Creating a route in Google Maps takes three steps: enter your starting point, add your destination, and choose which route you want to take

Google Maps shows you one route by default, but you can see alternatives, add stops in between, and save the route for later. On a computer, you can drag the route line to change it. On a phone, you get fewer options but can still add multiple stops and see different routes. The route saves to your Google account if you save it, but it does not save automatically.

This guide covers creating routes on both desktop and mobile, adding multiple stops, and saving routes you plan to use again.

Key Takeaways

  • Enter a starting point and destination in the search boxes, then tap or click the directions button to see your route.
  • Google Maps shows one route first, but you can tap or click other route options to see faster or shorter alternatives.
  • Add stops by tapping or clicking the plus icon between your start and end points, then entering each stop address.
  • Save a route by clicking the three-dot menu and selecting "Save this route" on desktop, or by tapping the three-dot menu on mobile.
  • Saved routes appear in your "Saved" section and can be opened anytime without re-entering the addresses.

Creating a route on desktop

Open Google Maps in your web browser and look for the "Directions" button on the left side of the screen. Click it. Two search boxes will appear: one for your starting point and one for your destination. Type or paste the address of where you are starting from in the first box. If you want to start from your current location, click the location icon next to the box instead.

Type your destination address in the second box and press Enter. Google Maps will draw a route and show you the travel time and distance. The route appears as a blue line on the map. Below the route, you will see a list of turn-by-turn directions. If multiple routes exist, Google Maps shows them as gray lines on the map. Click any gray line to switch to that route.

Creating a route on your phone

Open the Google Maps app and tap the search box at the top. Type your destination and tap it when it appears in the suggestions. A blue dot marks your current location. Tap the directions button (it looks like an arrow) at the bottom right of the screen. Google Maps will show your route and the travel time.

If you want to start from a different location instead of your current location, tap the search box at the top where it says "Your location" and type the starting address. The route will recalculate. On mobile, you see fewer route options than on desktop, but you can still swipe left or right on the route options at the bottom to see alternatives.

Adding multiple stops to your route

On desktop, click the plus icon between your starting point and destination. A new search box will appear. Type the address of your first stop and press Enter. The route will recalculate to include that stop. You can add as many stops as you need by clicking the plus icon again for each one. Drag the stops up or down in the list on the left to change the order Google Maps uses.

On mobile, tap the three-dot menu at the top right and select "Add stop." Type the address of your stop and tap it. The route recalculates immediately. You can add more stops the same way. To change the order of stops, press and hold a stop in the list and drag it to a new position.

Choosing between different routes

Google Maps usually shows you the fastest route first. On desktop, gray lines on the map show other routes. Click any gray line to switch to it. Below the map, you will see the travel time and distance for each route option. Some routes may avoid highways or toll roads depending on your settings.

On mobile, swipe left or right on the route cards at the bottom of the screen to see other options. Each card shows the travel time and distance. Tap a card to switch to that route. If you have set preferences like avoiding tolls or highways, Google Maps filters the routes it shows you based on those settings.

Saving a route for later

On desktop, once you have created a route you want to keep, click the three-dot menu button above the turn-by-turn directions. Select "Save this route" from the menu. A dialog box will ask you to name the route. Type a name that describes the route, like "Commute to work" or "Weekend hiking trip." Click "Save." The route now appears in your "Saved" section on the left sidebar of Google Maps.

On mobile, tap the three-dot menu at the top right of the screen after you have created your route. Tap "Save this route." Type a name for the route and tap "Save." The route appears in your saved list. To find your saved routes anytime, open Google Maps, tap your profile picture at the top right, and select "Saved." Your routes appear under the "Routes" tab.

Editing and deleting saved routes

On desktop, go to your "Saved" section and find the route you want to change. Click it to open it. You can now edit the starting point, destination, or stops the same way you created the route originally. Click the three-dot menu and select "Update this route" to save your changes, or "Delete" to remove it.

On mobile, open your saved routes by tapping your profile picture and selecting "Saved," then tap the "Routes" tab. Tap the route you want to edit. Make your changes to the stops or destination. Tap the three-dot menu and select "Update this route" to save changes. To delete a saved route, swipe left on it in the list and tap the trash icon, or tap the three-dot menu and select "Delete."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save a route with multiple stops?

Yes. Create your route with all the stops you need, then save it the same way you would save a simple route. Google Maps remembers the order of your stops and the route you chose. When you open the saved route later, it shows all the stops in the same order.

What happens if I change my route after saving it?

Changes do not overwrite the saved route automatically. If you open a saved route and make changes, you must click or tap "Update this route" to save those changes. If you do not update it, the saved version stays the same and your changes disappear when you close the route.

Can I share a saved route with someone else?

On desktop, click the three-dot menu next to your saved route and select "Share." You can copy a link and send it to someone, or share it directly to email or messaging apps. On mobile, tap the three-dot menu and select "Share." The same sharing options appear. The person you share with can open the route in their own Google Maps without needing to recreate it.

Why does Google Maps show me a different route than the one I saved?

Traffic conditions change constantly, and Google Maps may suggest a faster route based on current conditions. Your saved route stays the same, but when you open it, Google Maps may highlight a new faster option. You can ignore the suggestion and use your saved route, or switch to the new route if you prefer.

Can I create a route that avoids tolls or highways?

Yes. On desktop, click the three-dot menu above the directions and select "Route options." Check the boxes for "Avoid tolls" or "Avoid highways." The route recalculates. On mobile, tap the three-dot menu at the top right and select "Route options," then toggle on the preferences you want. These settings apply to all routes you create until you turn them off.