Google Maps lets you exclude toll roads from directions on both phone and desktop
Google Maps can route you around toll roads if you tell it to. The setting works on iPhone, Android, and computer, and it changes how the app calculates every route you ask for — not just one trip. Once you turn it on, Google Maps will suggest the fastest non-toll path unless no reasonable alternative exists.
The setting is in the same menu where you control highway avoidance and other routing preferences. It takes about 30 seconds to find and toggle on.
Key Takeaways
- On Android and iPhone, open Google Maps, tap your profile picture, go to Settings, then Preferences, and toggle on "Avoid tolls".
- On desktop, click the three horizontal lines (menu), select Settings, choose Preferences, and check "Avoid tolls".
- Once enabled, the setting applies to all routes you request until you turn it off again.
- Google Maps will still show toll roads as an option if they are significantly faster, but will prioritize toll-free routes when travel time is similar.
- The setting does not prevent you from taking a toll road — it only changes which route the app suggests first.
How to turn off tolls on Android
Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner. A menu will drop down with several options. Tap Settings.
In Settings, look for Preferences — it is usually near the top of the list. Tap it. You will see a row labeled "Avoid tolls" with a toggle switch next to it. Tap the toggle to turn it on. The switch will change color (usually to blue) to show it is active.
Close the menu and return to the map. Your next search will avoid toll roads. You can verify the setting is working by searching for a route you know includes tolls — Google Maps will now suggest an alternate path instead.
How to turn off tolls on iPhone
Open Google Maps and tap your profile picture in the top right. Tap Settings from the menu that appears.
Tap Preferences. Scroll down to find "Avoid tolls" and tap the toggle next to it. The toggle will turn on and change color to show the setting is active.
Exit the menu and test a route. Google Maps will now route around toll roads by default.
How to turn off tolls on desktop
Go to Google Maps in your web browser. Click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top left corner. Click Settings.
Click Preferences. Check the box next to "Avoid tolls". The setting takes effect when ready.
Search for a route to confirm the app is now suggesting toll-free alternatives. You can uncheck the box at any time to return to normal routing.
What happens when you enable avoid tolls
When the setting is on, Google Maps prioritizes routes without toll roads. If a toll-free route exists and the travel time is similar, Google Maps will show that route first. If the only reasonable path includes a toll road, or if the toll road is significantly faster, Google Maps may still suggest it — but will note the toll in the directions.
The setting does not block toll roads entirely. You can still choose to take one if you want. It only changes which route appears at the top of the list when you search for directions.
The avoid tolls setting stays on until you manually turn it off. It applies to every route you request, whether you are driving, using transit, or walking.
When avoid tolls might not work as expected
In some areas, toll roads are the only practical route between two points. Google Maps will suggest the toll road in these cases and will clearly label it as a toll. You will see a toll icon and sometimes an estimated cost.
Toll costs vary by time of day, vehicle type, and payment method in many places. Google Maps shows estimated tolls, but the actual charge may differ. If you need an exact toll amount, check the toll authority's website for your specific route and vehicle type.
Some toll roads use cameras to photograph license plates and bill you later, while others require a physical payment or a transponder. Google Maps does not distinguish between these methods — it only notes that a toll exists. If you are unfamiliar with how tolls work in your area, research the specific road before you drive it.
How to turn avoid tolls back off
If you want Google Maps to suggest the fastest route regardless of tolls, return to the same menu and toggle the setting off. On Android and iPhone, go to your profile picture, Settings, Preferences, and toggle "Avoid tolls" off. On desktop, click the menu, Settings, Preferences, and uncheck the box.
The change takes effect when ready. Your next search will show all available routes, including toll roads, ranked by speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google Maps show the toll cost before I start driving?
Yes. When a toll road is part of the suggested route, Google Maps displays an estimated toll amount on the directions screen. The estimate is based on current toll rates, but actual charges may vary depending on the time of day, your vehicle type, and the payment method used by that toll authority.
Can I avoid tolls for just one trip instead of all trips?
Not directly through a setting. You can turn on avoid tolls globally, or you can turn it off and manually choose a non-toll route when you search. If you need to avoid tolls for one trip only, turn off the setting, search for directions, and look for an alternate route in the list of options Google Maps provides.
Will Google Maps still show toll roads if I have avoid tolls turned on?
Yes. Google Maps will show toll roads as alternate options below the suggested toll-free route. You can tap any of them to see that path instead. The setting only changes which route appears first, not which routes are available.
Does the avoid tolls setting work on Apple Maps or Waze?
No. This setting is specific to Google Maps. Apple Maps and Waze have their own toll-avoidance features in different locations within their apps. Check each app's settings menu if you use them instead of Google Maps.
What if I am using Google Maps offline?
The avoid tolls setting applies to offline maps as well, but Google Maps may have less detailed toll information when you are not connected to the internet. Once you reconnect, the setting will work normally with full toll data.