To find alternate routes in Google Maps, get directions to your destination and look at the map before you start: the main route is drawn in blue and other options are shown in gray with their travel times. Tap a gray route to switch to it. On a computer, the alternatives are also listed on the left, and you can drag the blue line to force a different road. Once you’re navigating on your phone, tap the route overview button or the gray routes on the map to switch while driving.
Below are the steps on Android, iPhone and computer, plus how to avoid tolls and highways, change the route mid-trip, and stop Google Maps from rerouting you.
Find alternate routes on Android or iPhone
- Open Google Maps and search for your destination.
- Tap Directions and choose your travel mode, such as driving.
- Look at the map. The suggested route is blue and alternates are gray, each with a travel time label.
- Tap a gray route or its time label to select it. It turns blue.
- Tap Start.
Swipe up on the bottom panel to see the turn-by-turn steps for the selected route before you go.
Find alternate routes on a computer
- Go to google.com/maps and click Directions.
- Enter your starting point and destination.
- The left panel lists up to three route options with times and distances. Click one to select it.
- To use a specific road, click and drag any point on the blue route line to that road. Google Maps recalculates through it.
Click Send directions to your phone to continue on your phone with the route you chose.
Change your route while navigating
- Tap a gray route: While driving, alternate routes appear in gray on the map. Tap one to switch.
- Route overview: Tap the overview icon (it looks like a route path) to zoom out and see all options.
- Faster route alerts: When Google Maps finds a faster route, it shows a prompt. Tap Accept to switch or ignore it to stay on your route.
- Add a stop: Tap the search icon during navigation to add a gas station or other stop, which changes the route.
Avoid tolls, highways and ferries
- After getting directions, tap the three dots at the top right and choose Options (or Route options).
- Turn on Avoid tolls, Avoid highways or Avoid ferries.
- Turn on Remember settings if you want these choices to apply every time.
On a computer, click Options under the directions boxes for the same settings.
Plan around traffic
Routes change with traffic. To compare routes for a future trip, tap the three dots after getting directions and choose Set depart or arrive time. Google Maps estimates travel time based on typical traffic for that day and time.
Why Google Maps might not show alternate routes
- There’s only one reasonable route, especially for short trips or rural areas.
- Avoid settings remove options that use tolls or highways.
- You’ve added several stops, which limits route choices.
- Walking, cycling and transit directions show different options than driving.
Route options at a glance
| Goal | How |
|---|---|
| See other routes | Look for gray routes after tapping Directions |
| Use a specific road | Drag the blue route on a computer, or add a stop on that road |
| Skip tolls or highways | Three dots > Options |
| Switch mid-trip | Tap a gray route or accept a faster-route prompt |
| Check future traffic | Set depart or arrive time |
Related: stop Google Maps from changing your route.
Related: set Google Maps to the fastest route.
Related: open a WhatsApp live location in Google Maps.
Related: update gas prices on Google Maps.
Frequently asked questions
How many alternate routes does Google Maps show?
Usually up to three driving routes, depending on the trip.
Can I save a custom route?
Not directly in the app. You can build it in Google My Maps with the stops you want, or pin the trip in the Go tab for quick access.
Why does Google Maps keep switching my route?
It may be responding to traffic. Ignore faster-route prompts, or follow the steps in our guide to stop it from changing your route.
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.