TL; DR: Use Upper for Google Maps Chrome browser extension and optimize routes with just one click, ensuring you take the most efficient path every time. Ever found yourself lost in a new city or stuck in traffic when you’re already running late? We’ve all been there, and it’s no fun.😶 Whether you’re trying to make it to multiple appointments on time, planning a delivery route, or just organizing a road trip, having a reliable tool can make all the difference. This is when Google Maps takes centre stage. A dynamic navigation platform that not only does the mapping but also provides real-time traffic information, shows places of interest, and practically eases your daily commute. In fact, over a billion people have already been using this to check routes and loving it. We know what you might be wondering — ”How do I use Google Maps Route Planner in the best way possible?” Don’t worry; we have got you covered! From marking the starting point to adding multiple stops, this blog will guide you step-by-step on using the Google Maps route planner. Ready to drive? Let’s go! Google Maps Helps You Plan, Upper Helps You Perfect It! While Google Maps offers basic route planning, Upper brings multi-stop optimization and enhanced delivery features to simplify logistics. Try Upper Table of Contents Step-by-Step Process to Use Google Maps App Route Planner for Mobile Plan Your Journey with Google Maps Route Planner on Desktop Discover a Better Way to Find the Best Route How to Add Multiple Destinations on Google My Maps? When To Use Google Maps For Route Planning? The Good and Not-So-Good About Google Maps Looking for Something More? FAQs Step-by-Step Process to Use Google Maps App Route Planner for Mobile Available on both Android and iOS platforms, accessing Google Maps free routing app is a straightforward process. Here is a detailed process to create the most efficient route: Step 1: Download the Google Maps route planner app The first step is to download Google Maps from the Play Store or App Store. Below are the download buttons for Android and iOS users to quickly install the app on mobile phones. Step 2: Open the Google Maps app Now, launch the Google Maps app on your mobile, and you will see the city map, along with multiple options. Step 3: Click the directions button Now, tap on the “Directions” icon (it looks like a blue button or arrow) located at the bottom of the screen. Step 4: Add starting and destination address Upon tapping the “Directions” button, the “Choose starting point” and “Choose destination” fields will appear. Enter the point of origin and destination to get Google Maps’ step-by-step driving directions. Note: By default, “Your location” will be selected in the starting point field, but you can change it as required. Step 5: Choose your mode of transportation In the top menu, below the destination field, select your transportation mode – driving (car icon), walking, public transport, or biking. This will optimize driving directions based on traffic information and terrain. Step 6: Add multiple destinations If you have multiple stops on Google Maps to cover between the starting and ending points, tap on the three-dot menu icon (⋮) next to the destination field and select “Add stop.” Enter the additional stops as needed. By dragging and dropping the stops, you can rearrange them and adjust the sequence to optimize your driving route for maximum efficiency. Note: Google Maps allows a maximum of 10 stops to be added to a route. Save Time by Importing Stops in a Go! Manually adding stops can be tedious. Let Upper help you upload them at once and save up to one hour every week. Use Upper Step 7: Customize route preferences Tap on “Options” to customize your route preferences, including avoiding tolls, motorways, or ferries. Looking for Advanced Customization? Upper offers options like avoiding tolls, highways, specific areas, setting time windows, prioritizing stops, and more. Optimize quickly and adapt on the go. Try App Step 8: Review your route plan After entering your route details and preferences, tap on the blue “Done” button to review your route plan. Review the route information, such as added stops, distance, directions, and estimated travel time. Also, check the live traffic conditions along your planned routes so you can account for delays. Step 9: Start navigation When ready, tap ‘Start’ to begin turn-by-turn voice-guided navigation. You can also save routes for future trips. Plan Your Journey with Google Maps Route Planner on Desktop Planning the most efficient route on the Google Maps web interface using a desktop or laptop is as easy as on a mobile device. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use Google route planner on your web browser to navigate from point A to B: Step 1: Open Google Maps Open Google Maps Launch your web browser and type “maps.google.com” in the address bar. Hit Enter, and you’ll land on the Google Maps homepage. Easy start, right? Note: If you have a Google account and want to access additional features like saving routes or accessing recent searches, sign in by clicking on the “Sign in” button at the top right corner of the page. Step 2: Access route planner Look at the top left corner of the page. See that search bar? Right next to it, there’s a blue button that looks like an arrow. That’s your “Directions” button. Click it to open up the Google route planner. Step 3: Enter the starting point and destination Now you’ll see two text fields. In the top one “Choose starting point”, type in where you’re starting from. This could be your current location, home address, or any other starting point. In the second field “Choose destination”, enter where you want to go. Google Maps is pretty smart – it’ll suggest addresses as you type, so you might not even need to type the whole thing! Step 4: Add multiple destinations (if needed) Planning a multi-stop trip? No sweat! Below your destination, you’ll see a little plus sign (+) next to “Add destination”. Click that to add another stop. You can keep doing this until you’ve added up to 10 stops total. Perfect for those busy days or road trips! Step 5: Rearrange your stops Here’s a cool trick: you can change the order of your stops. See those six dots next to each address? Click and hold them, then drag the address up or down to reorder. This can help you find a more efficient delivery route, saving you time and fuel. No need to manually rearrange stops. Upper’s Google Maps Route Optimization Extension does it for you, finding the shortest and quickest route. Install now! Step 6: Customize route preferences Just below your list of stops, you’ll see some options to tailor your trip. You can choose to avoid tolls, highways, or ferries. Just click the options that work best for you. This is super handy if you prefer scenic routes or want to save on toll costs. Step 7: Choose your transportation mode At the top of the directions panel, you’ll see icons for different ways to travel – car, public transit, walking, and biking. Click on the one that matches how you’ll be making your trip. The route and time estimates will be adjusted based on your choice. Step 8: Review and select your route After you’ve entered all your info, Google Maps will show you one or more route options. Each one will have an estimated travel time and distance. Take a look at these and click on the one that suits you best. Remember, the fastest route isn’t always the best – sometimes a slightly longer route might be more enjoyable or convenient! Step 9: Send directions to your phone Ready to go? Click on “Send directions to your phone” at the bottom of the directions panel. A pop-up will appear with options to send the directions via text or email. Choose your preferred method, and you’ll have your route ready on your phone when you’re on the move. Discover a Better Way to Find the Best Route Imagine this: You’ve got a packed day ahead with 20+ stops to make. Google Maps caps out at 10 stops, leaving you to figure out the rest manually. Felt stuck, right? That’s where Upper route planning software comes in clutch. With Upper route scheduling software, you can optimize multi-stop routes in minutes, not hours. It handles hundreds of stops efficiently, saving you time and fuel. Enjoy real-time updates, hassle-free proof of delivery, and easy modifications on the go. Ready to make route planning process easier and more effective? Try Upper How to Add Multiple Destinations on Google My Maps? Google My Maps is a great tool for mapping a delivery route, trips, or visits. It lets you pin up to 2,000 locations and customize your map with notes and colors. Here’s a simple guide to help you plan your route with multiple stops. Step 1: Open Google My Maps First things first, head to Google My Maps. Just type “Google My Maps” in your search bar or go directly to mymaps.google.com. Easy peasy! Step 2: Create a new map Once you’re there, click on “Create a New Map”. Give your map a name that makes sense to you – maybe “Summer Road Trip” or “Saturday Errands”. Step 3: Add your stops Now for the fun part! In the search bar, start typing the name or address of your first stop. As you type, suggestions will pop up. Click on the right one to add it to your map. Repeat this for all your stops. You can add up to 2,000 places, so go wild! Step 4: Organize with layers See the panel on the left? That’s where your stops are listed. You can organize your stops by creating different layers. Think of layers like categories. For example, one layer might be for “Food Stops” and another for “Sightseeing.” To add a layer, just click “Add layer” and give it a name. Step 5: Start your route Click on the “Draw a Line ” icon below the search bar of your map. Choose “Add Driving Route” (or walking or cycling, if that’s your style). Click on your starting point, then your next stop, and so on. Google will draw the route for you. Step 6: Customize your route Want to change the order? No problem! In the layer panel, you can drag and drop your stops to rearrange them. This will allow Maps to update the route automatically. Step 7: Style your map Hover on any of your stops, and you’ll see a “Paint bucket” icon near it. Tap on it and color your pin the way you want. This is great for quickly identifying different types of stops – red for restaurants and blue for attractions. Step 8: Check your route details Click the three dots next to your route layer and select “Step-by-Step Directions” from the menu. Upon doing so, you will see a breakdown of your route with time and distance estimates. Step 9: Save and share Your map saves automatically as you work. When you’re done, click the “Share” button to get a link. You can send this to friends or family so they can see your awesome plan. Step 10: Take it on the go Open the Google Maps app on your phone and tap “Saved” at the bottom. Then tap “Maps” to find the route you just created. Voila! Your custom route is now in your pocket. Remember! My Maps is great for planning, but for real-time navigation, you’ll want to use the regular Google Maps application. Just open your custom map on your phone, tap a destination, hit the “Directions” button, and you’re good to go! When To Use Google Maps For Route Planning? We all know that Google Maps is a fantastic web-and-mobile based mapping service. However, is it the one for you? Let’s find out! When does Google Maps work well? Basic directions: It’s great for providing practical and real-time directions from one place to another. Distance and time calculation: It measures the exact distance and defines the estimated time of arrival. Personal travel: Perfect for searching the best route for everyday travel within your city. Road trips: Excellent for planning a road trip with a few stops along the way, like hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. Small businesses: Ideal for businesses that don’t require complex logistics. Since it prioritizes local search results, businesses can benefit from it to enhance their visibility and increase foot traffic. When might Google Maps fall short? Route optimization: Google Maps doesn’t optimize multi-stop routes. If you have multiple deliveries or need the most efficient and fastest route, it may not be your safest bet. With ten deliveries, there are over 3 million possible routes. Adding more stops increases that number significantly. Fleet management: If you manage a fleet of vehicles, Google Maps isn’t built for tracking maintenance, fuel costs, or scheduling. You’ll need a more specialized tool for those tasks. For route optimization and fleet management challenges, switch to Upper for Crew. Enjoy efficient route optimization for hundreds of stops, easy driver management, live tracking, and more. In summary, Google Maps is excellent for everyday and simple route modeling. For complex routes, logistics, fleet operations management, or advanced optimization, consider looking into other route planners. The Good and Not-So-Good About Google Maps A coin has two sides, showcasing upsides and downsides, and so does Google Maps. Let’s break them down: Pros of Google Maps: Google Maps is a free route-planning software. And who doesn’t love free stuff? Choose your ride — car, bus, bike, or walk — it’s got you covered. Helps you dodge those long jams and find the shortest route to your exact location, thanks to the real-time traffic updates. Keep your eyes on the road and use voice directions on your mobile device for hands-free navigation. From finding the Pinteresty coffee shops to suggesting seamless routes to your favorite restaurants and searching for nearby gas stations, Google Maps does it all in seconds. Get a 360° panoramic view of the destinations as if you are already standing there. No internet connection? No problem! You can download maps and use them offline without a hitch. Cons of Google Maps: Only 10 stops at max! That’s tough for individual drivers or businesses who have to handle multiple deliveries. It doesn’t always find the shortest route, leading to longer travel times. Have you ever ended up in the wrong spot? Yeah, us too. Google Maps can sometimes navigate you to the wrong spots, especially with the ones that have incorrect addresses or don’t have any. Google Maps can be a bit power-hungry, draining your mobile’s battery pretty quickly. This is because of constant data usage, GPS signal checks, screen brightness, and background functionalities. Street view, continuous location tracking, and data collection can raise privacy concerns. Upper: The Smart Way to Overcome Google Maps’ Limits! Say no to Google Maps which limits you to 10 stops and lacks advanced logistics features. Upper empowers you with unlimited stops, optimization, and proof of delivery. Get Upper Looking for Something More? If you’re making lots of stops or running a delivery business, Google Maps is not going to cut it. You might need a bit more oomph. Upper’s multi-stop route planner is the solution for optimized routes. Optimize routes in minutes, manage hundreds of stops, and enjoy instant updates—all in one place. Plus, it’s a breeze to use. Take the free trial of Upper of Upper and make your multi stop route planning simpler and more efficient. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can Google Maps plan a delivery route with multiple stops? Yes, Google Maps can plan a route with multiple stops. To do this, simply enter your starting point and the final destination you want to visit, and start the navigation. You can also add any additional stops beforehand. However, please note that Google Route Planner allows you to add only 10 stops. 2. Can I use Google Maps to plan a running route? Yes, you can create a route for running by selecting the “Walking” directions option in Google Maps and customizing it if you need to plan your running path. 3. Is there a better trip planner than Google Maps? If you are seeking an alternative to Google Maps trip planner, you can consider Komoot, PlotaRoute, or AllTrails. Other substitutes to Google Maps based on categories include: Privacy: OpenStreetMaps, Apple Maps, or Here WeGo. Multi-stop route planning: Upper, Routific, or Route4Me. Offline usage: Sygic, Maps.me, or OsmAnd. Live traffic information: Waze, ViaMichelin, or Bing Maps. Public transit: WeGo, Apple Maps, or CityMapper. 4. Can I plan multiple routes on Google Maps? No, Google Maps doesn’t allow the planning of multiple routes at once. But you can add multiple stops on a single route. 5. Can Google Maps optimize a route? No, Google Maps doesn’t offer a route optimization feature. It provides the shortest driving route from A to B based on the sequence of stops you’ve added in between. 6. How can I contact support if I have any questions? For any inquiries related to Google Maps, your primary resource is Google Maps Help. You’ll find many support options here, including helpful articles, Maps policies overview, control access point inclusion, and more. The Help Center covers common issues and offers access to community forums for meaningful and relevant discussions. 7. How can I get the quickest route and driving directions with multiple stops? To find the quickest route with multiple stops using Google Maps, follow these steps: Open Google Maps and enter your start point and the end destination. Click or tap the “+ Add Destination” button to add more destinations. Arrange the order of destinations as needed. Once you are done, Google Maps will automatically generate what it considers the best route options based on your stops. To ensure the fastest path, manually adjust the order of stops into a different sequence. Compare the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for different routes to determine the quickest route. 8. How to check traffic routes? To check traffic now or later: Open the Google Maps app. Type the location you want to visit in the search bar or manually find it by panning on the map. Once you choose the location, a white bar will pop up below. Tap on “Directions” in the white bar and choose the mode of your commute — car, bike, public transport, or walking. Once you are done adding the details, Google will fetch the current traffic conditions on your route and display them on the white bar. Author Bio Jeel Patel Jeel Patel is the Chief Executive Officer at Upper. With 5+ years of experience in dev, outbound, and inbound sales, He is committed to growing conversion through inbound and outbound activities. Outside the office, Jeel loves to spend time with his dog and take him on long walks. Read more. Share this post: Why Settle for Less?Take your delivery routes to the next level with Upper’s advanced features.Explore Upper’s Benefits Now!
