Can I Create a Route in Google Maps? Absolutely! Here’s How to Master Route Creation

Yes, you absolutely can create a route in Google Maps. Not only can you create them, but you can also customize them to your heart’s content, adding multiple stops, choosing preferred transportation methods, and even sharing them with others. This powerful functionality transforms Google Maps from a simple navigation tool into a dynamic travel planning companion.

Mastering Route Creation in Google Maps

Creating a route in Google Maps is straightforward, but understanding the nuances can unlock its full potential. Here’s a breakdown of the process across different platforms:

Creating Routes on Desktop

The desktop version of Google Maps offers the most comprehensive route creation features. Here’s how to leverage it:

1. Open Google Maps: Navigate to maps.google.com in your web browser.
2. Set Your Starting Point: Type your starting location in the search bar or click directly on the map.
3. Get Directions: Click the “Directions” icon (a right-pointing arrow) below the location information.
4. Enter Your Destination: Input your destination in the “Choose destination” field.
5. Add Multiple Stops: This is where the magic happens. Click the “+” button labeled “Add destination”. You can add up to nine stops in addition to your starting point and final destination.
6. Reorder Stops: Click and drag the stops to rearrange them in your desired order. This feature is crucial for optimizing your route for efficiency.
7. Choose Transportation Mode: Select your preferred mode of transport – car, public transit, walking, cycling, or ride services. Google Maps will adjust the route accordingly.
8. Explore Route Options: Google Maps often presents alternative routes. These may vary in distance, traffic conditions, and estimated travel time.
9. Share Your Route: Click the “Share” icon (a paper airplane) to generate a link that you can send to others. They can then open the route in their own Google Maps.
10. Print Your Route: Need a hard copy? The “Print” icon allows you to create a printable version of your route, including turn-by-turn directions.

Creating Routes on Mobile (Android & iOS)

The mobile app provides a slightly streamlined experience, optimized for on-the-go planning:

1. Open Google Maps App: Launch the Google Maps app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Enter Destination: Tap the search bar and enter your destination.
3. Tap Directions: Select the “Directions” button.
4. Add Starting Point (If Different): The app will default to your current location as the starting point. If you need to change it, tap the “Your location” field and enter a different starting point.
5. Add Stops: Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the screen and select “Add stop.” Repeat to add multiple stops (up to nine).
6. Reorder Stops: Long-press on the stop and drag it to rearrange the order.
7. Choose Transportation Mode: Select your preferred mode of transport.
8. Start Navigation: Tap the “Start” button to begin turn-by-turn navigation.
9. Share Route: Tap the three vertical dots and choose “Share directions” to share your route with others. Note that the shared route is not interactive in the same way as a shared route from the desktop version. It usually just sends the directions in text form.

Important Considerations for Route Creation

• Route Optimization: Google Maps automatically optimizes your route based on factors like distance and traffic. However, you may need to manually adjust the stop order to achieve the most efficient route, especially with numerous stops.
• Offline Maps: Download offline maps for areas where you anticipate limited or no internet connectivity. This ensures that you can still navigate even without a data connection.
• Real-Time Updates: Google Maps provides real-time traffic updates and reroutes you automatically to avoid congestion.
• Limitations: While you can add multiple stops, complex route planning may be better suited for dedicated route optimization software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Google Maps Routes

Here are 12 frequently asked questions concerning creating and managing routes in Google Maps, providing further insight and resolving common issues.

1. How many stops can I add to a Google Maps route?

You can add up to nine stops in addition to your starting point and final destination, for a maximum of eleven points on your route.

2. Can I save a route I’ve created in Google Maps?

While Google Maps doesn’t have a dedicated “save route” feature, you can achieve a similar result by sharing the route with yourself via email or saving the link in a note. This allows you to easily access the route later. On mobile, you can “pin” frequent locations to quickly build routes between them.

3. Can I create a route for public transportation with multiple transfers?

Yes, Google Maps excels at planning public transportation routes. Simply select the public transit icon when creating your route. Google Maps will automatically calculate the best route, including transfers between buses, trains, and subways.

4. Can I avoid tolls or highways when creating a route?

Yes, you can customize your route to avoid tolls, highways, and ferries. On desktop, click the three vertical dots next to your starting point and choose “Route options.” On mobile, tap the same three dots in the top-right corner after setting your start and destination.

5. Can I send my Google Maps route to someone else?

Yes, you can easily share your Google Maps route. On desktop, click the “Share” icon (paper airplane) to generate a shareable link. On mobile, tap the three vertical dots and select “Share directions.”

6. How do I change the order of stops on my Google Maps route?

On both desktop and mobile, you can drag and drop the stops to reorder them. Simply click and hold on the stop you want to move and drag it to its new position in the list.

7. Can I create a walking or cycling route in Google Maps?

Yes, Google Maps supports walking and cycling routes. Select the corresponding icon (walking man or bicycle) when creating your route. The app will prioritize pedestrian and bike-friendly paths.

8. Can I use Google Maps to plan a multi-day road trip with hotels and attractions?

While Google Maps itself doesn’t have built-in multi-day trip planning features, you can create a series of routes for each day of your trip. Save each route separately, and use other travel planning tools to book hotels and attractions. Combine it with Google My Maps for a more visual and collaborative planning experience.

9. Can I create a route that includes specific points of interest, like restaurants or gas stations?

Yes, you can search for points of interest (POIs) along your route and add them as stops. Simply search for “restaurants,” “gas stations,” or other relevant keywords near your current location or along your route and add them as destinations.

10. How do I report an error in a Google Maps route?

If you notice an error in a Google Maps route, you can report it to Google. On desktop, click the “Send feedback” link in the bottom-right corner. On mobile, tap the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner and select “Send feedback.” Be as specific as possible about the error you encountered.

11. Can I use Google Maps to navigate offline if I lose my internet connection?

Yes, you can download offline maps for specific areas. Before losing your internet connection, search for the area you want to download and tap the three dots in the top-right corner. Select “Download offline map.” Ensure the planned route lies entirely within the downloaded area to maintain navigation functionality.

12. What’s the difference between Google Maps and Google My Maps for route creation?

While Google Maps is great for everyday navigation and creating simple multi-stop routes, Google My Maps offers more advanced customization options. With My Maps, you can create custom maps with multiple layers, add custom icons and descriptions, and collaborate with others. It’s ideal for planning complex trips and creating specialized maps for specific purposes. Google My Maps allows for much longer routes and greater flexibility.