The quickest way to change your route
Open Google Maps and search for your destination. When the route appears on the map, tap or click the route itself — the blue line showing your path. A menu will pop up with alternative routes ranked by time. Tap the one you want, and Google Maps will recalculate and show you turn-by-turn directions on the new route.
If you do not see alternative routes right away, swipe up on the directions panel at the bottom of the screen (on mobile) or look for a "Routes" button (on desktop). Google Maps shows you the fastest option first, then offers slower alternatives that might avoid traffic, tolls, or highways depending on your settings.
You can also drag the blue route line with your finger or mouse to create a custom path. Google Maps will snap your drag to nearby roads and recalculate the distance and time. This works best when you want to steer around a specific area or stop you know about.
Key Takeaways
- Tap or click the blue route line on the map to see alternative routes ranked by travel time.
- Drag the route line with your finger or mouse to manually adjust your path around obstacles or preferred areas.
- Swipe up the directions panel on mobile or look for a Routes button on desktop to see all available options.
- Your route preferences — avoiding tolls, highways, or ferries — affect which alternatives Google Maps shows you.
Using the directions panel to pick a different route
On your phone, open Google Maps and enter your destination. Tap "Directions" and select your starting point if it is not already set. Google Maps will show the fastest route by default with a blue line on the map.
Swipe up on the white panel at the bottom showing your arrival time and distance. You will see a list of alternative routes, each labeled with its travel time. The top option is usually the fastest; others below it may take longer but avoid congestion, tolls, or certain road types. Tap any route to switch to it.
On desktop, the routes panel appears on the left side of the screen. Click the route you want from the list, and the map updates immediately. If you do not see multiple routes, Google Maps may have determined there is only one practical option, or traffic conditions may not warrant alternatives at that moment.
Dragging your route to avoid specific areas
Google Maps lets you reshape your route by hand. Press and hold the blue line on the map (or click and drag on desktop) at the point where you want to change direction. Drag your finger or mouse to pull the route away from an area — a construction zone, a neighborhood you want to avoid, or a road you prefer not to use.
As you drag, Google Maps recalculates the route in real time and shows you the new distance and travel time. When you release, the app locks the new route. If the detour adds too much time or distance, you can undo by tapping the undo arrow or dragging the line back.
This method works best for small adjustments. If you want to add a stop along the way — a gas station, restaurant, or other waypoint — use the "Add stop" button instead of dragging, which gives Google Maps more control over the routing.
Changing route preferences to see different options
Google Maps offers route options based on your preferences. On mobile, tap the three-line menu (hamburger icon) in the top left, then go to "Settings" and scroll to "Navigation settings." You can toggle options like "Avoid tolls," "Avoid highways," and "Avoid ferries." When you turn these on, Google Maps will show you routes that skip those road types.
On desktop, click the three-dot menu next to your destination and look for "Route options." Check the boxes for tolls, highways, or ferries you want to avoid. The map will redraw with new alternatives that respect your choices.
Keep in mind that avoiding certain road types may add significant time to your trip. If you avoid highways in an area where they are the main route, your detour could add 30 minutes or more. Google Maps shows you the time difference so you can decide whether the trade-off is worth it.
Adding stops to break up your route
If you want to visit multiple places on one trip, add stops instead of changing the route. Tap the plus icon or "Add stop" button in the directions panel. Search for the place you want to visit, and Google Maps will insert it into your route and recalculate the order.
You can add as many stops as you need. Google Maps will optimize the order to keep your total travel time as short as possible, though you can manually reorder stops by dragging them up or down in the list. Each stop gets its own turn-by-turn directions, and you can tap any stop to see details or change it.
Stops are different from route changes: they are destinations you actually want to reach, not just detours around obstacles. If you are trying to avoid a specific road or area without stopping there, dragging the route line is the better approach.
Why Google Maps might not show alternative routes
Sometimes Google Maps shows only one route, even though others exist. This usually means the fastest option is so much quicker than alternatives that Google Maps does not bother displaying slower choices. It can also happen if you are in a rural area with limited road options, or if traffic conditions have not yet been analyzed for the time you are traveling.
If you want to see more options, try dragging the route line to force Google Maps to calculate a different path. You can also turn on "Avoid highways" or "Avoid tolls" to see what routes those preferences reveal. Refreshing the directions or waiting a few minutes for traffic data to update may also bring new alternatives into view.
Real-time traffic affects which routes Google Maps recommends. During heavy congestion, you may see many alternatives as the app tries to route around gridlock. During light traffic, fewer alternatives appear because the fastest route is clearly the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save a custom route I created by dragging?
Google Maps does not save custom dragged routes permanently. Each time you search for the same destination, it will show you the default fastest route. If you frequently use a specific route, you can save the destination as a favorite place, but the app will not remember the exact path you dragged. You will need to drag it again each time.
What is the difference between a route and a stop?
A route is the path Google Maps calculates between your starting point and destination. A stop is a place you actually want to visit along the way. Adding stops lets you visit multiple destinations in one trip; changing your route lets you avoid traffic, tolls, or specific areas without stopping there.
Does Google Maps show me the route with the least traffic?
Google Maps shows the fastest route first, which is usually the one with the least traffic at that moment. Other alternatives may be slower overall but might avoid congestion on certain roads. You can see the estimated time for each route and pick based on your priorities — speed, avoiding tolls, or staying off highways.
Can I change my route while I am already driving?
Yes. Tap the route line or swipe up the directions panel to see alternatives, then tap the one you want. Google Maps will recalculate immediately and give you new turn-by-turn directions. You can also drag the route to adjust it on the fly, though it is safer to pull over first.
Why did Google Maps change my route without me asking?
Google Maps updates your route automatically if traffic conditions change significantly. If congestion develops on your current route, the app may suggest a faster alternative and ask if you want to switch. You can ignore the suggestion and keep your current route, or tap the new one to accept it.