Creating a route map on Google Maps
A route map on Google Maps shows the path from one location to another, with turn-by-turn directions, distance, and estimated travel time. You create one by entering a starting point and a destination, then Google Maps calculates the fastest or most practical route. You can add multiple stops along the way, choose between driving, walking, transit, or biking, and save the route to reference later.
The process works the same whether you are on a phone, tablet, or computer — the steps differ slightly depending on your device, but the core idea is identical. Once you have created a route, you can share it with others, adjust it by dragging the path, or switch between different route options Google Maps suggests.
Key Takeaways
- Enter your starting location and destination in the search boxes, then select your travel method (driving, walking, transit, or biking) to generate a route.
- Add multiple stops by tapping or clicking the plus icon between your start and end points, then entering each stop's address or name.
- Drag the route line on the map to change the path if you want to avoid certain roads or pass through specific areas.
- Save a route by clicking the menu icon and selecting "Save this route" so you can find it again without re-entering the locations.
- Share a route with others by clicking the share icon and choosing email, text, or a link that opens the map in their browser.
Creating a basic route on your phone
Open Google Maps and tap the search box at the top. Type your starting location — this can be your current location, an address, a business name, or a landmark. Tap the location when it appears in the suggestions, or tap "Your location" if you want to start from where you are right now.
Next, tap the "Directions" button that appears below the location name. A second search box will open labeled "Choose destination." Type where you want to go, then tap the location from the suggestions. Google Maps will when ready show you a route and display the distance, estimated travel time, and the travel method it chose (usually driving).
If you want to change how you travel, tap the icons at the bottom of the screen: a car for driving, a person for walking, a bus for transit, or a bicycle for biking. Google Maps will recalculate the route and time for that method. The route appears as a blue line on the map, with numbered markers for your start and end points.
Creating a route on a computer
Go to Google Maps in your web browser and click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner. Click "Directions." Two search boxes will appear: one for your starting point and one for your destination.
Type your starting location in the first box and your destination in the second. Press Enter or click the search icon. Google Maps will show the route as a blue line, the total distance, the estimated travel time, and a list of turn-by-turn directions on the left side of the screen.
Change your travel method by clicking the icons at the top of the directions panel: a car, person, bus, or bicycle. The route will update to show the best path for that method. If Google Maps offers multiple routes, they appear as gray lines on the map — click any gray line to switch to that route instead.
Adding multiple stops to your route
On a phone, after you have entered your starting point and destination, tap the plus icon between them. A new search box will appear. Type the address or name of the place you want to stop, then tap it from the suggestions. The stop will be added to your route in order, and Google Maps will recalculate the total distance and time.
You can add as many stops as you need. Each stop appears as a numbered marker on the map. To remove a stop, tap it and select "Remove." To change the order of stops, tap and hold the three-line menu icon next to a stop and drag it up or down the list.
On a computer, click the plus icon that appears between your start and end points in the directions panel on the left. Type the address or name of your stop, then press Enter. Repeat this for each additional stop. You can reorder stops by dragging them in the list, and remove a stop by clicking the X next to its name.
Adjusting your route by dragging
Google Maps lets you change the path of your route by dragging the blue line on the map. This is useful if you want to avoid a particular road, pass through a specific area, or take a scenic detour. Tap and hold the blue route line (on a phone) or click and drag it (on a computer) to a different location.
When you drag the route, Google Maps recalculates the distance and time based on your new path. If you drag it to a location that does not make sense for your route, Google Maps will snap the line back to a logical path. You can drag multiple sections of the route to create a custom path that works for you.
To undo your changes and return to Google Maps' original route, refresh the page or close and reopen the directions. There is no "undo" button, so if you make a mistake, the easiest fix is to start over.
Saving and sharing your route
On a phone, after you have created your route, tap the menu icon (three dots) at the top right of the screen. Tap "Save this route." Google Maps will save it to your "Saved places" so you can find it later without re-entering the locations. To access it again, open Google Maps, tap your profile picture, and select "Saved places," then find your route in the list.
To share your route with someone else, tap the share icon (usually an arrow pointing out of a box) at the top of the screen. Choose how you want to share: text message, email, or a link. The person you share it with can open the link in Google Maps or a web browser and see your exact route, distance, and travel time.
On a computer, click the menu icon (three dots) next to your destination name and select "Save this route." It will be saved to your account. To share, click the share icon and choose email or copy the link to send however you prefer. Anyone who opens the link will see your route on their own map.
Choosing between different route options
Google Maps often shows more than one route between your start and destination. On a phone, alternative routes appear as gray lines on the map. Tap any gray line to switch to that route. Google Maps will update the distance, time, and turn-by-turn directions to match your choice.
On a computer, alternative routes also appear as gray lines. Click any gray line to select it. The directions panel on the left will update to show the new route's details. Different routes may take different amounts of time or use different roads — choose based on whether you want the fastest route, the shortest distance, or a route that avoids highways or tolls.
Some routes may be faster during certain times of day. If you are planning a trip for later, you can tap or click "Depart at" or "Arrive by" to see how traffic conditions might change your travel time and which route would be best at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save a route with multiple stops?
Yes. After you add all your stops and arrange them in the order you want, tap or click the menu icon and select "Save this route." The entire route with all stops will be saved to your account. When you open it later, all the stops will be there in the same order.
What does it mean when Google Maps shows a gray line instead of a blue line?
A gray line is an alternative route that Google Maps calculated between your start and destination. The blue line is the route you are currently viewing. Tap or click a gray line to switch to that route and see its distance and time instead.
Can I edit a route after I have saved it?
You can open a saved route and make changes to it — add stops, remove stops, drag the path, or switch between route options. However, these changes are not automatically saved to your original route. You would need to save it again as a new route or overwrite the old one by saving it with the same name.
How do I avoid tolls or highways on my route?
On a phone, tap the menu icon (three dots) at the top right and look for "Route options." Check the boxes next to "Avoid tolls" or "Avoid highways." Google Maps will recalculate your route to skip those roads. On a computer, click the menu icon next to your destination and select the same options.
Can I create a route that starts from a location other than where I am right now?
Yes. Instead of tapping "Your location," type any address, business name, or landmark in the starting location search box. Google Maps will create a route from that location to your destination, even if you are not there yet. This is useful for planning trips in advance.