Change a route by tapping a different road on the map
Google Maps shows you one route by default, but you can change it while you're navigating. The simplest way is to tap any road on the map itself — Google will recalculate and show you a new route using that road. This works on both Android phones and iPhones, and on a computer using the web version of Google Maps.
When you tap a road, Google highlights it in blue and shows you how much time the new route will add or save at the bottom of the screen. If you like the change, tap the blue "Go" button or arrow to start following that route. If you don't like it, tap somewhere else on the map to try a different road.
This method works best when you can see the road you want on the screen. If the road is off-screen or you want to search for a specific street by name, use the method in the next section instead.
Key Takeaways
- Tap any road on the map while navigating to make Google recalculate a new route through that road.
- Google shows you the time difference (saved or added) before you commit to the new route.
- Use the "Route options" menu to see all available routes at once and compare them side by side.
- On a computer, click the three-dot menu next to a route to avoid tolls, highways, or ferries.
- You can also start over by entering a new destination in the search box instead of changing the current route.
See all available routes at once using Route options
Google Maps usually offers two or three different routes to your destination. To see them all at the same time instead of changing one road at a time, tap the "Route options" button — it looks like three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other, usually near the top of the navigation screen on a phone.
When you tap it, Google shows you every available route listed by travel time. The fastest route appears first, but you might see a route that avoids highways, one that uses tolls, or one that takes a scenic road. Tap any route in the list to switch to it when ready. The map updates and shows you that route highlighted in blue.
On a computer, you'll see route options listed on the left side of the screen automatically — you don't need to tap a button. Click any route to switch to it.
Avoid tolls, highways, or ferries on your route
If you want Google to skip certain types of roads entirely, you can tell it to avoid tolls, highways, or ferries before you start navigating. On a phone, tap the three-dot menu (usually in the top right corner of the navigation screen) and look for "Route options" or "Preferences." You'll see checkboxes for "Avoid tolls," "Avoid highways," and "Avoid ferries." Check the boxes for the road types you want to skip.
On a computer, click the three-dot menu next to your destination address in the left panel. The same checkboxes appear. Check the ones you want, and Google recalculates your route when ready.
Once you set these preferences, Google remembers them for future trips. If you want to turn them off later, go back to the same menu and uncheck the boxes.
Start a completely new route instead of changing the current one
If you want to go somewhere different entirely, it's often faster to enter a new destination than to keep tapping roads on the map. On a phone, tap the search box at the top of the navigation screen, delete the current destination, and type a new address or place name. Google shows you routes to the new destination.
On a computer, click in the "Where to?" search box on the left side, clear the current destination, and type a new one. Press Enter, and Google calculates routes to the new place.
This method is cleaner than changing routes one road at a time if your new destination is far away from the original one, because Google starts fresh instead of trying to modify the old route.
What to do if Google Maps won't let you change your route
Sometimes you tap a road and nothing happens, or the "Route options" button doesn't appear. This usually means you're not actively navigating yet — Google only lets you change routes once you've started turn-by-turn navigation. Make sure you've tapped "Start" or "Go" to begin navigation, not just searched for a destination.
If you're already navigating and the buttons still don't work, try closing Google Maps completely and opening it again. On a phone, swipe up from the bottom (iPhone) or tap the back button repeatedly (Android) to close the app, then reopen it. On a computer, refresh the page.
If you're using an older version of Google Maps, some of these features might not be available. Update the app from your phone's app store or use the latest version of Google Maps in your web browser.
Change your route on a computer using the web version
The web version of Google Maps works slightly differently than the phone app, but changing routes is just as straightforward. Search for your destination, and Google shows you several routes listed on the left side of the screen, ranked by travel time. Click any route to switch to it — the map updates when ready to show your new choice highlighted in blue.
To avoid tolls, highways, or ferries, click the three-dot menu next to your destination address and check the boxes for the road types you want to skip. Google recalculates when ready.
You can also click directly on any road in the map itself to change your route, just like on a phone. The web version will show you the time saved or added at the bottom of the screen.
Why Google Maps suggests different routes
Google Maps doesn't just show you the fastest route — it also considers traffic, road conditions, and the time of day. If traffic is heavy on the fastest route, Google might suggest a slower route that avoids congestion. If you've set preferences to avoid tolls or highways, Google excludes those roads from all its suggestions.
The routes Google shows you change throughout your trip as traffic conditions change. If you're stuck in unexpected congestion, Google automatically recalculates and may suggest a faster alternate route. You'll see a notification asking if you want to switch. You can tap "Yes" to follow the new route or "No" to stay on your current one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my route after I've already started navigating?
Yes. Tap the route options button (three horizontal lines) or tap any road on the map to see alternatives. Google shows you the time difference before you switch, so you can decide whether the change is worth it.
What's the difference between tapping a road and using Route options?
Tapping a road changes your route to go through that specific road. Route options shows you all available complete routes at once, ranked by travel time. Use Route options if you want to compare full alternatives; tap a road if you just want to avoid one congested street.
Does Google Maps automatically change my route if traffic gets bad?
Google recalculates your route as traffic changes and may suggest a faster alternate. You'll see a notification asking if you want to switch. You control whether to accept the new route or stay on your current one.
If I avoid tolls, will Google never use toll roads?
Correct. Once you check "Avoid tolls," Google excludes all toll roads from every route it suggests to you, even if a toll road would be much faster. The setting stays on until you uncheck it in the Route options menu.
Can I change my route on Google Maps while offline?
No. Changing routes requires Google to recalculate based on current traffic and road conditions, which needs an internet connection. You can view a route you downloaded before losing connection, but you can't change it until you're back online.