How to save a route on Google Maps

Google Maps can get you from point A to point B (or C, or D) in many different ways. Most people search for routes on the fly, but you can also save them for convenience, and access some routes offline. Let’s go over how to save a route in Google Maps.

How to save a route in Google Maps on mobile

Currently, saving a route on Google Maps entails “pinning” a recommended route, or on Android, adding a route to your homescreen. This doesn’t automatically allow you to access your route or directions offline. To see routes when disconnected from the internet, you need to download an offline map that encompasses your starting location and destination.

How to pin a route in Google Maps

By pinning, Google really means bookmarking. Note that you can’t pin a fully custom route, only recommended ones. This is further reflected in offline use, as you can’t change a recommended route at all when you’re using Maps offline. You get one set of directions.

To pin a route:

• Ensure your device is connected to the internet, then open the Google Maps app.
• Tap the Search here box and enter your destination.
• Choose a start point and any midpoints to complete your route.
• Select Directions and make sure your method of transportation is Driving. Pinning doesn’t work for Transit, Walking, Rideshare, or Cycling, at least not yet.
• 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.

To find pinned routes:

• Tap the Go tab at the bottom of the Google Maps interface when you first launch.
• You will see a tab displaying routes you usually take. Scroll up to find the pinned route.

While online, selecting one will offer options to follow the recommended route or a different one. Alternate routes look grayed-out until chosen. If you’re using offline maps, then you’ll only get the recommended route. No grayed-out routes will even appear.

How to add route to Home screen

If you’re on Android and you want even quicker access to your most-frequented routes, you can make them appear on your homescreen. To do this:

• Ensure your Android device is connected to the internet, then open the Google Maps app.
• Enter your destination address in the Search here field. Fill out the rest of your route as well.
• Press the three vertical dots ( ⋮ ) button in the top right corner.
• From the dropdown menu, select Add route to Home screen.
• On the pop-up window, tap ADD. The route will be added as a shortcut icon on your home screen.

After adding this icon to your device’s homescreen, you can tap it to immediately launch Google Maps with that specific route.

How to send directions to yourself

Another way to save your route is to send your route’s directions to yourself. Follow these steps:

• Ensure your device is connected to the internet, then open Google Maps.
• Enter your route using the Search here field.
• Press the three vertical dots ( ⋮ ) button in the top right corner.
• From the following dropdown menu, select Share directions; this will open the Share popup.
• Choose the sharing option of your preference, such as email, Messenger, or WhatsApp, or copy the link to your notes.

How to save a route in Google Maps on desktop

You have three options for saving routes in Google Maps via your computer. You can send the route to your phone, share it, or print it. When printing route directions, you’re given the option to include the map, or text only. Follow these steps to share the directions like:

• On your computer, open a browser. Go to the Google Maps website.
• Using the Search Google Maps field, enter your desired destination.
• Click Directions.
• Choose your starting point. You can also use Your location as the starting point by allowing Google Maps to access your location.
• Choose your method of transportation: Driving, Transit, Walking, or Cycling.
• Click on your desired route from the options that appear.

If your browser is synced with your phone, you can either send it directly to your phone or copy the link.

• To send the route directly to your phone, click the Send to Phone button labeled with an arrow pointing into a phone icon.
• In the following popup, choose whether you want to send it to the Google Maps app on your phone or email it to yourself.

• To copy the directions link, click the share button on the route page. This may look like three interconnected dots.
• In the following popup, you will see the Link to share tab. Click the COPY LINK button next to it.
• Paste the link wherever you’d like to save it. You can send it to yourself via WhatsApp, Messenger, or paste it into the notes on your device.

How to see routes and directions offline (on mobile only)

Aside from emailing yourself a route, there are limited options for seeing your routes offline. After pinning a route or adding it to your homescreen, you can download a map (or maps) within the Google Maps app to see all pertinent locations offline. This will allow you to search and get directions without internet access, though only within the saved region(s). In fact, when you’re planning a long trip, it’s wise to save as much as you can for the sake of emergencies and reducing data consumption.

• Open the app on your mobile.
• Tap your profile icon at the top right corner of the screen.
• In the pop-up menu, select Offline maps.

• Tap SELECT YOUR OWN MAP.
• Define the area you want to download. Pinch and zoom in so that both your starting and end points are present.
• Press Download. Note that there’s a finite limit on offline map size, so if you’re making cross-country or international trips, you’ll need to save multiple maps.

FAQs