Change your route before you start driving

Open Google Maps and search for your destination. When the route appears on the map, you'll see it highlighted in blue with an estimated arrival time at the top. Tap or click the route itself — the blue line — and Google Maps will show you alternative routes ranked by travel time. The fastest option appears first, usually in blue. Slower routes appear below it in gray. Tap the route you want to use, and it becomes your active route.

If you don't see alternative routes, it means Google Maps found only one reasonable way to reach your destination, or the alternatives are so similar that the app doesn't bother showing them. This happens often in rural areas or on highways with few exits.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the blue route line on your map to see alternative routes ranked by travel time.
  • You can change your route at any point during navigation by tapping a different option.
  • Google Maps shows you traffic conditions for each route so you can pick the fastest one right now.
  • If you want to avoid highways, tolls, or ferries, change those settings before you search for a destination.

Switch routes while you're already driving

Once navigation has started, you can still change your route. Tap the route information box at the bottom of your screen — the one showing your current arrival time. This opens a menu with alternative routes. Tap whichever route you want to switch to, and Google Maps will recalculate and guide you down the new path immediately.

Changing routes mid-drive is useful when you see traffic ahead or remember you need to stop somewhere along the way. Google Maps updates in real time, so if traffic clears on your original route, you might see it drop back to the top of the list.

Avoid highways, tolls, or other road types

If you want Google Maps to never suggest certain types of roads, change your preferences before you search. On Android, tap your profile picture in the top right, then Settings, then Navigation settings. On iPhone, tap the profile picture, then Settings, then scroll down to Navigation. You'll see toggles for Avoid highways, Avoid tolls, and Avoid ferries.

Turn on whichever options match what you want to avoid. From that point forward, Google Maps will plan routes around those road types. This setting stays on until you turn it off, so you won't have to reset it every trip. If you need to bypass the setting for one specific trip, you can still manually select a different route after you search.

Add stops along your route

You can add multiple stops to a single trip without losing your main destination. Start navigation to your destination as usual. Then tap the route information box at the bottom. Tap the plus icon (or Add stop on some versions), and search for the place you want to stop. Google Maps will insert it into your route and recalculate the total time.

You can add as many stops as you need. Google Maps will route you through them in the order you added them, then continue to your final destination. If you want to reorder the stops, tap and hold a stop in the list and drag it to a new position.

Use different routing options

Google Maps shows you routes based on current traffic, but you can see how conditions change throughout the day. While viewing route options, look for a Depart at or Arrive by option near the top of the screen. Tap it to set a different time, and Google Maps will show you routes based on typical traffic at that time instead of right now. This is useful for planning a trip tomorrow or later this week.

On Android, you can also tap the three-dot menu while viewing routes and select Route options to see settings like bike routes or public transit directions, depending on your location and what transportation methods are available.

What to do if Google Maps won't show alternatives

Sometimes Google Maps displays only one route, even though you know other ways exist. This usually means the app considers all other options significantly slower or longer. If you want to force a different route anyway, tap the destination search box and manually type in a street or landmark you want to pass through. Google Maps will recalculate to include that waypoint, which often produces a completely different route.

Another option is to zoom out on the map and tap a different point along the road you want to take. Google Maps will adjust the route to pass through that point. This method works well when you want to avoid a specific highway or stay on local roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save a custom route to use again later?

Google Maps doesn't save custom routes directly, but you can save your destination as a place. Search for your destination, tap the star icon to save it, and label it with a custom name. The next time you navigate there, you can select it from your saved places. You'll still see route options each time, but at least you won't have to type the address again.

Why does Google Maps keep suggesting the same route even though traffic is bad?

Google Maps updates traffic data constantly, but it may take a few minutes to reflect sudden changes. If you see traffic ahead, pull over safely and tap the route box again to refresh the alternatives. You can also manually select a different route from the list if one appears. If no alternatives show up, it means all other routes are currently slower than the one you're on.

Does changing my route affect my arrival time estimate?

Yes. Each route shows its own estimated arrival time based on current traffic. When you switch to a different route, the arrival time updates immediately to reflect the new path. Keep in mind that estimates can change as you drive and traffic conditions shift.

Can I change my route on Google Maps while offline?

You can view a route you downloaded for offline use, but you cannot search for new destinations or see alternative routes without an internet connection. If you need to change your route while offline, you'll need to reconnect to data or Wi-Fi first.