Google Maps is pretty good at finding a route from point A to point B, but the fastest route is not always the route you actually want to take. Maybe you want to avoid a toll road, stay away from highways, take a more scenic road, or simply choose a different route because you know the area better.
The good news is that Google Maps lets you change your route before and during navigation. You can select an alternative route directly from the map, adjust your driving preferences, add stops, or drag the route on a computer to make it follow a different road.
The exact options can vary depending on your device, location, transportation mode, and current traffic conditions.
In this guide, you will learn how to change a route on Google Maps using a phone or computer, along with what to do when Maps keeps choosing a route you do not want.
How to Change Route on Google Maps
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There are several ways to change a route in Google Maps. The easiest method is to first enter your destination and then choose one of the alternative routes shown on the map.
On a phone, open Google Maps, search for your destination, and tap Directions. Select your transportation method, such as driving. Google Maps will normally display the recommended route in a highlighted color, along with other available routes on the map. Tap an alternative route to select it, and then tap Start to begin navigation.
If you are using Google Maps on a computer, enter your starting point and destination, select Directions, and choose your transportation mode. You will see the suggested route and any available alternatives. Click the route you prefer, and Google Maps will update the directions accordingly.
The important thing to remember is that you generally cannot choose just any road you want from the map on a phone. You normally select from the available alternative routes or adjust your route preferences. On a desktop computer, however, Google Maps provides more flexibility because you can often drag the route line to another road.
Step 1: Enter Your Starting Point and Destination
Start by opening Google Maps on your phone or computer. Search for the location where you want to go. Once the destination appears, select it and choose Directions.
Google Maps will usually use your current location as the starting point if you are using the mobile app and have location access enabled. If you want to start somewhere else, tap or click the starting location field and enter the address or place name.
Next, select the appropriate transportation method. For example, choose the car icon if you are driving. Google Maps will then calculate the available routes based on current road conditions, traffic, road restrictions, and other factors.
Give the map a moment to load the route options. Depending on your trip, you may see several possible routes.
Step 2: Select an Alternative Route
Once Google Maps displays the directions, look closely at the map. Your recommended route is normally highlighted more prominently, while alternative routes appear differently on the map.
On your phone, tap the alternative route you want to use. Google Maps should immediately switch the selected route and update the estimated travel time and distance.
On a computer, click the alternative route shown on the map. The selected route will become the active route.
This is one of the simplest ways to change your route because you do not have to manually modify every turn. Google Maps has already calculated the alternatives for you.
Keep in mind that an alternative route might take longer but could help you avoid heavy traffic, toll roads, highways, or certain road conditions, depending on the options available for your trip.
Step 3: Change Route Preferences
If Google Maps keeps selecting routes you do not like, check your route options before starting navigation.
After entering your destination and selecting driving directions, open the available route or navigation options. Depending on your device and version of Google Maps, you may see preferences related to tolls, highways, ferries, and other road types.
For example, if you want to avoid toll roads, enable the option to avoid tolls. If you prefer not to use major highways, select the option to avoid highways.
These settings do not necessarily create a completely custom route. Instead, Google Maps uses your preferences when calculating suitable routes.
That distinction matters. If you select Avoid tolls, for example, Google Maps will try to find a reasonable route without toll roads, but it may still use other roads that you would not personally choose.
Step 4: Change the Route on a Computer by Dragging It
Google Maps on a desktop computer can give you another useful option for modifying a driving route.
After entering your starting point and destination, look at the route displayed on the map. In supported situations, you can click and drag the route line onto another road.
Move the route line toward the road you want to use. Google Maps will recalculate the trip and create directions that follow the new route.
This method is particularly useful when you want to force Google Maps to pass through a specific road or area without completely rebuilding the trip.
For example, suppose Google Maps sends you around a neighborhood, but you know a particular road is better. You may be able to drag the route onto that road and let Maps recalculate the remaining directions.
If dragging does not work as expected, try adding a stop or waypoint instead. This is often more reliable when you need Google Maps to pass through a specific location.
Step 5: Add a Stop to Force a Different Route
Adding a stop is one of the best ways to make Google Maps take a particular path.
Start your directions and look for the option to add a stop. Enter a location that sits along the road or area you want to travel through. Google Maps will then calculate a route that includes that stop.
This can be useful when you want to avoid a certain road but Google Maps does not provide the route you want as an alternative.
For example, imagine you are driving from one city to another and want to pass through a particular town. Add that town as a stop, and Google Maps will calculate directions through it.
Once you reach that stop, you can continue toward your final destination.
Remember that adding unnecessary stops can make the trip longer, so use this method when you actually need the route to pass through a particular location.
You can also change your route after navigation has started.
While Google Maps is providing directions, traffic conditions may change. A crash, construction zone, road closure, or unexpected congestion can cause Maps to offer a different route.
If Google Maps presents a faster alternative, you may see a notification showing the updated estimated travel time. You can review the proposed route and choose it if it makes sense for your trip.
You can also stop navigation and enter a new destination or adjust your route preferences if necessary.
Do not try to manually interact with the map while driving. If you need to change your route, make adjustments before driving, or have a passenger handle the phone. Safe driving should come first.
Step 7: Check the Route Before You Start Driving
Before tapping Start, take a quick look at the route.
Check the major roads, estimated travel time, tolls, and any obvious detours. If you see a route you prefer, select it before navigation begins.
This simple check can save you from discovering halfway through the trip that Google Maps has chosen a road you wanted to avoid.
It is also a good idea to check whether your selected route contains tolls, ferries, highways, or other road types that you do not want to use.
FAQs
Can I manually change the route on Google Maps?
Yes. You can select an alternative route when Google Maps provides one. On a computer, you may also be able to drag the route to another road. Adding a stop is another way to influence the route.
Why can’t I see an alternative route?
Google Maps does not always have multiple practical routes available. If the road network offers only one reasonable option, you may see just one route. Traffic conditions, road closures, transportation mode, and your location can also affect the alternatives shown.
Can I avoid highways on Google Maps?
Yes. When available, use the route preferences and enable Avoid highways. Google Maps will then try to calculate a route that does not rely on highways.
Can I avoid toll roads?
Yes. Select the appropriate route preference and enable Avoid tolls. Google Maps will attempt to find another route, although the resulting trip may be longer.
How do I change a route on Google Maps without changing the destination?
You can select an alternative route, change route preferences, drag the route on a computer when supported, or add a stop that forces the trip through another area.
Can I change the route while driving?
Yes, Google Maps can offer alternative routes during navigation. However, you should not operate your phone while driving. Pull over safely or have a passenger make the change.
Why does Google Maps keep changing my route?
Google Maps continuously considers factors such as traffic, road closures, accidents, travel time, and road conditions. If conditions change, the app may recalculate your route.
Does changing the route change the estimated arrival time?
Usually, yes. When you select a different route, Google Maps recalculates the distance and estimated travel time based on the selected path and available traffic information.
Summary
Changing a route on Google Maps is usually straightforward. First, enter your starting point and destination, choose your transportation mode, and check the routes shown on the map. If an alternative is available, tap or click it to make it your selected route.
For more control, use route preferences to avoid tolls or highways. On a computer, you may also be able to drag the route line to another road. If you need Google Maps to travel through a particular area, adding a stop can be an effective workaround.
The key is to review your route before you start driving. Google Maps is designed to optimize your trip based on changing conditions, but your own knowledge of the roads may sometimes make another route a better choice.