How To Save A Route On Google Maps For Navigation

Saving routes on Google Maps can significantly enhance your navigation experience, especially when you frequently travel to the same destinations or need to access directions offline. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to save a route on Google Maps, including some lesser-known tips to make the process more efficient.

Saving a Route on Google Maps Mobile

To save a route on Google Maps using your mobile device, follow these steps:

1. Open Google Maps: Ensure your device is connected to the internet and open the Google Maps app.
2. Enter Your Destination: Tap the "Search here" box and enter your destination. You can also choose a start point and any midpoints to complete your route.
3. Select Directions: Choose your method of transportation (e.g., Driving) and select "Directions." Note that pinning doesn’t work for Transit, Walking, Rideshare, or Cycling.
4. Pin the Route: In the bottom bar, where it shows how long it will take to get to your destination, press the "Pin" button to pin this route.
5. Access Pinned Routes: To find your pinned routes, tap the "Go" tab at the bottom of the Google Maps interface. Your pinned trips will be displayed above your usual routes. Hit "Start" to begin your trip.

Viewing and Managing Pinned Routes

• Viewing Pinned Routes: Open Google Maps and tap the "Go" tab at the bottom. Here, you will see all your pinned routes. Tap a route to open the actual directions.
• Removing a Pinned Route: To remove a pinned route, go to the directions page and tap "Pinned" at the bottom. This will remove the selected route from the pinned routes list.

Adding a Route to Your Home Screen (Android)

For Android users, you can add a shortcut for a route directly to your home screen:

1. Open Google Maps: Search for the directions you want to save.
2. Access Menu: On the directions screen, in the top-right corner, tap the three dots.
3. Add to Home Screen: In the three-dots menu, tap "Add Route to Home Screen."
4. Place the Widget: Either drag the widget and place it on one of your home screens or tap "Add Automatically" to add the widget to a vacant place on your home screen.

Saving Routes for Offline Use

While saving a route doesn’t automatically allow you to access it offline, you can download an offline map that includes your starting location and destination:

1. Download Offline Maps: Open Google Maps, tap your profile picture or initial in the top-right corner, and select "Offline maps."
2. Select the Area: A map will open with a square selecting an area around your current location. Resize this square to cover the area you want to download.
3. Download the Map: Select "Download" to save this area for offline use. When you are offline, Google Maps will use this downloaded area to provide navigation instructions.

Key Considerations for Offline Use

• Limitations: Even if you download offline maps, you cannot initiate a new route without an internet connection. However, if you have already downloaded the area and have the route saved, you will still get navigation instructions.
• Alternative Methods: If real-time information isn’t critical, you can create routes on your PC, screenshot them, and keep them on your phone for reference.

Saving Routes on Google Maps Desktop

If you prefer to plan your routes on a desktop, here’s how you can save and share them:

1. Open Google Maps: On your computer, open a browser and go to the Google Maps website.
2. Enter Your Destination: Using the "Search Google Maps" field, enter your desired destination.
3. Choose Directions: Click "Directions" and select your starting point and method of transportation.
4. Share or Print: You can either send the directions to your phone, share the link, or print the route directions. When printing, you can include the map or text only.

By following these steps, you can efficiently save and manage your routes on Google Maps, ensuring you have easy access to your favorite destinations both online and offline.