Get directions & show routes

You can get directions for driving, public transit, walking, or biking on Google Maps. Whenever you find multiple routes, the best route to your destination is blue. Other routes are in gray on the map.

Some directions in Google Maps are in beta, and may have limited availability. Always be cautious when using directions on Google Maps, remain aware of your surroundings at all times, and take necessary means to ensure safety of yourself and those around you. When in doubt, follow signage from the road or path that you are on when using directions.

  1. On your computer, open Google Maps.
  2. Click Directions Directions.
  3. Click points on the map, type an address, or add a place name.
  4. Choose one of the following:
    • Driving: Driving
    • Transit: Transit
    • Walking: Walking
    • Cycling: Cycling
    • Flight: Flight

Tip:

  • Directions to multiple destinations, or waypoints, aren’t available for public transit or flight searches.
  • Directions searches might not be available in all regions.
  • Not all cities have public transit directions in Google Maps. Before you can get transit directions, your local transit agency needs to add their route info to Google Maps. Learn which cities are covered.
  • To change a driving route, click and hold a spot on the route and drag it to a new spot on the map.

Add multiple destinations

  1. On your computer, open Google Maps.
  2. Click Directions Directions.
  3. Add a starting point and a destination.
  4. On the left, below the destinations you entered, click Add Add.
  5. To add a stop, choose another destination.
  6. To continue adding stops, repeat steps 4 and 5.
  7. Click on a route to get the directions.

Tip: To change the order of your stops, find the destination you want to move. Click and drag the destination.

Customize your route

Avoid tolls and highways
  1. On your computer, open Google Maps.
  2. Click Directions Directions.
  3. Click points on the map, type an address, or add a place name.
  4. Choose Options.
  5. Check the box next to "Tolls" or "Highways."
Change your travel time

You can change your travel date or time to find the best route before you leave, based on estimated traffic and transit schedules. To change your travel time, follow the steps below.

  1. On your computer, open Google Maps.
  2. Get directions.
  3. After you've gotten your directions, click Leave now.
  4. To change your travel dates or times, select Depart at or Arrive by.

Tip: If you have more than one destination, you won’t be able to use this feature.

Other ways to use directions

Share directions with others

To send someone directions in Google Maps, follow the steps below.

  1. On your computer, open Google Maps.
  2. Get directions.
  3. When you're ready to share, click the Menu Menu.
  4. Select Share or embed map. If you can't find this option, click Link to this map.
  5. Optional: To create a shorter web page link, check the box next to "Short URL."
  6. To highlight a link, double-click it. Then, copy it by pressing Ctrl + c (Windows) or ⌘ + c (Mac).
  7. Paste the link by pressing Ctrl + v (Windows) or ⌘ + v (Mac) wherever you want to share the map, like an email or Google+ post.

Tip: You can also copy the web address from your browser's address bar in all browsers except Internet Explorer 8 or 9.

Send directions to your phone or tablet

To send directions to your phone or tablet, follow the steps below.

  1. On your computer, open Google Maps and make sure you're signed in.
  2. Get directions. Click Send directions to your phone.
  3. Choose a phone, tablet, email, or text.

Tip: If you have more than one destination, you can't send directions to your phone or tablet.

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