Google Maps is one of the most popular navigation apps, helping millions of people find directions, discover nearby places, and plan trips. While getting directions from one location to another is simple, you may sometimes want to create a custom route with multiple stops, avoid certain roads, or save a frequently used journey for quick access later. Whether you’re planning a road trip, daily commute, delivery route, or vacation itinerary, Google Maps offers several features that make route planning easier.
Although Google Maps doesn’t provide a traditional route editor like dedicated mapping software, it allows you to customize routes by adding stops, dragging routes on desktop, choosing travel preferences, and saving locations for future use. You can also save trips to your Google account for quick access across your devices.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best ways to create and save a custom route in Google Maps on both desktop and mobile devices.
Why Create a Custom Route in Google Maps?
Creating a custom route offers several advantages.
Common reasons include:
- Plan road trips with multiple destinations.
- Save frequently traveled routes.
- Avoid highways, toll roads, or ferries.
- Organize delivery or service routes.
- Share travel plans with friends and family.
- Navigate through preferred roads.
- Save time during regular commutes.
- Prepare routes before traveling.
Method 1: Create a Route Using Google Maps on Desktop
The desktop version provides the most flexibility when planning routes.
- Open Google Maps in your web browser.
- Click Directions.
- Enter your starting location.
- Enter your destination.
- Select your preferred travel mode:
- Driving
- Walking
- Cycling
- Public transit
- Google Maps generates one or more routes.
- Click your preferred route.
If alternative routes are available, simply select the one you want.
Method 2: Add Multiple Stops
You can customize a trip by adding additional destinations.
- Create your route.
- Click Add destination.
- Enter another location.
- Repeat for additional stops.
To change the order:
- Drag each stop using the handle beside it.
- Rearrange them until the route matches your travel plan.
Google Maps automatically recalculates the route.
Method 3: Drag the Route to Preferred Roads (Desktop)
For driving directions on the desktop version, Google Maps often lets you manually adjust the route.
- Create a driving route.
- Move your mouse over the blue route line.
- Click and drag the route.
- Drop it onto another road.
Google Maps updates the directions accordingly.
This is useful if you prefer scenic roads or want to avoid certain areas.
Method 4: Avoid Tolls, Highways, or Ferries
Google Maps allows you to customize navigation preferences.
After creating a route:
- Open Options (desktop) or Route options (mobile).
- Enable one or more preferences:
- Avoid tolls.
- Avoid highways.
- Avoid ferries.
Google Maps recalculates the best available route based on your selections.
Method 5: Save the Route for Future Use
Frequently used routes can be saved for quick access.
On Android:
- Create the route.
- Tap Pin at the bottom of the screen.
The route appears in the Go tab for easy access.
On desktop, your recent searches and routes are generally associated with your Google account, making them easier to access later when signed in.
Method 6: Save Important Places
Instead of saving an entire route, you can save the destinations.
- Search for a location.
- Open its information page.
- Click or tap Save.
- Choose a list such as:
- Favorites
- Want to Go
- Starred Places
- New List
Saved places synchronize across devices using your Google account.
Method 7: Share Your Route
Google Maps makes sharing directions simple.
After creating your route:
- Select Share.
- Copy the link.
- Send it through email, messaging apps, or social media.
Recipients can open the route directly in Google Maps.
Method 8: Access Saved Routes Across Devices
Sign in with the same Google account on all your devices.
Your:
- Saved places
- Recent searches
- Pinned trips
- Lists
remain synchronized, allowing you to continue planning on another device.
Method 9: Use Offline Maps for Saved Routes
If you’re traveling where internet access may be limited, download an offline map beforehand.
- Open Google Maps.
- Tap your profile picture.
- Select Offline maps.
- Download the desired area.
Although live traffic won’t be available offline, you’ll still be able to navigate within the downloaded region.
Method 10: Update Google Maps Regularly
Using the latest version of Google Maps ensures access to new navigation features, bug fixes, and improved route planning.
Update the app through your device’s app store and restart it after installation.
Keeping Google Maps updated helps ensure accurate directions and reliable route-saving features.
Conclusion
Google Maps makes it easy to create, customize, and save routes for daily commutes, road trips, and multi-stop journeys. By adding destinations, rearranging stops, avoiding specific road types, and saving frequently used locations, you can tailor navigation to your needs. Features such as pinned trips, saved places, offline maps, and route sharing make travel planning more convenient across both desktop and mobile devices. Keeping the app updated and signing in with your Google account ensures your saved information stays synchronized wherever you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a custom route with multiple stops in Google Maps?
Yes. Google Maps allows you to add multiple destinations and rearrange their order to create a customized route.
Can I save a route in Google Maps?
On Android, you can pin frequently used driving routes for quick access. You can also save destinations and lists using your Google account.
Can I drag a route to another road?
Yes. On the desktop version, many driving routes can be adjusted by clicking and dragging the blue route line to a different road.
Will my saved routes appear on all my devices?
If you’re signed in with the same Google account, your saved places, lists, recent searches, and other supported navigation data are synchronized across compatible devices.
