How to Create Routes in Google Maps: Step by Step

Learn how to create routes in Google Maps, step by step, and optimize the trips in your operation!

Planning routes with Google Maps is simple and highly useful, both for travelers and, above all, for anyone working in logistics and transportation.

The tool helps you map the way between two destinations and choose the best route across multiple points and stops.

It runs on Google’s infrastructure, the same one that powers Google Maps Platform, with:

• data for more than 250 countries and territories;
• more than 2 billion monthly active users;
• more than 100 million updates every day;
• more than 250 million businesses and places.

With numbers like these, it’s clear the platform can help you find the best path and plan point-to-point routes to your final destination.

Here’s how it works.

How to create routes in Google Maps: step by step

Google Maps is available in your browser and in the Android and iOS apps.

For businesses, there are also the Google Maps Platform APIs, with more complete solutions for routing, planning, route optimization, and more.

How to create a route in Google Maps (browser):

1. Open Google Maps

First, open Google Maps in your browser: google.com/maps.

You’ll see a map of the area you’re currently in.

[Image: current screenshot of the Google Maps home screen, in English]

Tip: sign in to your Google Account so you can save your routes and reuse them whenever you need.

• [Link to the EN version of “How to plan delivery routes”, once published]

2. Set your starting point

In the search box, enter your starting point: an address or a point of interest, such as Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo.

[Image: current screenshot of the starting point field]

If your browser or app has permission to access your location, Google Maps fills in this field automatically.

You can change it manually to set exactly where the route should start, such as your distribution center or warehouse.

• [Link to the EN version of “How to organize delivery routes”, once published]

3. Choose your final destination

Next, set your destination. In our example, we’ll map a route to Unicamp (State University of Campinas).

Google Maps shows the suggested route and, when available, alternative routes, with estimated travel times based on real-time traffic.

[Image: current screenshot of the suggested route with alternatives]

Under “Options,” you can also avoid tolls, highways, and ferries, or change the distance unit.

[Image: current screenshot of the Options menu]

4. Choose your mode of transportation

By default, Google Maps calculates a driving route. You can switch to any of the available modes:

• Driving;
• Two-wheeler (in select regions);
• Transit;
• Walking;
• Cycling;
• Flights (when available).

The icons sit above the addresses, and the route is recalculated automatically after you choose.

• [Link to the EN version of “Benefits of Google Maps for businesses”, once published]

5. Add more stops (optional)

This step is for anyone who needs to visit several addresses on the same route.

Each Google Maps route supports up to 10 locations: your starting point plus 9 stops. To add a stop, click “Add destination” just below the last address.

[Image: current screenshot of the Add destination button]

You can also drag stops to reorder them. Google Maps doesn’t work out the best sequence on its own; that’s one of the core tasks of route management.

For operations with dozens or hundreds of deliveries, the optimal sequence is calculated by optimization APIs, such as the Route Optimization API from Google Maps Platform or the Planning API from Maplink Cloud’s Platform.

6. Select your route

Finally, depending on the trip, you’ll see one or more route options.

Choose the one that best fits your plan, considering travel time, the number of tolls, and any restrictions. You’ll see the full route, with turn-by-turn directions to your final destination.

To save and share itineraries, use Google My Maps: click “Create a new map” and give it a name. The map is saved to the cloud, available anytime on any device, and can be shared with other Google Accounts.

Automatic toll calculation for your routes

If you plan routes for your logistics operation and want to go further, check out the Toll API from Maplink Cloud’s Platform.

It delivers automatic toll calculation using rates kept up to date through continuous monitoring of official sources, and it already supports Free Flow tolling. In Brazil, it also follows the Mandatory Toll Voucher (Vale-Pedágio Obrigatório, VPO) methodology. The result: more control and predictability over toll costs.

With the Toll API, you get a full breakdown of every toll:

• name and address of each toll plaza;
• operating concessionaire;
• coordinates (latitude and longitude);
• cost per toll, per leg, and for the full route;
• calculation by vehicle type, including number of axles and lifted axles;
• codes for integration with automatic toll payment services.

And with Maplink Cloud Managed Services, our team supports the integration with your TMS, ERP, or WMS.

Take your routes even further!

Integrate the Toll API and gain more control and predictability over your fleet’s toll costs.