes your computer uses.

Why is Google Maps not showing routes? ›

Check The Location Services Settings

Open the Settings menu and tap Privacy, then tap Location Services. Check that the Location Services toggle is green and in the on position. Tap Google Maps and make sure that Precise Location is turn on. From the same screen, select the While Using the App or Always option.

Does Google Maps show paths? ›

Google Maps does show some footpaths, bridleways, and byways. However, not all routes are included. If you're planning on using Google Maps to find a path, we recommend cross-checking the route against the definitive map to make sure it's still open and accessible.

Why did Google Maps stop showing alternate routes? ›

One of the most common reasons for Google Maps not showing alternate routes is a weak or unreliable internet connection. Make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or has a strong mobile data signal. You can also try turning your Wi-Fi or mobile data off and on again to reset the connection.

Is Waze better than Google Maps? ›

Key Takeaways. Google Maps is better for planning routes with various transportation options (walking, biking, etc.) Waze is better for up-to-date traffic info and frequent route adjustments based on real-time situations.

How do I see directions on Google map desktop? ›

In the top right corner, on the compass, click the up arrow. The compass and globe will both return to a north-facing view.

How can I draw my own route on Google Maps? ›

To create a route in Google Maps, open "Your places" and then choose "Create Map" in the "Maps" tab. To draw a route, click "Add directions," choose transportation mode, and enter start and end points. You can draw lines and shapes on maps by clicking "Draw a line" and selecting "Add line or shape."

How do you plot a running route on Google Maps? ›

Draw your walking, running or cycling route by clicking on the map to set the starting point. Then click once for each of the points along the route you wish to create to calculate the distance. Change the view to map, satellite, hybrid or terrain using the controls above the Google route map.

How to plot a route on Google Maps on iPhone? ›

Search for your destination in the search bar at the top. At the bottom, tap on 'Directions'. At the top, select your transportation mode. Select your preferred route.

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