Creating a route map on Google Maps takes about two minutes once you know where to find the routing tool

A route map shows the path between two or more locations, with turn-by-turn directions and travel time. You build one by entering a starting point and a destination, then adding stops if you need them. Google Maps will draw the route on the map and list every turn. You can save the route, share it with someone else, or print it.

The process works the same way on a phone, tablet, or computer, though the buttons are in slightly different places. This guide covers all three.

Key Takeaways

  • Enter your starting location and destination in the search boxes at the top of Google Maps to create a basic two-point route.
  • Add multiple stops by clicking the plus sign between your start and end points, then entering each additional location.
  • Switch between driving, transit, walking, and cycling modes using the icons that appear after you enter your destination.
  • Save a route by clicking the three-dot menu and selecting "Save this route", or share it by clicking "Share" and copying the link.
  • Reorder stops by dragging them up or down in the directions panel, and Google Maps will recalculate the route automatically.

Creating a basic two-point route on desktop

Open Google Maps in your web browser. In the search box at the top left, type your starting address or location name. Press Enter or click the search icon. The map will center on that location.

Now look for the "Directions" button. It appears as an arrow icon in the left panel, usually near the top. Click it. A second search box will appear below the first one, labeled "Choose starting point". Your current search result is already selected as the start. In the lower search box labeled "Choose destination", type where you want to go. Press Enter. Google Maps will draw a blue line showing the route and display turn-by-turn directions in the left panel, along with the total distance and estimated travel time.

Creating a route with multiple stops

Start with a basic route as described above. Once your start and destination are entered, look in the directions panel on the left for a plus sign (+) between the start and end points. Click it. A new search box will appear. Type the address or name of the location you want to add as a stop.

Google Maps will insert this stop into your route and recalculate the directions. The route will now show all three points connected in order. You can add as many stops as you need by clicking the plus sign again for each one. Each new stop appears in the list in the order you add it, but you can rearrange them by dragging each stop up or down in the directions panel. Google Maps recalculates the route every time you move a stop.

Changing your route type on phone or tablet

Open the Google Maps app and enter your starting location and destination as described above. After the route appears, look at the top of the directions panel. You will see several icons: a car, a bus, a walking figure, and a bicycle. Tap the icon for the type of route you want. The map will redraw the route using that method of travel.

On a computer, these same icons appear in the directions panel after you enter your destination. Click the one you want. Driving is the default, but transit, walking, and cycling routes often take different paths and have different travel times. If a mode is not available for your route (for example, no public transit exists between two rural locations), that icon will be grayed out.

Saving a route you plan to use again

Once your route is complete, look for a three-dot menu icon in the directions panel. On a phone, it is usually at the top right of the directions list. On a computer, it is in the left panel. Click or tap it. A menu will appear with several options, including "Save this route". Click that option.

Google Maps will ask you to name the route and choose a label (such as "Work" or "Favorites"). Type a name that will help you remember what the route is for, like "Morning commute" or "Route to Mom's house". Click "Save". The route is now stored in your Google Maps account and will appear in your saved places. You can access it anytime by opening Google Maps, clicking the menu, and selecting "Your places", then "Saved".

Sharing a route with someone else

After you create your route, look for a "Share" button in the directions panel. On a phone, it is usually at the top right. On a computer, it is in the left panel near the three-dot menu. Click or tap "Share". A menu will appear with options to share via email, text message, or social media, or to copy a link to the clipboard.

If you choose to copy the link, you can paste it into an email, text message, or any other app. Anyone who clicks that link will see your exact route on their own Google Maps, with all the stops and directions you created. They do not need a Google account to view it. If you share via email or text directly from Google Maps, the app will open your email or messaging app with the link already inserted.

Printing or downloading your route

To print a route on a computer, open the three-dot menu in the directions panel and select "Print". Your browser will open a print preview showing the map and the turn-by-turn directions. Click "Print" in your browser to send it to your printer. You can also save it as a PDF by selecting "Save as PDF" instead of a printer name.

On a phone or tablet, there is no built-in print option in Google Maps itself. Instead, take a screenshot of the directions panel (press the power and volume-down buttons at the same time on most phones), then open your phone's print settings to print the screenshot. Alternatively, copy the route link and send it to yourself via email, then print it from your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the order of my stops after I create the route?

Yes. In the directions panel, click and drag each stop up or down to reorder it. Google Maps will recalculate the route immediately. On a phone, tap and hold a stop, then drag it to its new position.

What happens if I want to avoid a certain road or area?

Google Maps does not have a built-in "avoid this road" feature in the basic route tool. However, you can manually adjust your route by clicking on the blue line and dragging it to a different path. Google Maps will recalculate the directions based on your new route.

Can I save multiple different routes to the same destination?

Yes. Each route you save is stored separately with its own name. You can create and save as many routes as you want. They all appear in your "Saved" places in Google Maps.

Will my saved routes work if I do not have internet?

Saved routes require an internet connection to view and navigate. However, you can download offline maps of specific areas in Google Maps, which will let you see the map itself without internet, though turn-by-turn navigation may be limited.

Can I create a route that returns to my starting point?

Yes. Add your starting location as the final stop in your route. Google Maps will show you a complete loop with all the stops you added in between, and the route will end where it began.