How do I get Google Maps to choose a different route?

Customizing Your Google Maps Route: Beyond the Default

Google Maps, while generally excellent at finding efficient routes, sometimes defaults to a path that isn’t ideal for your specific needs. Fortunately, the platform offers a surprisingly simple way to personalize your journey, allowing you to create and adjust routes on the fly. This isn’t about finding alternative routes; it’s about actively shaping the path you’re taking.

The key lies in utilizing Google Maps’ built-in waypoint feature. This isn’t a separate menu or option; it’s integrated directly into the route display. Simply locate the blue line representing your current route. Tapping on this line, rather than clicking on an intermediate point, will reveal a small, movable marker. This marker functions as a waypoint.

Drag this waypoint to a new location. Immediately, Google Maps recalculates the route, updating the driving directions and instantly displaying the revised path. Crucially, this action eliminates alternative route suggestions. Google Maps focuses solely on the revised path, reflecting your immediate request.

This method offers several advantages over passively browsing alternative routes. Firstly, it’s immediate. Instead of searching and sifting through a list of possible routes, you manually adjust the path in real-time. Secondly, it creates a truly personalized experience. You’re not just changing the route; you’re actively constructing the journey that best suits your needs, whether it’s avoiding a particularly congested area, incorporating a stop for a quick coffee, or simply taking a more scenic approach.

This approach works seamlessly across different modes of transport, providing flexibility to your route planning. By utilizing the waypoint feature, you can move beyond simply searching for alternative routes and start actively shaping the journey that you want.