How to plan a trip with Google Maps
This short guide is a reference tool to help refresh your knowledge or practise what you have learned in the How to plan a trip with Google Maps online video course, including:
- how to plan a trip from your location to a destination
- how to avoid tolls
- how to use the app to arrive at a specific time.
Getting started with Google Maps
This course demonstrates how to plan a trip using the Google Maps app on an Android phone, and the steps are similar on an iPhone or in a web browser on a computer.
Google Maps needs permission to use your device's location features to update the map as you travel. You can give the app permission in the Settings menu of your mobile device, under Location.
To get the most from Google Maps, you should be signed in to your Android phone and Google Maps with your Google Account.
How to get directions from your current location to a destination
Open the Google Maps app to see a map of your local area, with your current location marked by a blue circle in the centre of the map. To start a trip:
- Tap in the Search bar at the top of the map and type a destination.
- Suggestions appear as you type. You can tap one to select it, but tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom right of the keyboard instead.
- A map of the destination appears, with a pop up showing some information.
- Tap the Directions button in the pop up to see the fastest route from your location to the destination. The route will display in blue, along with a blue box that shows estimated travel time and any toll costs.
- The map may also show a toll-free route as a white box. Tap the box to see the alternative route, travel time and cost saving.
- By default, Google Maps gives you directions you can follow while driving, but there are options for public transport, walking and cycling too.
- To confirm the directions are for driving, make sure the car icon at the bottom of the map is selected and that the pop up is titled, Drive.
- Tap the Start button to begin receiving directions from your current location to the destination.
Follow these steps to receive directions to the destination from a place that is not your current location:
- At the top of the screen, tap Your location and type in the name of where you want to start the trip.
- When the starting location name displays, tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom right of the keyboard.
- A map of the destination appears, with a pop up showing some information.
- Scroll the pop up to see a preview of the directions, then swipe down on the pop up to close it and see the route on the map.
How to schedule your trip
Google Maps can help you schedule your trip so that you arrive at a set time.
- To begin, make sure the names of your start location and destination are entered at the top of the map screen.
- At the top right of the screen, tap the three vertical dots to open a menu.
- Tap Set depart or arrive time to open a pop up with a clock. Select the date and time you want to arrive on the clock, then tap Set.
- The map will display the route and a pop up showing the best time to leave from your location to arrive on time.