How to Avoid Parkways on Google Maps (5 Workarounds)

Google Maps doesn’t have an “avoid parkways” switch. Its route options cover highways, tolls and ferries, and parkways are simply treated as roads, so the app will happily send you onto one if it’s fastest. You can still keep parkways off your route by combining Avoid highways, alternate routes, extra stops and route dragging. This guide explains each method on iPhone, Android and a computer, plus why the distinction matters if you’re driving a truck, van, trailer or RV.

Quick Answer

Enter your destination, tap Directions, then tap the three-dot menu > Route options (or Options on a computer) and turn on Avoid highways. Many parkways are limited-access roads and get dropped from the route. If a parkway still appears, pick one of the gray alternate routes, add a stop on a road you prefer, or drag the blue line on a computer and send the route to your phone.

Why There’s No Avoid Parkways Option

“Parkway” means different things in different places. In New York, New Jersey and parts of New England it usually means a scenic, limited-access road where commercial vehicles are banned and bridges can be too low for tall vehicles. Elsewhere, a parkway can be an ordinary boulevard with traffic lights. Google Maps classifies roads by type and speed rather than by name, so the closest tool it offers is Avoid highways.

Method 1: Turn On Avoid Highways (Phone)

1. Open Google Maps and search for your destination.
2. Tap Directions and make sure the car icon is selected.
3. Tap the three dots at the top right (next to your starting point), then Route options. On iPhone it may appear as Options.
4. Turn on Avoid highways, and Avoid tolls if you like.
5. Turn on Remember settings if you want these options for every drive. Tap Done.

Avoid highways also removes interstates and expressways, so expect a slower trip on local roads. For more detail, see how to avoid highways on Google Maps.

Method 2: Turn On Avoid Highways (Computer)

1. Go to Google Maps in a browser and click Directions.
2. Enter your start and end points and select the car icon.
3. Click Options under the destination field.
4. Under Avoid, check Highways.

Method 3: Choose an Alternate Route

Google Maps usually shows one blue route and one or two gray alternates. Tap or click a gray line to see its time and roads. Check the step-by-step directions (swipe up on the phone or click Details on a computer) for any road with “Pkwy” in its name before you start.

Method 4: Add a Stop to Force a Different Road

1. After getting directions, tap the three dots > Add stop.
2. Search for, or drop a pin on, a point along the road you want to use instead of the parkway.
3. Drag the stops into order and tap Done. Google Maps routes through that point.

You can add up to nine stops in a car route, which is enough to pin a whole trip to the roads you choose.

Method 5: Drag the Route on a Computer and Send It to Your Phone

1. Get directions on a computer.
2. Click and drag any point on the blue line onto the road you prefer. Google recalculates around it.
3. Repeat until the route avoids every parkway.
4. Click Send directions to your phone while signed in to the same Google account.

Dragging isn’t available in the phone app, and if you go off-route while driving, the app may reroute you, possibly back onto a parkway. Using added stops (Method 4) holds the route more firmly.

If You Drive a Commercial Vehicle, Trailer or RV

• Google Maps is built for cars. It doesn’t account for commercial-vehicle bans, low bridges, weight limits or hazmat restrictions.
• Low overpasses on some parkways have caused serious crashes involving trucks, moving vans and buses. Follow posted signs, which override any app.
• Use a GPS app or device designed for trucks or RVs that lets you enter vehicle height, weight and length.
• Rental trucks and cargo vans can also be restricted; check the state’s rules before you go.

Other Tips

• Check the whole route first: preview it before you start so there are no surprises at an on-ramp.
• Download an offline map if you’ll be in an area with poor signal, so rerouting still works.
• Report a restriction: if a road’s rules are wrong in Google Maps, use Suggest an edit or Send feedback.

Planning by county? See how to show county lines on Google Maps.

Also see planning a road trip on Google Maps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Avoid highways always skip parkways?

Not always. It usually avoids limited-access parkways, but road classification varies, so check the directions list.

Will Remember settings keep Avoid highways on?

Yes, until you turn it off. Remember to switch it off for trips where you want the interstate.

Does Google Maps have a truck mode?

Not in the standard consumer app as of this writing. Use a truck-specific navigation tool for commercial routing.

Can I avoid a single road by name?

No. Use added stops or route dragging to steer around it.

Summary

1. Google Maps has no avoid-parkways setting.
2. Turn on Avoid highways in Route options.
3. Pick an alternate route or add stops to steer around a parkway.
4. On a computer, drag the route and send it to your phone.
5. Commercial drivers should use truck-specific GPS and follow posted signs.