How to Get Directions from Google Maps: Navigation Guide

PDF download Download Article
Use Google Maps to get directions to and from any location
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to use Google Maps to get turn-by-turn directions on your iPhone, iPad, Android device, or the Web. If you're using your phone or tablet , you can get live guided navigation as you travel. If you're using a computer , you can pull up directions to and from any location to view, print, or even send to your smartphone or tablet.

Getting Turn by Turn Directions: Quick Steps

  1. Open the Google Maps app.
  2. Tap the search bar and enter your destination.
  3. Tap Directions .
  4. Tap Your location to enter your starting point.
  5. Select a method of transportation.
  6. Tap Start .
Section 1 of 3:

Using the Mobile App

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's the rainbow pushpin icon on your Home screen or in your app list.
  2. Tap the search bar at the top of the screen, type the name or address of the location, and tap it in the search results. Alternatively, you can tap and hold a location on the map to drop a pin.
    Advertisement
  3. You'll see this blue button below the address.
  4. Tap the Your location field at the top, enter your starting point, and then select it from the search results.
    • If multiple routes are available, you will see them in gray on the map. To select a different route, just tap it. [1]
    • If your trip has multiple stops, tap the three-dots ••• in the upper right corner of the screen, then tap Add stop to enter another address.
      • The three dots will not appear until you enter a starting point.
  5. Do so by tapping one of the transportation icons at the top of the screen. The options vary by location, but you'll see some or all of these options: [2]
    • Driving: Car icon
    • Transit: Train icon
    • Walking: Hiker icon
    • Rideshare or taxi: Hailing passenger icon
    • Cycling: Bicycle icon
    • Motorcycle: Motorcycle icon
    • Flight: Airplane icon
    • You may need to swipe right to see all of the available icons.
  6. 6
    Customize your route (optional). If you want to choose some preferences for your route, tap the three horizontal dots next to your starting point at the top of Google Maps, then select Options . Here, you'll find several customization options, including:
    • Avoid highways
    • Avoid tolls
    • Avoid ferries
    • Change units to miles
    • Change units to kilometers
    • Prefer HOV
    • Prefer fuel-efficient routes
    • Selecting your vehicle and driving avatar
    • Show or hide toll pass prices
  7. You'll see it at the lower-left corner. This starts turn-by-turn navigation.
    • To see a list of the turn-by-turn directions instead of hearing them as you travel, tap Steps ⋮≡ . [3]
    • Swipe up from the bottom to view additional options while you navigate, including the ability to report an accident or hazard, search for things to do or see along your route, change your driving avatar, and turn voice navigation on or off.
    8. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Using a Computer

PDF download Download Article
  1. Go to maps.google.com in your web browser. Use the link, or type the web address into your web browser's address bar and press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return .
  2. It's the white arrow inside a blue diamond, next to the "Search Google Maps" field in the upper-left corner of the map. [4]
  3. Click or tap Choose starting point , then enter your starting address or location.
    • You can also click on the map to indicate your starting point.
  5. Click the next field, then search for the place you're traveling to.
    • You can also click the map to select your destination.
    • If you want to add another stop, click + Add destination below your current destination.
  6. Do so by clicking one of the transportation icons at the top of the window. The options vary by location, but you'll see some or all of these options:
    • Driving: Car icon
    • Transit: Train icon
    • Walking: Hiker icon
    • Rideshare or taxi: Hailing passenger icon
    • Cycling: Bicycle icon
    • Motorcycle: Motorcycle icon
    • Flight: Airplane icon
  7. If multiple routes are available, click a route to view directions for that route. Routes appear in order by the amount of time it will take to travel to your destination.
  8. 8
    Click Options to customize your route (optional). Here, you can choose from additional options. Once you make your selections, click Close to return to your directions.
    • Avoid highways
    • Avoid tolls
    • Avoid ferries
    • Change units to miles
    • Change units to kilometers
  9. 9
    View and save your directions. Now that you have your directions, you have several options:
    • To print the directions , click the printer icon.
    • To send the directions to your Android, iPhone, or iPad so you can take them on the road, click the smartphone icon.
    • Click the sharing iconto get a shareable link to the map and directions.
    • To find things to do or see along the way, use the "Search along this route" box at the top to search, or use the buttons at the top ( Hotels , Gas , etc.).
    10. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

FAQ & Troubleshooting

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    How do I see a street view route on Google Maps? To get your directions in Street View mode on your Android, iPhone, or iPad: [5]
    • Enter your destination.
    • Enter your starting point.
    • Tap Steps at the bottom.
    • Swipe up to view Street View photos of each step along the way.
  2. 2
    Why can't I hear directions on Google Maps? Here are a few quick fixes for when you can't hear turn by turn directions in Google Maps as you travel: [6]
    • While in navigation mode, tap the white area at the bottom (where the ETA appears) to expand your options.
    • Tap Settings at the bottom.
    • If Mute is selected, tap Unmute .
    • If you are listening to directions through Bluetooth (including Bluetooth headphones and a Bluetooth connection to your car), make sure "Play voice over Bluetooth" is turned on. If you want to hear voice navigation through your phone or tablet instead, turn the switch off.
    • If the volume is too quiet, use the "Guidance volume" options to adjust the volume as needed.
  3. 3
    Why can't I get directions in Google Maps? If you can't view or select a route, there could be a few different reasons:
    • Your internet access may be spotty or slow.
    • Location services may be disabled on your phone or tablet. To check:
      • Android : In the Settings app, tap Location , select App location permissions , and choose G oogle Maps . Select either Allow all the time or Allow only while in use . [7]
      • iPhone/iPad: Open the Settings app and go to Privacy & Security > Location Services . Tap Google Maps and select While Using the App , While Using the App or Widgets , or Always . [8]
  4. 4
    How do I stop turn by turn navigation? Tap the red Exit button at the bottom-right corner of Google Maps during voice navigation to stop the directions and return to the map.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I print out Google map directions?
    Community Answer
    Hit the print button at the top right of the screen. Select the options you want, and click on print.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 6
  • Question
    The voice directions will not work in my car. Any advice?
    Community Answer
    Check that the audio setting isn't set to mute, the ringer switch isn't set to silent, the volume is at least 1 tick, and check that the audio isn't connected to a different device.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
  • Question
    The volume is too low, and we can't get it to increase.
    Ellie Romero
    Community Answer
    You probably have the directions set to Warning or some other mode. Press the sound button and pick a setting.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Go Back in Time on Google Maps: See Historical Location Pictures
      How to
      Get Current Location on Google Maps
      When Will a Google Street View Car Come to Your Area?
      How to
      Track Someone’s Location in Google Maps
      Find Latitude and Longitude in Google Maps: Mobile & Desktop
      How to
      Save a Photo or Map Image from Google Maps
      How to
      Type GPS Coordinates into Google Maps: Desktop & Mobile
      How to
      Find North on Google Maps on PC or Mac
      How to
      Change the Year on Google Maps with Google Earth Pro
      Google Maps Directions: Adding Multiple Stops to Your Route
      Easy Ways to Track Your Run with Google Maps
      3 Ways to See Live Traffic Conditions on Google Maps
      How to
      Use Google Maps
      How to
      Add Custom Icons to Google Maps
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/maps/answer/3273406?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Android
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/maps/answer/144339?co=GENIE.Platform=Android&oco=1#transportation_modes
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/maps/answer/3273406?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Android
      4. ↑ https://support.google.com/maps/answer/144339?hl=en&ref_topic=3292869&sjid=4027501173498943520-NC
      5. ↑ https://support.google.com/maps/answer/3093484?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Android
      6. ↑ https://support.google.com/maps/answer/11523237?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform=Android
      7. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/6179507?hl=en
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102647

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 115,384 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement