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Navigating unfamiliar roads or planning a multi-stop journey can be overwhelming, but with Google Maps Route Planner, it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you need Google Maps directions for the nearest restaurant or a business route with multiple stops, this guide will help you to make the most of Google Maps.
From this guide, you’ll set up and customize your routes effectively. By the end, you’ll be able to use Google Maps Confidently and make your navigation easy and smooth.
How to Use Google Maps Route Planner on Your Mobile
You can use Google Maps Route Planner on both Android and iOS platforms with these quick and easy steps:
- Open the Google Maps App: First, Open the Google Maps on your device and ensure that your GPS is enabled. This will allow Google Maps to detect your current location and provide real-time directions.
- Click the directions button: Now you need to tap on the “direction” icon, located at the bottom of your screen.
- Add starting and destination address: After tapping on the direction icon, you will see a search bar where you must enter your starting and destination points. Then Google Maps will show you the most efficient routes based on traffic and road conditions.
- Choose Your Transportation Method: Now you must select your transportation mode- driving (car icon), walking, public transport, or biking.
- Customize Route Preferences: Tap “Options” to customize your route preferences, such as avoiding tolls, motorways, or ferries.
- Review your route plan: After entering your route details, you can review your route plan such as stops, distance, directions, and estimated travel time.
- Start navigation: When ready click on the start to begin turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation.
How to Use Google Maps Route Planner on Your Web Browser
- Open Google Maps: Open the Google map on your web browser.
- Enter the Starting Point and Destination: Just like the mobile, now input the starting and destination points in the search bar.
- Add multiple destinations (if needed): No worries, if you are planning for a multi-stop trip. Below your destination, you’ll see a little plus sign (+) next to “Add destination”. You can use it to add multiple destinations according to your needs.
- Rearrange your stops: You can also rearrange your stops and this will make your journey easy and smooth.
- Choose your transportation mode: Now you need to select your transportation mode- driving (car icon), walking, public transport, or biking.
- Review and select your route: After entering your route details, you can review your route plan such as stops, distance, directions, and estimated travel time.
- Send directions to your phone: Click on “Send directions to your phone” at the bottom of the directions panel. You can either copy the link to share it or send it directly via email.
You can also read: How to Drop a Pin in Google Maps (Desktop & Mobile)?
Setting Multiple Stops on Google Maps
- Open the Google Maps App: First, you need to open the Google Maps on your mobile or web browser.
- Enter Your First Destination: Then, you need to add your starting point and destination in the search bar.
- Add More Stops: Now you can add multiple destinations or stops. Below your destination bar, you’ll see a little plus sign (+) next to “Add destination”. You can use this feature to plan a multi-stop route.
- Customize the Route: You can also customize your stops effectively by rearranging the destinations.
- Save and share: You can save it for future reference or share it with your friends and family.
When to use Google Maps for route planning: Best Practices
- Basic Directions
- Personal Trips and Errands
- Distance Calculations
- Real-Time Adjustments
Pros and Cons of Using Google Maps for Route Planning
Pros of Using Google Maps for Route Planning
- Ease of Use: Google Maps directions are user-friendly and accessible to everyone.
- Real-Time Traffic Updates: Google Maps works according to real-time factors like traffic, accidents, and road closures.
- Free Access: Google Maps is free and easy to navigate.
- Multi-Device Compatibility: It works seamlessly on all devices like desktops, smartphones, or tablets.
Cons of Using Google Maps for Route Planning
No route optimization: Google Maps handles trips with a few stops, it doesn’t optimize routes with multiple locations. It works well only with 10 stops max.
Sometimes confusing: Sometimes it’s confusing and you go to the wrong spot.
Battery drain: It can be a bit power-hungry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Yes, you can use Google Maps Route Planner offline.
- Search for the location
- Download it (Option under the area details)
It is generally very accurate because It uses a combination of real-time traffic data, historical traffic patterns, and the current road conditions to give you an estimated travel time.
Here are some best practices: Plan, Use real-time traffic updates, and Avoid high-traffic hours.
After entering your starting and destination points. Click on the options. You’ll see checkboxes for "Avoid tolls," "Avoid highways," and "Avoid ferries”. Simply check the boxes according to your preferences.
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Rishabh Sharma (Rish)
Founder, ICONIER Inc.
Over 7 years of experience in managing digital products with a specific focus on branding, lead generation, and delivering custom IT Solutions. Graduated from the University of London (U.K) in Business & Management. Rish saw the opportunity to improve and digitalize operations for small and large businesses by providing simple and innovative online solutions.