Get Bike Route Map in Apple Maps on iPhone

This guide shows you how to get turn-by-turn cycling directions and a bike route map in Apple Maps on your iPhone. You’ll need an iPhone with iOS 14 or later, and Apple Maps’ cycling feature is available in select cities and regions. Before you start, make sure Location Services is enabled for Maps in Settings > Privacy > Location Services.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone with iOS 14 or later (cycling directions require iOS 14 or newer).
Apple Maps installed (it’s pre-installed and cannot be deleted).
Location Services turned on for Maps (Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Maps > While Using the App).
An active internet connection (cellular or Wi-Fi) for live traffic and route updates.
Cycling directions availability in your region — Apple has rolled out bike routes in many cities worldwide, but not everywhere.

Step-by-Step

Open Apple Maps on your iPhone. Tap the Maps icon on your home screen.
Enter your destination. Tap the search field at the bottom, type an address or place name, then tap the result in the list. Alternatively, tap and hold on a spot on the map to drop a pin, then tap the pin and choose “Directions”.
Set your starting point. By default, Maps uses your current location. To change it, tap “My Location” and enter a different start point.
Select the cycling mode. At the top of the directions card, you’ll see icons for driving, transit, walking, and cycling. Tap the bicycle icon (it looks like a bike). If you don’t see it, cycling isn’t available for that route or region.
Review the route options. Apple Maps shows one or more suggested bike routes. Each route displays the estimated travel time, distance, and elevation profile (a small graph showing hills). Tap a route to see it on the map with a blue line.
Choose your route. Tap the route you prefer, then tap “Go” at the bottom right. If you want to avoid hills or busy roads, tap “Options” (below the route list) and toggle “Avoid Hills” or “Avoid Busy Roads” before selecting a route.
Follow the turn-by-turn directions. Once you start, Maps gives voice prompts and shows a blue route line. The lock screen shows the next turn. To see the full route map, tap the screen to bring up the controls, then tap the route card at the bottom to see the overview.
End the navigation. When you arrive, tap “End” at the bottom left. You can also tap “Overview” to see the entire route on one screen.

Common Mistakes

Not updating iOS: Cycling directions require iOS 14 or later. If you don’t see the bike icon, check your iOS version in Settings > General > Software Update.
Using a destination that doesn’t support cycling: Apple Maps only offers bike routes in certain cities. If you’re in a rural area or a city without cycling data, the bike icon won’t appear.
Ignoring the elevation profile: The route may look shorter, but hills can make it much slower. Always check the elevation graph before starting.
Forgetting to enable Location Services: If Maps can’t see your location, it may default to a wrong start point. Double-check your privacy settings.
Assuming the route avoids all roads: Apple Maps may include roads that are not bike-friendly. Use the “Avoid Busy Roads” option, but always verify the route visually.

Tips

Before you ride, tap “Overview” to see the full route on one screen. This helps you memorize key turns.
Use the “Avoid Hills” option if you’re on an e-bike with limited range or just want an easier ride.
If you have an Apple Watch, the turn-by-turn alerts will vibrate on your wrist, so you don’t have to look at your phone.
Download offline maps (iOS 17+) for the area if you expect poor cellular coverage. Go to Maps, tap your picture, then “Offline Maps” and download a region.
Share your ETA with a friend or family member by swiping up on the route card and tapping “Share ETA”.
For long rides, keep your screen on and mount your iPhone on your bike handlebars (use a secure mount).

Troubleshooting

No bike icon appears: This usually means cycling directions aren’t available for your route or region. Try a nearby major city or check Apple’s feature availability page. You can also use a different app like Google Maps or a dedicated cycling app.
Maps shows driving directions instead: Make sure you tapped the bicycle icon after entering your destination. If the icon is grayed out, it’s unavailable for that route.
Route seems wrong or unsafe: Tap “Options” and enable “Avoid Busy Roads” and “Avoid Hills”. If the route still looks bad, report it to Apple by tapping the route card, scrolling down, and selecting “Report an Issue”.
Voice prompts not working: Check that your iPhone’s volume is up and that the mute switch is off. Also, in Settings > Maps > Spoken Directions, make sure the volume is set to a level you can hear.
Location is inaccurate: Make sure you’re outdoors and have a clear view of the sky. If the blue dot is off, open the Compass app (it calibrates the magnetometer) and follow the on-screen instructions.
Cycling directions take you on a highway: That’s a bug. Report the issue via the route card. As a workaround, add a waypoint (a stop) to force a different path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple Maps have bike routes?

Yes, Apple Maps offers cycling directions in many cities worldwide, but not everywhere. It’s available in major metropolitan areas across the US, UK, Europe, and parts of Asia. Check if your city is supported by searching for a route and looking for the bike icon.

How do I know if a route is bike-friendly?

Apple Maps labels bike routes with a blue line. It also shows an elevation profile and may highlight dedicated bike lanes. Use the “Avoid Busy Roads” option to reduce exposure to high-traffic streets.

Can I use Apple Maps cycling directions on an Apple Watch?

Yes, if you have an Apple Watch (with cellular or paired to your iPhone), you’ll get haptic alerts and turn-by-turn prompts on your wrist. The watch app shows the next turn and remaining distance.

Why does Apple Maps not show cycling directions in my city?

Cycling data is limited to cities where Apple has partnered with local transit authorities or has sufficient mapping data. If it’s not available, you’ll need to use a third-party app like Google Maps, Komoot, or Ride with GPS.

Can I save a bike route for offline use?

Yes, with iOS 17 or later, you can download offline maps. Open Maps, tap your picture, then “Offline Maps” and select a region. Once downloaded, you can get directions (including cycling) without a cellular connection.

Does Apple Maps account for elevation gain?

Yes, it shows an elevation profile for each route. The profile displays the change in elevation along the route, so you can anticipate hills.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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