Navigating the Backroads: How to Ditch the Highway on Google Maps

Tired of the endless drone of the interstate? Yearning for scenic byways and charming small towns? Google Maps, despite its penchant for efficiency, can be your accomplice in escaping the highway hypnosis. It’s all about knowing where to find those hidden settings. Let’s dive into how to avoid highways on Google Maps and reclaim your road trip adventure. The process is straightforward, offering you a more leisurely and often more rewarding travel experience.

The Quick Guide to Highway-Free Navigation

The key to avoiding highways on Google Maps lies in manipulating its route options. The exact steps depend on the device you’re using, but the principle remains the same:

1. Enter Your Destination: Open Google Maps and input your starting point and destination.
2. Request Directions: Click or tap the “Directions” button.
3. Access Route Options: Look for the three vertical dots (menu) in the top right corner of the screen (desktop) or below the destination address on mobile. Tap or click them.
4. Select “Route Options”: A menu will appear. Choose “Route options”.
5. Toggle “Avoid Highways”: You’ll see checkboxes or toggles to “Avoid highways,” “Avoid tolls,” and sometimes “Avoid ferries.” Check the box or toggle the switch next to “Avoid highways.”
6. Enjoy the Scenic Route: Google Maps will recalculate your route, guiding you along local roads and backstreets, far from the roar of the interstate.

And that’s it! Google Maps will now prioritize routes that circumvent major highways, leading you on a potentially more scenic and interesting journey. Remember that this may add travel time, so factor that into your planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does “Avoid Highways” Really Mean No Highways at All?

Not necessarily. Google Maps interprets “avoid” as a strong suggestion, not an absolute command. In some cases, especially for longer trips or in areas with limited road networks, it might include a short stretch of highway. However, it will minimize highway usage as much as possible. If you absolutely must avoid highways completely, you may need to manually adjust the route by dragging and dropping the route line on the map to force it onto smaller roads.

2. Can I Set “Avoid Highways” as a Default Setting?

Unfortunately, no. Google Maps doesn’t offer a global default setting to always avoid highways. You need to enable the “Avoid highways” option for each trip individually. This can be a bit tedious, but it ensures that you have control over your route planning for each journey. Think of it as a conscious choice to embrace the backroads.

3. What’s the Difference Between “Avoid Highways” and “Avoid Tolls”?

These are distinct settings. “Avoid highways” specifically tells Google Maps to steer clear of major limited-access roads. “Avoid tolls” instructs it to find routes that bypass toll roads, regardless of whether they are highways or smaller roads. You can use them independently or together, depending on your preferences and budget. For instance, you might choose to avoid tolls but still use highways if time is a constraint.

4. How Accurate is Google Maps at Avoiding Highways?

Generally, Google Maps is quite reliable in avoiding highways when the option is selected. However, its accuracy depends on the quality and completeness of its map data. In some rural areas or regions with less frequently updated maps, the algorithm might occasionally slip up. Always double-check the route before you start your journey and be prepared to make manual adjustments if needed. Trust your instincts and look for road signs!

5. Will Avoiding Highways Always Add a Lot of Travel Time?

It depends. Avoiding highways often does add travel time, sometimes significantly, especially for long distances. However, the extra time can be offset by the increased enjoyment of a more scenic and less stressful journey. For shorter trips, the time difference might be minimal. Consider the trade-off between speed and experience when planning your route.

6. Can I Avoid Highways on Google Maps While Using Carplay or Android Auto?

Yes, the process is similar. After entering your destination in Google Maps within Carplay or Android Auto, look for the three dots or a settings icon. The “Route options” menu should be accessible from there, allowing you to select “Avoid highways.” The interface might be slightly different, but the functionality is the same. Ensure your phone is properly connected and Google Maps is running smoothly.

7. Does Avoiding Highways Affect the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)?

Yes. When you choose to avoid highways, Google Maps recalculates the ETA based on the slower speeds typically associated with local roads. The ETA will reflect the increased travel time due to lower speed limits and potentially more frequent stops or traffic lights. This updated ETA will help you better manage your expectations and plan your day.

8. What If I Accidentally End Up on a Highway After Choosing to Avoid Them?

Don’t panic! Google Maps is not infallible. It’s possible that you made a wrong turn or that the algorithm directed you onto a short stretch of highway for some reason. Simply re-check your route, look for the nearest exit, and then manually adjust the route on the map to guide you back onto smaller roads. Keep an eye on road signs for local roads or alternative routes.

9. Can I Suggest an Improvement to Google Maps if It’s Misrouting Me?

Absolutely! Google Maps relies on user feedback to improve its accuracy. If you notice that it’s consistently misrouting you, you can report the issue through the app. Look for the “Send feedback” option in the menu. You can highlight the specific area on the map and explain the problem. Your feedback helps Google Maps update its data and improve its routing algorithms.

10. Does Avoiding Highways Impact Data Usage on My Phone?

The impact on data usage is generally negligible. Google Maps primarily uses data to download map tiles and routing information. Whether you’re on a highway or a local road, the amount of data required for navigation is relatively similar. However, if you’re streaming music or using other data-intensive apps simultaneously, that will significantly increase your data consumption.

11. Can I Customize My Route Further After Choosing to Avoid Highways?

Yes! You can manually adjust the route by dragging and dropping the blue line on the map. This allows you to incorporate specific points of interest, scenic routes, or local roads that Google Maps might not have initially suggested. This level of customization gives you full control over your journey, ensuring it aligns with your specific preferences.

12. Are There Any Third-Party Apps That Offer Better Highway Avoidance Features?

While Google Maps is a solid choice, several third-party navigation apps offer more advanced features for customizing routes and avoiding highways. Apps like Scenic, Kurviger, and OsmAnd provide more granular control over routing preferences, including the ability to prioritize scenic roads, avoid specific types of roads (like gravel roads), and create custom routes with multiple waypoints. These apps are particularly popular with motorcyclists and adventure travelers who seek highly customized and off-the-beaten-path routes.

By mastering the “Avoid highways” setting on Google Maps and exploring alternative navigation apps, you can transform your road trips from monotonous highway slogs into memorable adventures filled with scenic beauty and local charm. So, ditch the interstate, embrace the backroads, and discover the hidden treasures that await!