How to Create Custom Routes on Google Maps: A Comprehensive Guide

Google Maps has become an indispensable navigation tool for millions. It provides turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates, making it easier to find the best route to your next destination.

While Google Maps has always been a go-to choice for those looking for the shortest route between multiple destinations, its utility doesn’t stop there. Using Google Maps Route Planner goes beyond simple navigation and allows you to create custom directions on the map to fit your specific needs. You can even create your own route by manually adjusting the suggested path

This blog will guide you on how to find the shortest route between various stops on Google Maps. It also walks you through the steps to draw a route on Google Maps and customize it. It further discusses the challenges of Google Maps and how efficient route planner software can help overcome them.

Understanding Google Maps Custom Route Creation Capabilities

Let’s talk about how Google Maps plans routes for you. You’ve probably used Google Maps before, but understanding its route planning features can make your journeys much easier.

Google Maps looks at different ways to get you from point A to point B. When you enter your starting point and destination, it checks real-time traffic data, road conditions, and even construction work.

Here’s what Google Maps considers when planning your route:

• Current traffic conditions
• Speed limits on different roads
• Time of day (rush hour vs. off-peak)
• Road types (highways, local streets)
• Traffic signals and stop signs
• Known road work or closures

You can even customize your journey based on your needs. Want to avoid highways? No problem. Need to add a quick stop at the grocery store? Google Maps can handle that too.

You can also choose your mode of transport:

• Driving
• Walking
• Public transit
• Cycling
• Ride-sharing

Google Maps updates your route as you travel. If there’s sudden traffic ahead, it might suggest a better path. This real-time adjustment helps you avoid delays and reach your destination faster.

When you’re planning your next trip, understanding these features will help you make better travel decisions. Let’s learn some more about how you can choose the best route for your journey.

Choosing the Shortest or Most Efficient Route

Google Maps is a widely trusted tool for route planning, whether you’re a delivery driver, a truck driver, or simply seeking driving directions. It offers handy features that allow you to input multiple destinations and help you find the shortest and fastest route.

So, the following steps can help you find the shortest route between multiple destinations on Google Maps:

Step 1: Open Google Maps and begin mapping your route

Start by opening the Google Maps app on your iOS or Android mobile phone. You can also access it by visiting the website: https://www.google.com/maps. To begin mapping out your travel route, click on the “Directions” button given under the search bar.

Step 2: Set your starting location and add multiple destinations

Google Maps often uses your current location as the starting point. You can change this location by entering your preferred start location in the search bar. After setting your starting point, add multiple locations on Google Maps by clicking on the “Add stop” option in the app. If you are using the website, click on the “Add Destination” option.

Step 3: Evaluate the default route

Google Maps route planner usually suggests route options depending on the order in which you entered your stops. While this may be the most direct route, it is not always the shortest.

So, review your mapped route and make a note of the estimated time of arrival (ETA).

Step 4: Manually rearrange stops

Google Maps does not automatically optimize routes for efficiency. You may need to experiment with various stop sequences and modify the stops manually until you get the shortest route. 

Click the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen, and then click “Edit Stops.” After that, drag & drop stops to reorder them so that your route makes the most sense. 

Step 5: Start your journey

Once you’ve successfully optimized your route, you’re ready to hit the road. Click the start button in the bottom right corner of the Google Maps app and let it guide you on your journey.

Now that you know how to find the shortest route between multiple locations, let’s understand how to create a custom route on Google Maps.

Drawing and Customizing Routes on Google Maps

Whether planning a scenic road trip, organizing efficient delivery routes, or simply exploring your city on foot, Google Maps offers tools to draw routes.

To draw a custom route on Google Maps:

1. Open your preferred web browser and go to Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/ 

2. Sign in to your Google account if you aren’t logged in.

3. Click on the hamburger menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner beside the search bar.

4. From the menu, select “Saved” (previously “Your Places”) and then navigate to the “Maps” tab.

5. In the “Maps” tab, you will see any previously saved maps. If you have never saved any maps before, then the list may be empty. Scroll to the bottom of this tab and click on “CREATE MAP.”

6. Once you click Create Map, a new Google Maps window with an “Untitled map” page will appear.

7. Click “Untitled map” to choose the map style by clicking the dropdown arrow next to “Base map.” Select the map style that suits your preferences.

8. Below the search field, you’ll find an icon resembling a Y-shaped road. Click on it to initiate the route planning.

9. Click the icon resembling a car, bicycle, or walking person to choose your preferred transportation mode.

10. Click in the “A” field to enter your starting or departure point (address or location name), and choose from the search results.

11. Repeat the process for the “B” field to enter your destination.

12. If your journey involves multiple stops, click “Add destination” and enter the addresses or location names for additional waypoints.

13. Once you have added all your desired destinations, it’s time to give your map a name. At the top of the page, where it says “Untitled map,” click on it to type out a descriptive name of your choice.

14. After you have given the name, click on “Save” and your map will be saved.

15. Click on “Share” below the map’s name. This will provide you with a shareable link that you can send to others for collaboration or reference.

Now that we understand the steps to draw a custom route on Google Maps, let’s learn how to create it on a separate layer.

Creating routes on a separate layer

Google Maps not only allows you to draw a single route but also empowers you to create multiple routes on a single map, organized neatly using layers.

This is ideal for planning road trips with multiple stops or optimizing business delivery routes.

Follow these steps to create custom routes on a separate layer in Google Maps:

1. After finishing your initial route, click “Add directions” to start a new route session on a new layer. This will add a new directions layer for you to build custom routes.

2. For this new route, choose your preferred transportation mode—driving, cycling, or walking.

3. Enter the starting and ending points for your new route in the text box, and feel free to add waypoints if needed.

4. Save each route with a distinct name to identify them later easily.

5. Layers act as a virtual overlay on your map, allowing you to organize and manage different elements.

6. Below the search field, find the option to “Add layer.” Click on it to create a new separate layer for additional routes.

7. Once you’ve created multiple routes, assign each route to a specific layer. This helps maintain clarity and organization.

8. Click on the layer name to customize it. Use descriptive names such as “Trip Route”, “Delivery Stops”, etc., making it easy to identify the purpose of each layer.

9. Use the visibility toggle to switch layers on or off. This feature is handy when you want to focus on a specific route without the distraction of others.

10. Ensure each new layer is saved by clicking on the layer name and providing a descriptive title.

11. Like with a single route, you can share your multi-layered map by clicking on the “Share” icon below the map’s name.

By creating multiple routes and organizing them with layers, you can unlock the full potential of Google Maps trip planner or logistical optimization.

Customizing with lines, shapes, and markers

Beyond just routes, Google Maps lets you draw lines, shapes, and add markers for better map customization. Here’s how to do it:

On desktop:

1. Open your previously created map or click Create Map to start a new one following the above steps.

2. In the menu, find and click on “Saved” ( formerly “Your places”).

3. Navigate to the “Maps” tab and open your desired map.

4. Below the search bar, click Draw a line option. You will see a dropdown menu.

5. From the dropdown menu, select “Add line or shape”. This action activates the drawing tool.

6. Click on the map where you want the line to begin. Then, drag the cursor to create the line. Double-click where you want it to end.

7. For a line with multiple points, make a series of single clicks to mark each point along the desired path. Double-click the last point to complete the line.

8. To create a polygon (a shape with three or more sides), click on the map to mark each corner. Double-click on the start point to close the shape.

9. On completing the line or shape, a text box will appear. Name your line or shape and click “Save.”

10. You can also edit color, rename, or even upload an image. Just position your mouse pointer over the line or shape, click when the cursor changes, and use the tools in the lower-right corner.

On mobile (iPhone and Android):

While drawing lines and shapes on a computer is more convenient, you can still draw route on Google Maps iPhone and Android using the Google My Maps web app.

To draw lines and shapes on the Google Maps app:

1. Open your mobile browser and navigate to My Maps.

2. Tap on the “Get Started” button.

3. Then, either click the ‘plus icon’ to create a new map or choose an existing map.

4. Under the search field, tap “Draw a line” (represented by three lines and three dots).

5. Select “Add line or shape from the dropdown menu.” Then, follow the step-by-step directions in the previous section for adding and editing lines and shapes.

Adding markers:

1. Click on the map where you want to place the marker.
2. Select the “Add marker” tool below the search bar.
3. Add a name and customize the marker by changing its icon or adding details.

Markers, lines, and shapes allow you to customize your map, making it more functional and visually clear.

Accessing and Sharing Your Custom Google Maps Routes

Once you’ve created custom routes using layers, lines, shapes, and markers, Google Maps allows you to access and share them easily across devices, whether on desktop or mobile.

Using Google Maps on mobile devices

Viewing and sharing your custom routes on mobile devices is straightforward through the Google Maps app. While editing options might be more limited on mobile, you can still efficiently access, navigate, and share your custom maps. Here’s how:

1. Download and open the Google Maps app on your Android or iOS device.
2. Tap the “Saved” icon located at the bottom of the screen. In the “Maps” tab, you will see all the custom maps you’ve created.
3. Choose the specific map with your custom route from the list. Your route will display, showing all layers, lines, and markers added during customization.
4. To share your custom map, open the map on your mobile device, and tap the “Share” option. You’ll be provided with a shareable link that can be sent to others via text, email, or social media. This allows others to view or collaborate on your custom route, depending on the permissions you set.

Google Maps ensures that your custom routes are easily accessible, and sharing them with team members, friends, or clients is simple, enhancing collaboration and usability.

How to Save and Sync Custom Routes on Desktop and Mobile

Saving custom routes on Google Maps (Desktop)

Saving your custom routes ensures you can access them later, whether on your desktop or mobile. Here’s how to save them on a desktop:

• After finishing your custom route, click Save.
• You can export your custom map in KML format, share the link with others, or save it to your Google account.

Syncing custom routes to your mobile devices

Syncing routes between desktop and mobile devices is easy, but there are some best practices to ensure your custom routes remain intact:

1. Open Google Maps on your mobile device:

Please make sure you’re logged into the same Google account you used to create the custom map on the desktop.

2. Access your custom maps:

Tap on the “Saved” tab and go to Maps to find your custom routes. Select Download Offline Map to download the map for the area you plan to travel to for offline use.

3. Add route to your home screen (Optional for Android Auto):

After saving your route, consider adding the custom route to your mobile device’s home screen for quick access. This is especially helpful when you plan to use the route with Android Auto.

Using Waypoints to Customize Routes in Google Maps

What are waypoints, and why do they matter?

Waypoints are stops or destinations you add between your starting and final points to customize your route. They give you more control over your journey and ensure that Google Maps follows the specific path you want instead of defaulting to the shortest or fastest route.

How to add waypoints:

• After entering your starting point and destination, click the Add Stop option.
• Repeat this process to add multiple waypoints. Simply drag and drop waypoints to reorder them and adjust your route accordingly.

Creating scenic or efficient routes:

• Use waypoints to force Google Maps to take you through scenic roads, past landmarks, or areas you want to explore.
• Alternatively, use waypoints to avoid busy roads, highways, or areas you don’t want to pass through.

Overcoming customization limitations of Google Maps

While Google Maps provides customization options, it sometimes faces limitations when switching from desktop to mobile or using GPS navigation. 

Manually dragged routes may be ignored during navigation or when syncing across devices. Instead, Google defaults to the fastest or most efficient route.

Solution: 

Always add waypoints to retain your customizations when syncing to mobile or using Google Maps for navigation.

Waypoints ensure that your specific route is followed, even when switching between desktop and mobile devices or when using Android Auto. Waypoints lock in your chosen path and prevent Google Maps from automatically adjusting to default routes.

Reporting roads for better custom routes

Suppose you encounter poor road conditions, incorrect mapping, or undesirable routes that Google Maps insists on using. In that case, you can report these issues directly to Google to improve routing accuracy over time.

How to report problematic roads:

• Tap on the road or area causing issues in Google Maps.
• Select “Report an Issue” and choose the appropriate option (e.g., bad road conditions, incorrect directions).
• Submitting these reports helps improve the overall routing accuracy, especially in less-traveled areas or newly constructed roads.

How to save a customized multi-stop route offline on Google Maps

For multi-stop routes, especially those created with waypoints, it’s important to ensure that your route is saved for offline use. This is particularly critical for areas with limited or no internet connectivity.

How to save your custom multi-stop route offline:

After creating your custom route with multiple stops, tap the ”Download Offline Map” option in Google Maps. Make sure you select the region or area that covers your entire route.

Google Maps allows you to navigate your saved offline route, ensuring that even if you lose internet connection, the route and waypoints you created remain intact.

Exporting custom routes to other navigation apps

For those who need to export their custom routes for use in other navigation apps or GPS devices, Google My Maps allows you to export routes in KML/KMZ format. Here’s how:

To export your route from Google My Maps, create it, click Export, and choose the KML/KMZ format.

Transferring routes to Apple Maps

Currently, there is no native way to transfer custom routes created in Google Maps directly into Apple Maps. However, there are workarounds that can help open specific points or replicate your route in Apple Maps.

1. Opening locations in Apple Maps:

You can share a specific location from Google Maps via a web link and open that link in Apple Maps. However, this method only opens individual locations rather than transferring the full custom route.

2. Replicating the route manually:

Another option is to enter the same waypoints manually or stop them in Apple Maps by referring to your Google Maps route. Although this can be time-consuming, it allows you to replicate the route as closely as possible.

3. Using third-party tools:

There are no advanced third-party tools for direct Google Maps to Apple Maps transfers at the moment. However, iOS 18 updates offer more multi-stop customization features within Apple Maps.

How to Create and Customize Walking or Hiking Routes

Creating walking routes in Google Maps

Google Maps can be used to create custom walking routes that suit your preferences. Here’s how to make the most of its features for walking:

1. Choose walking mode:

Enter your starting point and destination, then switch to walking mode by selecting the walking icon.

2. Customize for pedestrian-friendly paths:

Use Google Maps’ Terrain mode to visualize elevation changes. This is particularly useful when walking in areas with hills or other elevation differences. 

Focus on adding walking-specific paths such as sidewalks, footpaths, or routes through parks.

3. Manually adjust routes for preferred paths:

Drag the route manually to avoid busy streets or highways. Look for pedestrian-friendly shortcuts, such as footbridges or tunnels, that may not be the default route in Google Maps.

Customizing hiking routes

For hiking, Google My Maps offers more flexibility for off-road paths. Here’s how to customize hiking routes:

1. Use Google My Maps for custom trails:

Open My Maps and create a new map. Use the Draw Line tool to manually draw your hiking path on trails or areas not covered by standard Google Maps routes.

2. Check for trail conditions:

Before finalizing your route, cross-reference your custom path with third-party hiking apps or local trail reviews to ensure the trail is open and safe.

3. Download for offline use:

Ensure you download the custom map for offline use. Hiking often takes place in areas with limited or no internet coverage, so this step ensures you won’t lose access to your route.

Challenges and Solutions for Creating Custom Routes

While Google Maps is a widely used navigation tool, it has limitations when it comes to efficient route planning for businesses and individuals with complex needs.

Overcoming limitations of Google Maps

Here are some of the challenges that you can face while creating routes on Google Maps:

1. Manual input overload
   Google Maps requires manual entry of each stop, making it cumbersome for individuals and businesses with multiple destinations.
   Solution: With Upper, you can bulk import stops from a CSV or Excel file, or even scan addresses. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving time and effort.
2. Limited stops
   Google Maps allows adding only 10 stops, including the starting location and the final destination point. This makes it unsuitable for larger delivery or service routes.
   Solution: Upper is a Google Maps alternative that allows you to add hundreds of stops, so you can plan routes with as many locations as needed.
3. Lack of route optimization
   Google Maps doesn’t automatically arrange stops in the most efficient order, often resulting in suboptimal routes that increase travel time and fuel costs.
   Solution: Upper’s advanced route optimization feature calculates the most efficient stop sequence for multiple stops, ensuring you minimize travel time and fuel usage.
4. Customization constraints
   Google Maps offers limited flexibility in terms of prioritizing stops or setting delivery time windows, limiting its usefulness for businesses with specific requirements.
   Solution: Upper lets you customize your routes with priorities, time windows, service durations, and other constraints to better match your needs.
5. No support for multiple drivers
   Google Maps can only plan routes for a single driver, which is inefficient for businesses managing multiple drivers or fleets.
   Solution: Upper’s multi-driver route management feature allows you to plan and coordinate routes for an entire team of drivers, improving overall operational efficiency.
6. Backtracking ssues
   When using Google Maps, it’s difficult to avoid backtracking manually, leading to longer travel times and wasted fuel.
   Solution: Upper’s route optimization algorithm minimizes backtracking, ensuring that routes are as efficient as possible, reducing unnecessary travel.

Upper addresses the limitations of Google Maps with features like bulk address import, unlimited stops, route optimization, and multi-driver coordination. For businesses seeking greater efficiency and customization, Upper route management software is a superior solution for managing complex routes.