If you are unsure how to reach a new location in your city or are planning a trip to an unknown destination, the solution is to use Google Maps to create routes. This service allows you to discover the ideal route using a car, motorcycle, on foot, or public transport.
It is possible to trace these routes simply, either on a mobile phone or on a computer. The procedure involves typing in the destination, selecting the 'Routes' option, entering the starting point, and choosing the desired mode of transport so that the application can map the best routing options.
On a mobile phone, whether Android or iPhone, open Google Maps and tap 'Search here' at the top of the screen. Type the address or name of the location to start tracing the route. With the destination set, select 'Routes'. Initially, the application fills in the origin point with 'Your location', based on GPS, but this field can be edited to enter another address if you are just planning the route.
Next, at the bottom of the screen, choose the means of locomotion: car, motorcycle, public transport, or bicycle. By tapping 'Preview' in the upper left corner, you can examine the details of the routes suggested by Google Maps.
For PC users, access maps.google.com in the browser and use the 'Search on Google Maps' field to enter the address or point of interest. After searching for the destination, click on 'Routes'. Then, click on the 'Choose starting point' field and type the address or name of the location where the journey should begin.
At the top of the PC screen, select the icon corresponding to the chosen mode of transport (car, motorcycle, public transport, walking, or bicycle) to view the best routes, along with the estimated travel time in Google Maps. The mapped route information appears on the left side, and the path is displayed on the map.
It is possible to add up to nine stops along the way, both on mobile and on PC. To do this, simply select the 'Add stops' feature and reorganize the order of locations in the panel. When including new points, the service recalculates the route in real time, aiming to optimize traffic flow and update the total estimated travel time. This dynamic update via GPS ensures the best navigation, preventing unnecessary detours to the destination.
Routes can be customized to suit your preferences. On the computer, this is done by clicking and dragging the blue line to the desired roads, while on the mobile phone, manual modification occurs by including strategic stops. In addition to these custom changes, the system presents alternative options, marked in gray, allowing you to switch the route with a simple tap. The platform recalculates time and distance in real time, adjusting directions via GPS.
Users have the option to save the routes directly in the application to easily access frequently used journeys. After defining the route and mode of transport, simply select 'Save' to pin the path on the trip preview screen. All saved routes are centralized in the 'Saved' tab, allowing immediate consultation of traffic data. This feature covers various modes of transport, from bus lines and routes to walking, driving, or cycling.
Additionally, it is possible to generate a point-to-point route in Google Maps on a computer and print or save it in PDF format. The system creates a formatted version containing the visual map and detailed instructions for each segment of the journey. This printed guide offers clear guidance and reference points, being useful for planning trips in advance or for locations without internet coverage, serving both drivers and pedestrians.