Add stops by tapping the route options menu

To add a stop to an existing route in Google Maps, open the app and search for your destination. Once you see the route on the map, tap the three dots (more options) at the bottom right of the directions panel. Select "Add stop" from the menu that appears.

A new search box will open. Type in the place you want to visit, or tap on a location directly on the map. Google Maps will insert this stop between your current location and your final destination, then recalculate the total travel time and distance.

You can add up to nine stops on a single route. Each stop appears as a numbered point on the map, and the app automatically orders them in the most efficient sequence — though you can rearrange them manually if you prefer a different order.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the three-dot menu at the bottom of the directions panel and select "Add stop" to insert a location into your route.
  • Google Maps reorders multiple stops automatically to create the shortest route, but you can drag stops to rearrange them yourself.
  • You can add up to nine stops on one route, and each stop shows as a numbered marker on the map.
  • On Android, you can also long-press a location on the map to add it as a stop without typing.

Rearrange stops by dragging them in the list

After you add multiple stops, Google Maps displays them in a numbered list in the directions panel. To change the order, press and hold the six-dot handle icon next to any stop, then drag it up or down to a new position. The map and travel time update immediately.

This is useful when Google's automatic routing does not match your preferred order. For example, if you need to visit a bank before a grocery store even though the store is closer, you can drag the bank stop above the grocery store to force that sequence.

Remove a stop from your route

To delete a stop, open the directions panel and swipe left on the stop you want to remove (on iPhone) or tap the X icon next to it (on Android). The stop disappears from the map, and Google Maps recalculates your route without it.

If you remove all stops except your destination, you are left with a simple point-to-point route. You can always add more stops later using the same three-dot menu.

Save a route with multiple stops

Google Maps does not save multi-stop routes automatically, but you can save individual places to your lists. Tap the heart icon on any stop to add it to your "Saved" list, or create a custom list by tapping the bookmark icon and selecting "Create list."

If you use the same route regularly, take a screenshot of the directions panel or write down the stop names. You can then recreate the route by searching for your starting point, adding each stop in order, and rearranging them as needed.

Differences between phones and tablets

The core steps are the same on iPhone and Android, but some gestures differ. On iPhone, swipe left on a stop to delete it. On Android, tap the X icon. Both platforms show the three-dot menu in the same location at the bottom right of the directions panel.

Tablets display the directions panel in a wider format, but the buttons and menus work identically. The main difference is screen space — on a larger screen, you may see more of the stop list at once without scrolling.

What happens when you add a stop to a route you are already following

If you are actively navigating and add a stop, Google Maps recalculates the route from your current location through the new stop to your destination. The app continues turn-by-turn navigation without interruption, and your estimated arrival time updates to include the new stop.

The navigation voice will guide you to the first stop, then to the next, and so on. You can add or remove stops at any point during navigation — the directions adjust in real time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a stop without knowing the exact address?

Yes. Tap "Add stop," then either type a partial name (like "coffee shop near Main Street"), tap a location directly on the map, or search by category. Google Maps will show matching results, and you can select the one you want.

Does Google Maps charge money to add stops?

No. Adding stops is a free feature in Google Maps for all users on both iPhone and Android.

What is the maximum number of stops I can add?

You can add up to nine stops on a single route, for a total of eleven locations including your starting point and final destination.

If I rearrange stops, will Google Maps find a better route?

No. When you manually drag stops to a new order, Google Maps follows your chosen sequence exactly. If you want the app to find the most efficient order again, delete all stops and re-add them — Google Maps will automatically optimize the sequence.

Can I share a route with multiple stops with someone else?

You can share your current location or a single destination through the share button, but Google Maps does not have a built-in way to share a complete multi-stop route. You can take a screenshot of the directions panel and send it, or give the other person your list of stops so they can recreate the route themselves.