Learn How to Change Routes on Google Maps

Understanding Google Maps Route Basics

Google Maps allows users to view directions between two or more locations using various transportation methods. When you open Google Maps and search for directions, the application calculates routes based on current road conditions, traffic patterns, and your selected mode of transportation. The default route shown is typically the fastest available option at that moment, though this can change based on real-time traffic data.

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Routes in Google Maps consist of several key components. The primary route appears highlighted in blue on your map, showing the recommended path from your starting point to your destination. The estimated travel time appears at the top of the directions panel, along with the total distance. Below this information, Google Maps provides turn-by-turn instructions that break down each segment of your journey into manageable steps.

Understanding how Google Maps prioritizes routes helps explain why the application might suggest different paths at different times. The algorithm considers factors including current traffic congestion, road closures, construction zones, and the posted speed limits on different roads. During rush hour, for example, Google Maps might suggest a longer route that avoids congested highways in favor of faster-moving side streets.

The service operates across multiple transportation modes, each with its own routing logic. Driving directions account for traffic patterns and road restrictions. Public transit directions incorporate real-time bus and train schedules. Walking and cycling routes consider pedestrian pathways and bike lanes. Understanding which mode you've selected is the first step toward effectively changing routes when the suggested path doesn't meet your needs.

Practical takeaway: Before changing a route, verify you've selected the correct transportation mode. Check the transportation icon (car, bus, bicycle, or walking figure) at the top of the directions panel to confirm Google Maps is routing for your intended travel method.

Accessing Alternative Route Options

Google Maps typically displays multiple route options when several reasonable paths exist between two locations. On desktop computers, alternative routes appear as gray lines on the map alongside the highlighted blue primary route. Each alternative route shows its own estimated travel time, allowing you to compare options at a glance. On mobile devices, alternative routes appear as cards below the main route, each displaying the route name, travel time, and brief description of the path.

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To view alternative routes on a desktop computer, look at the map after entering your starting point and destination. If multiple routes exist, you'll see gray lines representing different paths. Click on any gray line to select that route as your new primary route. The blue highlight shifts to your newly selected route, and the travel time updates to reflect this choice. The turn-by-turn directions panel on the left also updates to show the new directions.

Mobile users can access alternative routes by opening Google Maps, entering a destination, and selecting a transportation mode. The bottom of the screen displays route cards stacked horizontally. Swipe left or right to view different route options, or tap directly on a route card to select it. The map updates immediately to show your selected route highlighted in blue, with turn-by-turn directions appearing in the panel below.

It's important to note that Google Maps doesn't always display all theoretically possible routes—only those meeting certain criteria. The application filters routes based on reasonableness, showing options that represent genuine alternatives rather than significantly longer detours. A route that adds 30 minutes to your journey typically won't appear alongside a 20-minute route, but a route adding only 5 minutes while avoiding highways might.

Practical takeaway: Before manually changing your route, examine all available alternatives by clicking or swiping through the options presented. Often, Google Maps already provides the specific route you need without requiring manual adjustment.

Manually Editing Routes with Waypoints

When existing alternative routes don't match your preferences, you can manually edit your route by adding waypoints. Waypoints are intermediate locations between your starting point and destination that force Google Maps to route through specific areas. This feature works on both desktop and mobile versions, though the process differs slightly between platforms.

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On desktop computers, click the three-dot menu icon in the directions panel and select "Add a stop." A new search box appears where you can enter the location of your waypoint. You can add multiple waypoints, and they appear in order on your map. To rearrange waypoints, click and drag the waypoint entry in the directions panel to a different position. Google Maps immediately recalculates the route to account for the new waypoint order.

Mobile users can add waypoints by tapping the three-dot menu at the top of the directions screen and selecting "Add stop." A search field appears where you type the waypoint location. After selecting a location, the map updates and recalculates the route to include this stop. You can add up to nine waypoints on mobile devices, allowing for complex multi-stop journeys. To reorder waypoints, tap and hold on the waypoint entry, then drag it to a new position in the sequence.

Waypoints don't need to be specific addresses—they can be general locations like "Downtown Seattle" or "Near Central Park." Google Maps will interpret your input and place the waypoint at a reasonable location within that area. This flexibility allows you to route through neighborhoods, commercial districts, or other geographic areas without knowing exact addresses. When you add a waypoint, Google Maps optimizes the route between all points, potentially adjusting the overall path to find the most efficient sequence.

Removing waypoints is straightforward on both platforms. On desktop, hover over the waypoint in the directions panel and click the X that appears. On mobile, swipe left on the waypoint entry to reveal a delete button. Google Maps immediately recalculates your route without the removed waypoint.

Practical takeaway: Use waypoints when you need to stop at specific locations during your journey or when you want to force the route through particular areas. Adding a waypoint near a gas station, restaurant, or scenic area will ensure Google Maps routes you through that region.

Using Preferences to Influence Route Selection

Google Maps offers several preference settings that influence which routes the application suggests without requiring manual editing. These preferences vary by transportation mode and allow you to prioritize different factors when calculating routes. Understanding and adjusting these settings can result in routes that better match your personal preferences.

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For driving directions, Google Maps offers options to avoid tolls, highways, and ferries. These preferences appear in the menu options accessed by clicking the three-dot icon in the directions panel. When you select "Avoid tolls," Google Maps recalculates your route to use roads that don't charge tolls, even if it extends your travel time. Similarly, "Avoid highways" routes you through local streets and secondary roads. "Avoid ferries" eliminates any routes that require ferry crossings. You can select multiple preferences simultaneously—for example, avoiding both tolls and highways.

Public transit directions include different preference options focused on comfort and convenience. Users can often specify their preference between fewer transfers and shorter walking distances. Some regions offer the ability to exclude certain types of transit, such as preferring routes that don't require bus transfers or that minimize walking at the beginning or end of the journey.

Cycling route preferences typically include options to prioritize hills or flat terrain. A user who prefers to avoid steep grades can select "Hillier routes" to reveal flatter alternatives. Conversely, experienced cyclists might accept hillier routes for shorter distances.

These preferences persist in your account settings, so once you select them, Google Maps continues using your preferences for future directions. However, you can temporarily override these settings by deselecting them before searching for specific directions. This means you might normally avoid tolls but could accept a toll route in situations where it significantly reduces travel time.

Practical takeaway: Explore the menu options in your transportation mode to identify relevant preferences. If certain route factors bother you (tolls, busy highways, extensive walking), enable those avoidance options once rather than manually adjusting each route.

Real-Time Route Modifications During Your Journey

Route changes don't only happen before you start your journey—Google Maps allows you to modify your route in real time as you travel. These mid-journey changes prove particularly useful when traffic conditions worsen, you miss a turn, or you decide to visit an additional location unexpectedly.

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On mobile devices, the live navigation screen displays your current route with turn-by-turn guidance. If you want to change your route, tap on the route information bar at the top of the screen. This reveals alternative route options that Google Maps has calculated based on your current location and remaining destination. Select any alternative, and the navigation immediately adjusts to guide you along the new path.