How do you create a custom route on Google Maps?

Taking the Scenic Route: Creating Custom Road Trips on Google Maps

Google Maps is renowned for getting you from A to B, but what if your journey isn’t so straightforward? Perhaps you want to hit a specific roadside diner, visit a friend en route, or simply avoid a notorious traffic bottleneck. Luckily, Google Maps allows you to create custom routes, giving you complete control over your journey. Forget rigid navigation; embrace the freedom of personalized road trips with these simple steps.

While Google Maps won’t let you draw a freehand route, it does let you dictate specific stops along the way. This feature allows you to craft a route tailored to your exact needs, whether it’s a cross-country adventure or a weekend jaunt. Here’s how to take the reins and build your perfect itinerary:

1. Launch the Google Maps app: Open the app on your mobile device or access it through your web browser.

2. Initiate Directions: Tap or click the “Directions” button, usually represented by a curved arrow.

3. Set Your Starting Point: Enter your starting location in the “Starting point” field. You can type an address, the name of a place, or even just “My Location” if you’re starting from your current position.

4. Enter Your Destination: Input your final destination in the “Destination” field, just as you would for a standard route.

5. Add Your First Stop: Here’s where the customization begins. Just below your entered destination, you’ll find a “+” button (or sometimes represented by three dots with “Add stop”). Tap or click this to add your first intermediate destination.

6. Keep Adding Stops: Repeat step 5 for each additional location you want to include on your route. Google Maps allows up to eight intermediate stops, for a total of ten locations including your starting point and final destination.

7. Reorder Stops: Need to rearrange your itinerary? Simply long-press and drag a stop up or down the list to change its position in your route.

8. Review and Go: Once you’ve added all your desired locations, review the route to ensure it’s correct. Google Maps will display the total travel time and distance for your custom route. When you’re satisfied, tap or click “Start” and begin your personalized journey.

This powerful feature lets you explore hidden gems, optimize for scenic drives, or simply make the most of your time on the road. So, next time you’re planning a trip, ditch the rigid default routes and embrace the flexibility of custom routes on Google Maps. Your perfect road trip awaits!