How to Use Multiple Stops in Google Maps

Planning a route with several errands or destinations in Google Maps can save you time and backtracking. This guide shows you how to add multiple stops to a single trip on both the mobile app and the desktop website, and how to reorder or remove them as your plans change.

What You’ll Need

• A Google account (to save trips, but not required to create a multi-stop route)
• The Google Maps app on your phone (iOS or Android) or a web browser on your computer
• An internet connection for live traffic and navigation

Step-by-Step

On the Mobile App (iPhone & Android)

1. Open Google Maps and tap the blue Directions button (the arrow icon) in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
2. Enter your starting point in the “Choose starting point” field. If you want to start from your current location, leave it blank or tap the crosshair icon.
3. Enter your first destination in the “Choose destination” field. You can type an address, a place name, or tap a point on the map.
4. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the route card, then select Add stop. This adds a new field below your destination.
5. Enter the additional stop in the new field. Repeat this step to add as many as nine extra stops (ten total including your destination).
6. Reorder stops by pressing and holding the hamburger icon (≡) next to a stop and dragging it up or down. The first stop after your starting point is the first place you’ll visit, and so on.
7. Review your route – Google Maps will automatically calculate the best path through all stops in the order you’ve placed them. You can see the total distance and estimated travel time at the top.
8. Tap Start to begin turn-by-turn navigation. When you reach a stop, the app will prompt you to continue to the next one.

On the Desktop Website

1. Go to Google Maps in your browser.
2. Click the Directions button (the arrow icon) in the search bar area.
3. Enter your starting point in the first field and your first destination in the second field.
4. Click “Add destination” below the destination field. A new field appears.
5. Enter the next stop. You can add up to nine additional stops (ten total).
6. Drag the stops by clicking and holding the dotted grid icon (⠿) next to each field to reorder them. The route updates automatically.
7. Click a route option on the left panel or on the map to select your preferred path (if multiple are shown).
8. Send the route to your phone by clicking the phone icon and choosing “Send directions to your phone” if you want to navigate on the go.

Common Mistakes

• Adding stops after starting navigation – You can add stops mid-route, but it’s easier to plan them all before you start. To add a stop while navigating, tap the search bar, then tap the three-dot menu and choose “Add stop.”
• Forgetting to reorder – Google Maps does not automatically optimize the order of your stops. It follows the order you’ve entered them, so double-check that the sequence makes sense to avoid unnecessary driving.
• Confusing the starting point – If you leave the starting point blank, Google Maps assumes your current location. If you’re planning a trip for later, set the starting point explicitly to avoid the route being calculated from where you are now.
• Adding too many stops – The limit is 10 total (start + 9 stops). If you need more, consider splitting the trip into two separate routes.

Tips

• Use the “Optimize order” feature (mobile only) – In some versions of the app, after adding stops, you’ll see a “Optimize order” button. Tap it to let Google Maps rearrange your stops for the shortest route. This is not available on the desktop version.
• Save your route – On mobile, tap the pin icon to save the route to your “Saved trips” for later use. On desktop, you can copy the link to the route and bookmark it.
• Set departure time – On desktop, click “Leave now” to set a departure or arrival time. This adjusts traffic estimates and can help you plan around rush hour.
• Use voice commands – While navigating, say “OK Google, add a stop” to quickly add a new destination without taking your hands off the wheel.
• Drag stops on the map – On mobile, you can also drag the route line on the map to adjust the path, though this is less precise than reordering the list.

Troubleshooting

• No “Add stop” option appears – Make sure you’ve entered both a starting point and a destination first. The option is only available after a route is calculated. If it’s still missing, close and reopen the app or refresh the browser page.
• Stops won’t drag to reorder – On mobile, try using the hamburger icon (≡) next to the stop, not the stop name itself. On desktop, make sure you’re clicking the dotted grid icon (⠿), not the text field. If dragging fails, try removing the stop and adding it again in the desired position.
• Route doesn’t update after adding a stop – This can happen if the app is offline or the server is slow. Check your internet connection, then tap the refresh icon or recalculate the route by tapping the blue Directions button again.
• Only one route is shown even though there are multiple options – Google Maps may not always show alternate routes when you have many stops. Try removing a stop temporarily to see if alternate routes appear, then add the stop back.
• Stops are out of order after sending to phone – If you send a route from desktop to your phone, the stops should transfer in the same order. If they don’t, manually reorder them on the phone before starting navigation.
• Navigation skips a stop – This usually happens if you accidentally marked a stop as “passed” or if the app thinks you’ve already visited it. Tap the stop in the list and select “Add stop” again, or restart navigation from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many stops can I add in Google Maps?

You can add up to 9 additional stops beyond your starting point, for a total of 10 destinations in one route. This applies to both the mobile app and the desktop version.

Can I use multiple stops on Google Maps without an internet connection?

You can plan a route with stops offline if you’ve downloaded the map area beforehand, but live traffic and some features like voice navigation may not work. It’s best to plan online and then download the map for offline use.

Does Google Maps automatically find the fastest order for my stops?

No, by default it follows the order you enter them. On the mobile app, you can tap “Optimize order” to have it rearrange stops for a shorter route. On desktop, you must manually drag stops to reorder them.

Can I add stops to a route I’ve already started navigating?

Yes. While in navigation, tap the search bar at the top, then tap the three-dot menu and choose “Add stop.” You can also use voice commands like “OK Google, add a stop to [place].”

Will adding stops increase my total travel time?

Yes, each stop adds time for the detour and the time you spend at the stop. Google Maps estimates the total driving time, but not the time you’ll spend at each location.

Can I share a multi-stop route with someone else?

Yes. On mobile, tap the share button (the arrow icon) and choose the app you want to share with. On desktop, copy the URL from the address bar and send it. The recipient will see the same route with all stops.

Related

• PS2 Emulation Controller Guide: Pick the Right Pad
• CSS Background Image Blur: Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Use Disk Quotas on Windows 11