The route planner is designed for pre-trip comparison: enter one start and one destination, review up to three returned routes, inspect the steps, and print the selected option. It is not a live turn-by-turn phone navigator and it does not currently optimize multiple stops.
1. Choose a travel mode
Use the icons above the route form to select driving, walking, or cycling before searching. A mode change affects the route request, so confirm it whenever a result looks inappropriate. Availability depends on whether the map provider can calculate that mode between the two points.
2. Enter specific endpoints
Type the starting point and destination into the two route fields. Include the city, state or province, and postal code when names are common. Select a matching autocomplete result when available. The swap control reverses the two endpoints without retyping them.
The separate Search Maps box above the map finds and centers a place; it does not by itself create a route. After selecting a place card, use Directions to move that location into the destination field.
3. Compare the returned routes
After submitting, the Routes tab lists available options with estimated time, distance, and—when supplied—a road description. The first result is labeled Fastest. Select another route card or its line on the map to compare it.
Before selecting
- Confirm both endpoints and the travel mode.
- Compare distance as well as time.
- Zoom into the final approach and entrance.
- Check signs, closures, tolls, and vehicle restrictions independently.
- Reject any road that is closed, private, or unsuitable.
4. Read the turn list
Select the Steps tab to see maneuver-by-maneuver instructions for the chosen route. Review complicated junctions before leaving. If you select a different route, return to Steps to confirm that the instructions changed with it.
5. Use map layers for context
Open Layers to choose Road, Satellite, Traffic, Light, or Dark:
- Road is the clearest base for route lines and street names.
- Satellite helps inspect entrances and surrounding land, but imagery may be old.
- Traffic adds a current traffic overlay where provider data is available.
- Light and Dark change visual styling; they do not change the route.
6. Search nearby categories
The Restaurant, Gas, Hotel, Shopping, and Coffee buttons search around the current map view. Select a marker to see its place card and optionally use it as a route destination. Verify hours, access, and other time-sensitive details with the business.
7. Print or start over
From the Steps tab, use Print to create a clean route summary and instruction list. The browser can print it on paper or save it as a PDF. Use Clear & Start Over to remove the current route and reset the form.
Current limitations
- One origin and one destination per route request
- No account, saved-trip library, or route-link sharing
- No truck, RV, trailer, height, weight, or hazardous-material routing
- No guarantee that map or traffic information is complete or current
Continue planning
- Plan several stops as separate route legs
- Create a printable or PDF route handoff
- Interpret the traffic overlay
Site behavior reviewed July 19, 2026. Map-provider coverage and route availability vary by location.