To avoid highways on Google Maps, enter your destination and tap Directions, then tap the three-dot More menu (next to your starting point) and choose Options or Route options. Turn on Avoid highways and tap Done. To make it your default for every trip, turn on Remember settings (Android) or go to Settings > Navigation and turn on Avoid highways under Route options. On a computer, click Options under the directions box and check Highways under Avoid.
Here are the steps for Android, iPhone, and desktop, plus how to avoid highways during navigation and what to do if Maps still uses one.
How to avoid highways on Android
- Open Google Maps and search for your destination.
- Tap Directions and make sure the car icon is selected.
- Tap the three-dot More icon at the top right, next to your starting point, and choose Route options.
- Turn on Avoid highways.
- To use this for every drive, turn on Remember settings.
- Tap Done. Maps recalculates the route.
How to avoid highways on iPhone and iPad
- Open Google Maps, search for your destination, and tap Directions.
- Tap the three-dot More icon next to your starting point, then tap Options.
- Turn on Avoid highways.
- Tap Done.
On iPhone, this setting stays on for future trips until you change it.
Make it the default in Settings
- Tap your profile picture in Google Maps and choose Settings.
- Tap Navigation (or Navigation settings).
- Under Route options, turn on Avoid highways.
How to avoid highways during navigation
- While navigating, tap the arrow or swipe up on the bottom panel.
- Tap Settings (or Options) > Route options.
- Turn on Avoid highways.
Maps finds a new route from where you are.
How to avoid highways on a computer
- Go to maps.google.com and click Directions.
- Enter your start and destination, and choose the car icon.
- Click Options under the route boxes.
- Under Avoid, check Highways.
To send the route to your phone, click Send directions to your phone. Check that Avoid highways is still on in the app before you start, because settings don’t always carry over.
Other route options
- Avoid tolls: See how to avoid tolls on Google Maps.
- Avoid ferries: Turn it on in the same Route options screen.
- Parkways: Google Maps doesn’t have a separate parkway setting. See how to avoid parkways on Google Maps.
- Choose your own path: Add stops to force a specific route. See how to plan multiple stops on Google Maps.
- Fuel-efficient routing: In some countries, Maps can suggest a more fuel-efficient route. Turn it off in Route options if you always want the fastest.
Google Maps still uses a highway?
- There’s no other way. If a highway is the only road, Maps will use it. Look for a short highway segment in the route preview.
- What counts as a highway varies. Some divided roads or expressways may not be classified as highways, so they may still appear.
- The setting didn’t stick. Turn on Remember settings or set it in Settings > Navigation.
- You’re using Android Auto or CarPlay. Route options usually follow your phone’s settings. Set them on your phone before you start driving.
Related: How to Find Truck Routes on Google Maps.
Frequently asked questions
Does avoiding highways make trips longer?
Usually, yes. Local roads have lower speed limits and more stops. Compare the time estimates before choosing.
Can I avoid highways for walking or biking?
Walking and cycling directions already avoid highways where pedestrians and bikes aren’t allowed.
How do I turn Avoid highways back off?
Open Route options or Navigation settings and turn off Avoid highways.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.