How to Change the Route in Google Maps

Google Maps is remarkably good at finding routes automatically — but it doesn't always pick the one you would choose. Whether you want to avoid a specific road, add a stop along the way, or simply prefer a different path, Google Maps gives you several ways to take control. How straightforward that process is depends on a few variables worth understanding before you start tapping around.

Why Google Maps Picks the Route It Does

By default, Google Maps selects routes based on estimated travel time, factoring in real-time traffic data, road speed limits, and historical patterns. It isn't always choosing the shortest distance — it's choosing what its algorithm considers the fastest option at that moment.

This matters because when you change a route, you're essentially overriding a live calculation. Google Maps will sometimes try to re-route you back to its preferred path, which is useful to understand if your changes aren't sticking the way you expect.

Method 1: Drag the Route to a Different Road 🗺️

The most intuitive way to change your route mid-navigation or before you start is to drag the blue route line to a different road.

On Android and iPhone:

1. Start navigating or enter your destination without starting navigation yet.
2. Tap the route line on the map.
3. Press and hold a point on the line, then drag it to a nearby road or intersection you'd prefer to use.
4. Google Maps will recalculate the route through that point.

This method works best for small adjustments — nudging around a specific street, bridge, or neighborhood. For larger detours, you may need to drag multiple points or use a different method entirely.

One important note: Once navigation is actively running and you're moving, the drag method becomes harder to use safely. It's best done before you begin driving.

Method 2: Choose From Alternative Routes

Before you start navigation, Google Maps typically shows two or three route options displayed as gray lines alongside the main blue route. Each option shows an estimated time and any relevant notes (like toll roads or highways).

To switch between them:

1. Enter your destination.
2. Tap one of the gray alternative route lines or select it from the list at the bottom of the screen.
3. The selected route turns blue and becomes your active route.
4. Tap Start to begin navigation on that path.

This option only appears when Google Maps has calculated meaningful alternatives. On some routes — particularly in areas with limited road options — you may only see one route.

Method 3: Add Stops to Shape Your Route

Adding a waypoint is one of the most reliable ways to force Google Maps through a specific area. If you know you want to pass through a particular town, intersection, or landmark, adding it as a stop guarantees the route includes it.

On Android and iPhone:

1. Enter your destination.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the upper right corner of the directions screen.
3. Select "Add stop."
4. Enter the location you want to pass through.
5. You can drag stops up or down to reorder them.

This works well for road trips, errands, or any trip where your path matters as much as your destination. Each added stop essentially becomes a mini-destination that anchors the route through a specific area.

Method 4: Use Route Options to Avoid Highways, Tolls, or Ferries

If you consistently want to avoid certain road types, Google Maps has built-in route options that apply globally to your navigation.

To access these:

1. Before starting navigation, tap the three-dot menu.
2. Select "Route options."
3. Toggle on Avoid highways, Avoid tolls, or Avoid ferries based on your preference.

These settings persist for the current session and affect how Google Maps calculates all routes. They don't let you avoid a specific road by name, but they can significantly change which path Google Maps recommends.

Method 5: Report a Problem or Detour During Navigation

Once you're actively navigating, Google Maps offers a detour option that reroutes you around a specific distance ahead — useful if you're stuck in unexpected traffic or a road is closed.

On Android, tap the search bar during navigation and look for nearby options. On iPhone, tap the route card at the bottom during navigation. The exact interface varies depending on your app version.

What Affects How Well Route Changes Work

The Variable That Changes Everything

The method that works best for you depends heavily on when in your journey you want to make changes and why you're changing the route. Adjusting before you leave is a very different task from rerouting mid-drive. Avoiding a single street requires a different approach than restructuring an entire multi-hour trip.

Someone doing a daily commute who wants to avoid one intersection will find the drag method perfectly adequate. A traveler planning a cross-country route through specific cities will rely almost entirely on waypoints. A driver who needs to avoid all tolls for reimbursement purposes will lean on route options settings. 🚗

The tools are all there — which combination fits your specific situation is the part that depends on your setup, your trip, and what you're actually trying to accomplish.