Google Maps can handle most of the planning for a road trip: the route, stops along the way, travel times, traffic and places to eat or sleep. On a phone it is ideal for the drive itself, while a computer makes it easier to plan a multi-day trip in detail. This guide covers both, including how to work around the limit on stops.
Quick Answer
Search your final destination and choose Directions. Add places along the way with Add stop (phone) or Add destination (computer), drag them into order, then open Options to avoid tolls or highways. Save places to a list and download offline maps before you leave.
Step 1: Build the Route
- Open Google Maps and search for your final destination, then tap or click Directions.
- Set your starting point; it defaults to your current location.
- Choose Driving (or Motorcycle where available).
- On a computer, click Add destination below the list. On a phone, tap the three-dot menu next to your starting point and choose Add stop.
- Add each place you want to visit. Google Maps allows up to 9 stops, including the final destination. Multiple stops work for driving, walking and cycling, but not for public transit or flights.
- Drag stops by their handle to put them in the order you will visit them.
- Compare the suggested routes; each shows an estimated travel time, and the best route is shown in blue.
Step 2: Set Route Options
- Avoid tolls, highways or ferries: on a phone, tap the three-dot menu, then Route options; on a computer, click Options under the destinations.
- Set a departure time: on a computer, change Leave now to Depart at to see typical traffic for that time.
- Preview tricky junctions: on a computer, open a route’s Details and point to a step to see a Street View photo where available.
- Find stops on the way: while navigating, search along the route for petrol stations, EV chargers, restaurants or coffee.
Step 3: Save and Share Your Plan
- Tap a place, then Save, and add it to a new list named after your trip.
- Open the list from the Saved (or You) tab, and share it so travel companions can see every stop.
- Share the route itself from the directions screen with the Share button, or share your live trip progress once you start navigating.
Step 4: Prepare for Poor Signal
Rural roads and national parks often have weak mobile coverage. Before you leave, download offline maps: tap your profile picture, choose Offline maps, then Select your own map and drag the box over the area you will drive through. Offline maps cover driving directions and place details, though live traffic needs a connection. Downloads take up storage, so remove them after the trip.
Plan Long Trips With More Than 9 Stops
Because one route is limited to 9 stops, split long journeys into daily legs: create a separate route for each day, ending at that night’s hotel. On a computer, Google My Maps (google.com/mymaps) lets you build a custom map with layers, such as one layer per day, add pins and notes for attractions, draw driving routes, and then open the map on your phone through Google Maps. It is the best option for multi-day road trips with many sights.
Pre-Trip Checklist
- Check opening hours of attractions and restaurants on their Google Maps listings, especially on holidays.
- Build in rest breaks roughly every two hours of driving.
- For an electric car, add charging stops as destinations and check the connector types in each listing.
- Pack a phone mount and charging cable for your phone so you can follow directions hands-free.
- Share your saved list with everyone in the car so they can help navigate.
Road Trip Tools in Google Maps
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Multiple stops | Up to 9 stops, including the destination, in one route |
| Route options | Avoid tolls, highways or ferries |
| Saved lists | Keep and share every place on your itinerary |
| Offline maps | Navigate without signal |
| Search along route | Find fuel, food and charging on the way |
| My Maps | Plan multi-day trips with layers and notes |
Troubleshooting
- Add stop is missing: it is not available for transit directions; switch to Driving.
- Route keeps changing: Google Maps reroutes for traffic; see how to stop Google Maps from changing your route.
- Want a different path: see finding alternate routes on Google Maps.
- Offline area too large: split it into several smaller downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stops can I add?
Up to 9, including the final destination. Use separate routes or My Maps for more.
Can I change the order of stops?
Yes. Drag a stop up or down the list and the route updates.
Does Google Maps account for traffic?
Yes. Travel times use live and typical traffic, and the app can suggest faster routes while you drive.
Does Google Maps estimate fuel costs?
Not in general. Use the distance it shows with your car’s fuel economy and local prices to work out a budget.
Can I share my route?
Yes. Share the directions, a saved list, or your live trip progress with friends and family.
Summary
- Get directions to your final destination.
- Add up to 9 stops and drag them into order.
- Set route options and departure time.
- Save places to a shared list.
- Download offline maps, and use My Maps for longer trips.
For a focused guide to stops, see planning multiple stops on Google Maps.
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.