Edit your route by tapping the route line itself, then dragging waypoints or the path to where you want to go

Google Maps shows you one route by default, but you can change it before you start driving. The simplest way is to tap anywhere on the blue route line on your phone or computer screen, then drag it to a different street. You can also add stops in the middle of your trip, rearrange them, or remove them entirely. The app recalculates the time and distance as you make changes.

On a phone, the editing tools appear at the bottom of the screen once you've started planning a route. On a computer, they're visible in the left sidebar. Both let you see alternative routes Google suggests, and you can switch between them with a single tap or click.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the blue route line on your phone or the route in the sidebar on your computer to edit it by dragging.
  • Add a stop by tapping the plus icon at the bottom of your phone screen or clicking the plus button in the sidebar on desktop.
  • Reorder stops by holding and dragging them up or down in the list, and Google Maps will recalculate the route automatically.
  • Switch between alternative routes by tapping or clicking on them, and the app shows you updated travel time for each option.
  • Remove a stop by swiping left on it (phone) or clicking the X next to it (computer), and the route updates when ready.

Drag the route line to take a different street

The quickest way to change your route is to touch or click the blue line itself and drag it to a different path. On your phone, press and hold on any part of the blue route, then drag your finger to the street you want to take instead. Google Maps will snap the route to that street and show you the new travel time at the top of the screen.

On a computer, click on the route line, hold the mouse button, and drag to a nearby street. The app works the same way — it snaps to the street you're pointing at and recalculates when ready. This method works best when you want to avoid a specific road or take a scenic route nearby. If you drag too far from any street, Google Maps will ignore the drag and keep the original route.

Add stops in the middle of your trip

To add a stop between your starting point and destination, look for the plus icon on your phone (at the bottom center of the screen) or the plus button on your computer (in the left sidebar). Tap or click it, then search for the place you want to add or tap a location on the map. Google Maps inserts the stop into your route and recalculates the total time.

You can add as many stops as you need. Each one appears in the list in the order you'll visit it. If you add a stop that makes the route longer than necessary, you can always drag it to a different position in the list or remove it entirely. The app shows you the distance and time between each pair of stops, so you can see how much each one adds to your trip.

Reorder your stops to change the sequence

If you've added multiple stops, you can rearrange them by holding and dragging on your phone or computer. On a phone, press and hold the stop you want to move (you'll see a handle icon appear), then drag it up or down in the list. On a computer, click and drag the stop in the sidebar to a new position. Google Maps recalculates the route and time for the new order.

Reordering is useful when you realize you should visit stops in a different sequence to save time. For example, if you're picking up groceries before dropping off a package, you might drag the package stop below the grocery stop. The app shows you the new total time when ready, so you can see whether the new order is faster or slower.

Switch between alternative routes

Google Maps often shows you more than one route to your destination. On your phone, you'll see alternative routes listed below the main route at the bottom of the screen. On a computer, they appear in the sidebar. Tap or click any alternative to switch to it. The app shows you the travel time for each route, so you can pick the fastest one or the one that avoids highways, traffic, or tolls.

Alternative routes change based on current traffic conditions. If traffic builds up on your chosen route, Google Maps may suggest a faster alternative and notify you. You can accept the suggestion or stick with your original choice. The app updates these suggestions as you drive, so you always see the best available options.

Remove a stop from your route

To delete a stop you no longer need, swipe left on it on your phone and tap the trash icon, or click the X next to it on a computer. The stop disappears from your list, and Google Maps recalculates your route when ready. If you remove a stop by mistake, you can undo it by tapping the undo button that appears briefly at the bottom of your screen.

Removing stops is faster than starting over if you've planned a multi-stop trip and then change your mind about one or two of them. The app keeps all your other stops and waypoints in place, adjusting only the route around the removed stop.

Save your edited route for later

Once you've edited your route the way you want it, you can save it to use again. On your phone, tap the three-dot menu at the top right and select "Save this route" or "Add to a list." On a computer, click the three-dot menu in the sidebar and choose the same option. Google Maps stores the route in your saved places, and you can open it anytime by searching your saved lists.

Saved routes keep all your stops and waypoints exactly as you arranged them. This is helpful for trips you take regularly, like a commute with multiple stops or a weekend route you drive often. You can edit a saved route the same way you edit any other route — just open it and make your changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit a route while I'm already driving?

Yes. Tap the route at the bottom of your screen to open the editing panel, then make your changes. Google Maps recalculates and shows you the new route when ready. You can add stops, remove them, or drag the route to a different street without stopping.

What happens if I drag the route to a place that isn't a street?

Google Maps ignores the drag and keeps your route on the nearest street. The app only snaps to actual roads, so you can't accidentally send yourself through a park or building. Try dragging to a different nearby street if the one you want isn't recognized.

Do I have to visit stops in the order Google Maps suggests?

No. You can reorder stops by dragging them in the list. Google Maps doesn't force you into any particular sequence — it just shows you the time and distance for the order you choose. You can arrange them however makes sense for your trip.

If I edit my route, does it save automatically?

Your edits stay in place while you're using that route, but they don't save permanently unless you explicitly save the route to your lists. If you close Google Maps and open it again, you'll need to recreate the route or open it from your saved places if you saved it earlier.

Can I undo changes if I edit my route by mistake?

Yes, if you just made the change. A brief undo button appears at the bottom of your screen after you remove a stop or make a major edit. Tap it to reverse the last change. If you've made multiple edits, you may need to redo them individually.