How to Draw Route on Google Maps – Custom Route Options

Did you know you can draw routes on Google Maps? Many people still don’t know the full extent of Google Maps’ capabilities! If you want to create your own route, Google Maps gives you a variety of options. Below, not only will you find the classic ways to plan routes, but also new features Google Maps has introduced. Each option comes with clear steps to follow for successful route planning.

Basic Driving Directions

Still the most popular use, this helps with everyday navigation like getting from home to work, or home to the airport.
Steps to get basic driving directions or directions to home:

1. Open Google Maps on your device and sign in.
2. Tap the “Directions” icon.
3. Enter the starting location (type “home” for saved address so you can quickly get driving directions home).
4. Input your destination.
5. Choose your transport mode (car, walking, etc.).
6. Review all suggested routes and select your favorite. Searching “directions to home” anytime offers an instant route home.
7. Tap “Start” to begin navigation.

NEW:
Google Maps now lets you plan around traffic with the Time-Based Departure feature in selected regions). You can select “Depart at” or “Arrive by” and get predicted travel times based on real-time and historical traffic data. This is great for planning ahead, whether you’re commuting or have a specific appointment.

Creating Custom Multi-Stop Routes

Great for few sales visits, service, errands or anybody with several stops. This option allows users to draw a route on Google Maps by selecting and re-organizing the order of their destinations plus get driving directions.
Steps to create a custom multi-stop route:

1. Open Google Maps and hit “Directions.”
2. Enter a starting point and final destination.
3. Tap “Add destination” for additional stops (up to 10).
4. Drag-and-drop stops to reorder.
5. Review and adjust your route as needed, and see all time and distance estimates.
6. Tap “Start” for hands-free turn-by-turn instructions.

Pro tip: Insert “home” as a stop to quickly review “driving directions home” during your multi-stop day.
NEW:
Immersive View for Routes (Virtual Route Exploration) is now available for selected routes and cities. Before traveling, you can preview your journey in a 3D, photorealistic environment, check conditions at different times of day, and spot key intersections or traffic areas. This helps anyone feel more prepared before setting out.

Advanced Route Planning for Businesses & Multiple Deliveries

Best for businesses, delivery teams, or anyone dealing with 3-1,000 stops. Here’s where Google Maps and MyRouteOnline come together.
Steps to plan advanced, optimized routes using Google Maps and MyRouteOnline:

1. Prepare your list of destinations in a spreadsheet.
2. Import your addresses into MyRouteOnline to auto-optimize the ideal stop order.
3. Specify your route priorities (e.g., fastest time, shortest distance).
4. Export your optimized route, then open it in Google Maps for on-the-go navigation.
5. Share with your team instantly!

Bringing It All Together

With Google Maps’ latest features, anyone from beginners just seeking driving directions, to advanced users running multi-stop deliveries, can make smarter, more confident travel decisions. Immersive route previews, AI-powered suggestions, and time-based planning take the guesswork out of your journey, while route-optimizing partners like MyRouteOnline help turn complex schedules into one-click solutions.
Start drawing and exploring your routes today. Enjoy new dimensions of planning, all within Google Maps!