How to plan the perfect road trip in Google Maps

Google Maps offers more than just directions and reviews. It also has specific features to help plan road trips on Android, iOS, and the web.

These features include the ability to look up, label, and save places in advance, check future traffic conditions, and find places of interest along a route.

While we’ll focus on the web version of Google Maps for planning, the same features are available on the mobile apps as well.

Adding destinations and checking traffic

To add destinations and check traffic, click on a spot on Google Maps and select Directions to set a starting point for your road trip. Use Add destination to add more stops and rearrange them by dragging.

The estimated travel times are based on current traffic. Switch to Typical traffic to see future conditions and plan your trip accordingly.

You can share the estimated travel time link with others by clicking Copy link or save it for later use.

Find new spots along the route

Google Maps now allows you to search for places along a route without losing your original route. Use the Search along the route box to find tourist attractions, hotels, and more.

You can also explore new places along the route in the panel on the left and add them to your trip.

Set up and share lists

Create lists of places to visit or attractions you want to see by saving them on Google Maps. You can add notes, remove entries, and share lists with your travel companions.

To share a list, click the three dots in the list, select Sharing options, and invite others to contribute.

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