TL; DR: Use Upper for Google Maps Chrome browser extension and optimize routes with just one click, ensuring you take the most efficient path every time. Ever found yourself lost in a new city or stuck in traffic when you’re already running late? We’ve all been there, and it’s no fun.😶 Whether you’re trying to make it to multiple appointments on time, planning a delivery route, or just organizing a road trip, having a reliable tool can make all the difference. And, here’s the good news: over a billion people worldwide have found their solution in Google Maps. Now, you might be thinking, “Sure, but how do I use Google Maps Route Planner in the best way possible?” Don’t sweat it! We’re here to walk you through everything, step by step. From setting your starting point to adding multiple stops and even finding that crucial coffee pit stop, we’ve got you covered. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be able to plan your routes quickly and easily, saving time and even some gas money. Just Navigation ❌ Optimization + Navigation✅ Upper goes beyond basic navigation. Experience route optimization with real-time adjustments, ensuring faster routes and saving both time and fuel. Try Upper Table of Contents How to Use Google Maps Route Planner on Your Mobile How to Use Google Maps Route Planner on Your Web Browser Discover a Better Way to Plan Your Routes How to Plan Route with Multiple Stops on Google My Maps When To Use Google Maps For Route Planning? What’s Good and Not-So-Good About Google Maps? Looking for Something More? FAQs How to Use Google Maps Route Planner on Your Mobile Available on both Android and iOS platforms, accessing Google Maps free routing app is a straightforward process. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to creating a route on Google Maps. Step 1: Download the Google Maps route planner app The first step is to download Google Maps from the Play Store or App Store. Below are the download buttons for Android and iOS users to quickly install the app on mobile phones. Step 2: Open the Google Maps app Now, launch the Google Maps app on your mobile, and you will see the city map, along with multiple options. Step 3: Click the directions button Now, tap on the “Directions” icon (it looks like a blue button or arrow) located at the bottom of the screen. Step 4: Add starting and destination address Upon tapping the “Directions” button, the “Choose starting point” and “Choose destination” fields will appear. Enter the point of origin and destination to get Google Maps’ step-by-step driving directions. Note: By default, “Your location” will be selected in the starting point field, but you can change it as required. Step 5: Choose your mode of transportation In the top menu, below the destination field, select your transportation mode – driving (car icon), walking, public transport, or biking. This will optimize driving directions based on traffic information and terrain. Step 6: Add multiple destinations If you have multiple stops on Google Maps to cover between the starting and ending points, tap on the three-dot menu icon (⋮) next to the destination field and select “Add stop.” Enter the additional stops as needed. By dragging and dropping the stops, you can rearrange them and adjust the sequence to optimize your driving route for maximum efficiency. Note: Google Maps allows a maximum of 10 stops to be added to a route. Need More than 10 Stops? Upper’s free route planner handles up to 20 stops and automatically optimizes your route. No manual adjustments are needed! Try Upper Step 7: Customize route preferences Tap on “Options” to customize your route preferences, including avoiding tolls, motorways, or ferries. Looking for Advanced Customization? Upper offers options like avoiding tolls, highways, specific areas, setting time windows, prioritizing stops, and more. Optimize quickly and adapt on the go. Try App Step 8: Review your route plan After entering your route details and preferences, tap on the blue “Done” button to review your route plan. Review the route information, such as added stops, distance, directions, and estimated travel time. Also, check the live traffic conditions along your planned routes so you can account for delays. Step 9: Start navigation When ready, tap ‘Start’ to begin turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation. You can also save routes for future trips. How to Use Google Maps Route Planner on Your Web Browser Planning your route on the Google Maps web interface using a desktop or laptop is just as easy as on a mobile device. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use Google route planner on your web browser to navigate from point A to B: Step 1: Open Google Maps Open Google Maps Launch your web browser and type “maps.google.com” in the address bar. Hit Enter, and you’ll land on the Google Maps homepage. Easy start, right? Note: If you have a Google account and want to access additional features like saving routes or accessing recent searches, sign in by clicking on the “Sign in” button at the top right corner of the page. Step 2: Access route planner Look at the top left corner of the page. See that search bar? Right next to it, there’s a blue button that looks like an arrow. That’s your “Directions” button. Click it to open up the Google route planner. Step 3: Enter the starting point and destination Now you’ll see two text fields. In the top one “Choose starting point”, type in where you’re starting from. This could be your current location, home address, or any other starting point. In the second field “Choose destination”, enter where you want to go. Google Maps is pretty smart – it’ll suggest addresses as you type, so you might not even need to type the whole thing! Step 4: Add multiple destinations (if needed) Planning a multi-stop trip? No sweat! Below your destination, you’ll see a little plus sign (+) next to “Add destination”. Click that to add another stop. You can keep doing this until you’ve added up to 10 stops total. Perfect for those busy days or road trips! Step 5: Rearrange your stops Here’s a cool trick: you can change the order of your stops. See those six dots next to each address? Click and hold them, then drag the address up or down to reorder. This can help you find a more efficient delivery route, saving you time and gas! Automatically Optimize Your Routes? No need to manually rearrange stops. Upper’s Google Maps Route Optimization Extension does it for you, finding the shortest and quickest route. Install now! Step 6: Customize route preferences Just below your list of stops, you’ll see some options to tailor your trip. You can choose to avoid tolls, highways, or ferries. Just click the options that work best for you. This is super handy if you prefer scenic routes or want to save on toll costs. Step 7: Choose your transportation mode At the top of the directions panel, you’ll see icons for different ways to travel – car, public transit, walking, and biking. Click on the one that matches how you’ll be making your trip. The route and time estimates will be adjusted based on your choice. Step 8: Review and select your route After you’ve entered all your info, Google Maps will show you one or more route options. Each one will have an estimated travel time and distance. Take a look at these and click on the one that suits you best. Remember, the fastest route isn’t always the best – sometimes a slightly longer route might be more enjoyable or convenient! Step 9: Send directions to your phone Ready to go? Click on “Send directions to your phone” at the bottom of the directions panel. A pop-up will appear with options to send the directions via text or email. Choose your preferred method, and you’ll have your route ready on your phone when you’re on the move. Discover a Better Way to Plan Your Routes Imagine this: You’ve got a packed day ahead with 20+ stops to make. Google Maps caps out at 10 stops, leaving you to figure out the rest manually. Felt stuck, right? That’s where Upper route planning software comes in clutch. With Upper route scheduling software, you can optimize multi-stop routes in minutes, not hours. It handles hundreds of stops efficiently, saving you time and fuel. Enjoy real-time updates, hassle-free proof of delivery, and easy modifications on the go. Ready to make route planning process easier and more effective? Try Upper You might just find yourself wondering how you ever managed without it! How to Plan Route with Multiple Stops on Google My Maps Google My Maps is a great tool for mapping a delivery route, trips, or visits. It lets you pin up to 2,000 locations and customize your map with notes and colors. Here’s a simple guide to help you plan your route with multiple stops. Step 1: Open Google My Maps First things first, head to Google My Maps. Just type “Google My Maps” in your search bar or go directly to mymaps.google.com. Easy peasy! Step 2: Create a new map Once you’re there, click on “Create a New Map”. Give your map a name that makes sense to you – maybe “Summer Road Trip” or “Saturday Errands”. Step 3: Add your stops Now for the fun part! In the search bar, start typing the name or address of your first stop. As you type, suggestions will pop up. Click on the right one to add it to your map. Repeat this for all your stops. You can add up to 2,000 places, so go wild! Step 4: Organize with layers See the panel on the left? That’s where your stops are listed. You can organize your stops by creating different layers. Think of layers like categories. For example, one layer might be for “Food Stops” and another for “Sightseeing.” To add a layer, just click “Add layer” and give it a name. Step 5: Start your route Ready to connect the dots? Click on the “Draw a line” icon (it looks like a squiggly line) and choose “Add driving route” (or walking or cycling, if that’s your style). Click on your starting point, then your next stop, and so on. Google will draw the route for you. Step 6: Customize your route Want to change the order? No problem! In the layer panel, you can drag and drop your stops to rearrange them. The route will automatically update. Step 7: Style your map Let’s make it pop! Click on any of your stops and you’ll see options to change the icon or color. This is great for quickly identifying different types of stops – maybe red for restaurants, blue for attractions. Step 8: Check your route details Click the three dots next to your route layer and select “Step-by-step directions”. You’ll see a breakdown of your route with time and distance estimates. Step 9: Save and share Your map saves automatically as you work. When you’re done, click the “Share” button to get a link. You can send this to friends or family so they can see your awesome plan. Step 10: Take it on the go Open the Google Maps app on your phone and tap “Saved” at the bottom. Then tap “Maps” to find the route you just created. Voila! Your custom route is now in your pocket. Remember! My Maps is great for planning, but for real-time navigation, you’ll want to use the regular Google Maps application. Just open your custom map on your phone, tap a destination, hit the “Directions” button, and you’re good to go! When To Use Google Maps For Route Planning? You may be wondering if Google Route Planner is the right tool for your routing needs. Let’s break it down so you can decide if it fits your situation. When Google Maps works well: Basic directions: It’s great for getting driving directions from one place to another. Distance calculation: It can show how far it is to a specific location. Personal travel: Perfect for planning the best route for personal travel within your city. Simple road trips: Good for planning a road trip with a few stops along the way. Small businesses: Ideal for businesses that don’t require complex logistics. When Google Maps might fall short: Route optimization: Google Maps doesn’t optimize multi-stop routes. If you have many deliveries or need the most efficient route, it’s not the best route planner. With ten deliveries, there are over 3 million possible routes. Adding more stops increases that number significantly! Fleet management: If you manage a fleet of vehicles, Google Maps isn’t built for tracking maintenance, fuel costs, or scheduling. You’ll need a more specialized tool for those tasks. Want a solution to these challenges? For route optimization and fleet management challenges, switch to Upper for Crew. Enjoy efficient route optimization for hundreds of stops, easy driver management, live tracking, and more. In summary, Google Maps is excellent for everyday and simple route modeling. For complex logistics, fleet operations management, or advanced optimization, consider looking into other route planners better suited to those needs, such as a Google Maps trip planner. What’s Good and Not-So-Good About Google Maps Optimization? Let’s chat about Google Maps – that app we all use to get around. It’s pretty nifty, but like your favorite pair of shoes, it could be better for some occasions. Let’s break it down: Pros of Google Maps: It’s free! Google Maps is free route planning software. Who doesn’t love that? Choose your ride: Car, bus, bike, or feet – it’s got you covered. Traffic updates: Helps you dodge those nasty jams and find the shortest route to your destination. Voice directions: Keep your eyes on the road and use mobile devices for hands-free navigation. Points of interest: Find that coffee shop or gas station with its exact location easily. Street view: Peek at your final destination before you arrive. Offline maps: No internet connection? No problem! You can download maps without needing a data connection. Cons of Google Maps: Route limits: Only 10 stops max? That’s tough for busy delivery days. No route optimization: It doesn’t always find the shortest route, leading to longer travel times. Sometimes confusing: Have you ever ended up in the wrong spot? Yeah, us too. Battery drain: It can be a bit power-hungry. Privacy concerns: Some folks worry about data tracking with Google’s route planner. Looking for Something More? If you’re making lots of stops or running a delivery business, Google Maps is not going to cut it. You might need a bit more oomph. Upper’s multi-stop route planner is the solution for optimized routes. Optimize routes in minutes, manage hundreds of stops, and enjoy instant updates—all in one place. Plus, it’s a breeze to use. Take the free trial of Upper of Upper and make your multi stop route planning simpler and more efficient. Frequently Asked Questions Can Google Maps plan a delivery route with multiple stops? Yes, Google Maps can plan a route with multiple stops. To do this, simply enter your starting point and destination, and add any additional stops before you start navigating routes. However, please note that Google Route Planner allows planning routes with up to 10 stops only. How do I create a route map in Google Maps? Open up Google Maps app, click “Directions,” enter your starting point and final destination, then click “Add destination” for additional stops. Finally, click “Send directions to your phone” or “Start” for navigation. How to use Google Maps to plan an itinerary? To use Google Maps to plan an itinerary, follow these steps: Visit Google My Maps and create a new map. Add more locations, such as points of interest, restaurants, and hotels. Organize your itinerary with layers for different days or activities. Plan your multi stop route by getting directions between locations. Estimate travel times and consider traffic conditions. Book accommodations and activities directly through Google My Maps. Share your itinerary with others and download it for offline access. Can I use Google Maps to plan a running route? Yes, you can plan a route for running by selecting the “Walking” directions option in Google Maps and customizing it if you need to plan your running path. Is there a better trip planner than Google Maps? While Google Maps trip planner is a popular choice for many, it’s worth considering alternatives like Upper for more comprehensive routing needs. Upper stands out for its ability to handle complex routes with unlimited stops, advanced optimization, and enhanced privacy features, providing a comprehensive solution beyond Google Route Planner’s limitations. Can I plan multiple routes on Google Maps? No, Google Maps doesn’t allow planning multiple routes at once. But you can add multiple delivery routes to a single map using Google Maps. It lets you do this by adding layers to your map. You can even use an advanced route optimization software, like Upper Route Planner, that allows you to plan multiple stop routes at once. Does Google Maps use the fastest route? Yes, Google Maps suggests the fastest route based on real-time traffic data, but users can customize preferences to avoid tolls, motorways, or ferries. How do I draw a path in the Google Maps mobile app? In the Google Maps app, tap and hold to drop a pin at the point of starting, then tap “Directions” and “Start” to navigate. You can also use Google My Maps to draw custom routes. Can Google Maps optimize a route? No, Google Maps doesn’t offer a route optimization feature. It provides the shortest driving route based on the sequence of stops you’ve added. To create the most efficient route, you’ll need to adjust the stops’ order manually. Google Map doesn’t automatically generate optimized routes by arranging multiple stops in the best sequence between points A and B. How can I contact support if I have any questions? For any inquiries related to using Google Maps, your primary resource is the Google Maps Help Center. You’ll find many support options here, including helpful topics, offline map downloads, location accuracy improvement, and more. The Help Center covers common issues and offers access to community forums for engaging with other users. Can I set parameters or goals for my route, such as multiple routes or service time? Google Maps empowers you to set parameters and goals for your route. It provides options for adding multiple locations and selecting from multiple routes. If you wish to avoid highways, tolls, or ferries, these preferences can also be easily adjusted in the settings. However, it’s worth noting that direct features for setting service times or time constraints are currently unavailable. How do you plan a route with multiple stops on Google Maps? To plan a route with multiple stops on Google Maps, follow these steps: Open up Google Maps in your browser or mobile app. Click or tap “Directions.” Enter your starting location and the first destination. Click or tap the “+” button to add more destinations. Arrange the order of multiple destinations as needed. Google Maps will then provide you with the optimized route and turn-by-turn directions. How can I get the quickest route and driving directions with multiple stops? To find the quickest route with multiple stops using Google Maps, follow these steps: Enter your start point and the first destination. Click or tap the “+” button to add more destinations. Arrange the order of destinations as needed and click on “Done.” Google Maps will automatically generate what it considers the best route based on the order of your destinations. To ensure the fastest path, manually adjust the order of stops by dragging and dropping them into a different sequence. Compare the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for different routes to determine the quickest route. Author Bio Jeel Patel Jeel Patel is the Chief Executive Officer at Upper. With 5+ years of experience in dev, outbound, and inbound sales, He is committed to growing conversion through inbound and outbound activities. Outside the office, Jeel loves to spend time with his dog and take him on long walks. Read more. Share this post: Need to Simplify Routing?Discover fast and efficient routing that saves you time and fuel cost every dayStart Planning Routes
