How do I set a custom route in Google Maps?

Taking Control of Your Journey: Creating Custom Routes in Google Maps

Google Maps has revolutionized navigation, but sometimes the suggested route isn’t quite what you need. Perhaps you want to avoid a specific highway, ensure you pass by a particular landmark, or compare different scenic options. Thankfully, Google Maps empowers you to take control of your journey by creating custom routes. This feature allows you to personalize your navigation experience, ensuring you get where you’re going, the way you want to go.

While Google Maps excels at providing the fastest or shortest route, a custom route allows you to tailor your trip based on specific criteria. Here’s how you can build your own personalized navigation plan:

On Desktop:

1. Open Google Maps: Navigate to maps.google.com in your web browser.
2. Enter Your Starting Point: Input your origin in the search bar, as you typically would for regular navigation.
3. Initiate Directions: Click “Directions” and enter your final destination. Google Maps will initially display its suggested route.
4. Add Waypoints: This is where customization begins. Click the “+” button below the destination input field to add a waypoint. You can add multiple waypoints to force the route through specific locations. Think of it like pinning locations onto your map, guiding your route.
5. Drag and Drop: You’re not locked into the order Google Maps suggests. Click and drag the waypoints in the list to rearrange their order and refine your custom route. Want to grab coffee before visiting a friend? Just drag the coffee shop above your friend’s address.
6. Explore Alternatives: Google Maps will update the route as you modify waypoints. Furthermore, it often suggests alternative routes, which you can compare based on distance, estimated travel time, and traffic conditions.

On Mobile (Android & iOS):

The process is very similar on mobile devices:

1. Open the Google Maps App: Launch the app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Enter Your Starting Point and Destination: Input your origin and destination as you normally would.
3. Tap the Three Dots (More): After Google Maps generates the initial route, tap the three dots icon (usually located in the top-right corner).
4. Select “Add Stop”: This allows you to add waypoints to your journey. You can add multiple stops.
5. Reorder Stops: Press and hold a stop in the list, then drag it up or down to adjust the order.
6. Review and Select a Route: Google Maps will display the adjusted route. If alternatives are available, you can review and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Beyond the Basics:

Creating custom routes offers significant flexibility:

• Scenic Drives: Plan a route that takes you along picturesque roads or through national parks.
• Avoiding Tolls or Highways: Customize your route to bypass toll roads or major highways, opting for smaller, less congested roads.
• Lunch Stops and Errands: Integrate planned stops for meals, grocery shopping, or other errands seamlessly into your navigation.

By mastering the art of custom routes, you can transform Google Maps from a simple navigation tool into a powerful journey planner, allowing you to personalize every trip and ensure it meets your precise needs.