“Avoid” is a route preference, not a guarantee. After enabling toll, highway, or ferry avoidance, inspect the proposed route and confirm that the added time, road type, and local restrictions are acceptable.
Google Maps
Enter the destination, open route options, and select the avoidances available for the current travel mode and platform. Preview the road list before starting. Google documents toll, highway, and ferry controls for supported in-vehicle Maps in Google Maps navigation help; phone and desktop menus can differ.
Apple Maps
On iPhone, request driving directions, tap Avoid below the destination, select tolls or highways, and review the alternatives. Apple's current steps are in Get driving directions in Maps. Ferry handling and other options depend on the region and route.
Waze
Open Settings → Navigation to review toll-road, ferry, and freeway preferences. Waze warns that an avoided feature can still appear when the available route requires it. Its current controls are described in Waze Help.
Why the alternate can be worse
- A toll-free route may add enough fuel and time to exceed the toll.
- A highway-free route can introduce school zones, difficult turns, or neighborhood traffic.
- A ferry-free route may require a very long land crossing.
- An avoidance may remain enabled for later trips when it is no longer wanted.
- The route may still cross a congestion charge, permit zone, or private facility not represented as a normal toll.
Compare the full cost
Record the toll estimate, added distance, added time, expected fuel or energy, and any reservation or ferry schedule. Waze states that its toll prices are estimates based on factors including time, route, passes, and community information; the road operator's published price remains authoritative.
Pre-drive verification
- Enable only the avoidances needed for this trip.
- Read the route summary and inspect where it leaves major roads.
- Check official toll, ferry, or closure information.
- Confirm the destination remains reachable through a public entrance.
- Reset preferences afterward if they are not intended as defaults.
Related guidance
- Compare time, distance, and efficiency
- Estimate whether avoiding a toll saves money
- Review an unfamiliar alternate road
Feature review dated July 19, 2026. Verify tolls, ferry schedules, access rules, and road restrictions with the responsible operator.