To plan a trip with multiple stops in Google Maps, get directions to your first destination, then add more stops. On a phone, tap the three-dot More menu in the top-right corner of the directions screen and tap Add stop. On a computer, click + (Add destination) below your destinations. You can include up to 10 places in one route, which means your starting point plus nine stops. Drag the stops to change their order.
Multiple stops work for driving, walking, and cycling directions, but not for public transit or flights. Here are the steps for each device, plus tips for longer trips.
How to add multiple stops in the Google Maps app (iPhone and Android)
- Open Google Maps and search for your first destination.
- Tap Directions.
- Choose Driving, Walking, or Cycling at the top.
- Tap the three-dot More icon in the top-right corner, then tap Add stop.
- Search for the next place and tap it. Repeat to add more stops.
- To change the order, touch and hold the handle (≡) next to a stop and drag it up or down.
- Tap Done, then Start to begin navigation.
To remove a stop, tap the X next to it while you’re editing the list.
Add a stop while you’re already driving
During navigation, tap the Search icon and choose a category like Gas stations, Restaurants, or Coffee, or search for a place. Tap a result, then tap Add stop. You can also say “Hey Google, add a stop at the nearest gas station.”
How to add multiple stops on a computer
- Go to google.com/maps and click Directions (the blue arrow icon).
- Enter your starting point and first destination.
- Choose Driving, Walking, or Cycling.
- Click Add destination (the + below your destinations) and enter the next stop. Repeat for more stops.
- Drag the dots next to each place to rearrange them.
- Click Send directions to your phone to open the route in the Google Maps app.
If the Add destination option is missing, close the route options box, or check that you haven’t selected public transit or flights.
Limits to know
| Feature | Supported? |
|---|---|
| Driving, walking, cycling | Yes |
| Public transit, flights | No. Only one destination. |
| Maximum places per route | 10 (start plus 9 stops) |
| Automatic route optimization | No. Google Maps keeps the order you choose. |
| Saving a multi-stop route | Pin it for later in the app, or save it with My Maps |
How to get the best order for your stops
Google Maps doesn’t rearrange stops for the fastest route. It follows your order. To find a good order:
- Look at the stops on the map and list them in a loop, rather than jumping back and forth across town.
- Try swapping two stops and compare the total time shown at the bottom.
- Put stops with opening hours first. Tap each place to check when it closes.
- For delivery routes or more than 10 stops, use a route planner app built for that, like Circuit, Routific, or RoadWarrior.
How to plan a route with more than 10 stops
- Split the trip into two or more routes. Make the last stop of the first route the starting point of the next.
- Or use Google My Maps (google.com/mymaps). Click Add directions to create a route layer with up to 10 places, then add more layers for other legs. You can view the map on your phone in the Google Maps app under You > Maps, but turn-by-turn navigation still happens one leg at a time.
How to save or share a multi-stop route
- Pin it: In the app, tap Pin on the directions screen. Find it later in the Go tab.
- Share it: On a computer, click Share or copy the URL from your browser’s address bar. The link includes all your stops.
- Send it to your phone: Click Send directions to your phone on the computer.
For a full trip, see how to plan a road trip on Google Maps.
Going on foot? See how to change Google Maps to walking directions.
Related: removing a dropped pin.
Planning a trip abroad? You can also change the currency on Google Flights to compare fares in your own money.
Related: How to Pin Multiple Locations on Google Maps.
Related: How to See How Busy a Place Is on Google.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I add a stop in Google Maps?
You’re probably using transit or flight directions, which only allow one destination. Switch to driving, walking, or cycling. The option also disappears once you’ve reached 10 places.
Can Google Maps avoid tolls with multiple stops?
Yes. Tap the three-dot More menu > Options (or Route options) and turn on Avoid tolls, Avoid highways, or Avoid ferries. These apply to the whole route.
Can I add stops in Apple Maps too?
Yes. Apple Maps supports multiple stops for driving directions on iOS 16 and later. Tap Add Stop on the directions screen.
Does Google Maps work offline with multiple stops?
You can download an offline map of the area, but offline navigation supports driving between places in that downloaded area. For the most reliable routes with several stops, use a data connection.
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.