Guide: Google Maps Tips & Tricks: 15 useful features worth using

Google Maps is used by millions of people for navigation, finding locations, and planning routes, but the app offers many more features than simply displaying a map.

You can save locations, check traffic, download maps for offline use, quickly search for specific types of places, share your location, and adjust your route based on how you are travelling.

In this guide you will find 15 Google Maps Tips & Tricks useful for both daily commutes and travelling.

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1. Save places you visit frequently

If you frequently get to the same address, you do not need to search for it every time.

You can save the location in Google Maps and access it much faster later on.

This is useful for:

• home;
• work;
• clients;
• shops;
• restaurants;
• car parks;
• places you want to visit.

You can organise your saved locations into different lists so you can find what you are looking for more easily.

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2. Use Google Maps to check traffic

Before you leave, check the traffic situation along your route.

The map can display areas where traffic is slower and help you identify congested sections.

This is especially useful during rush hour, when a seemingly short route can take much longer than under normal conditions.

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3. Compare multiple route options

Do not always limit yourself to the first route displayed.

Google Maps can suggest alternative options based on traffic, distance, and estimated time.

Before leaving, check whether there is an alternative route that avoids a congested area or a problematic section.

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4. Download maps for offline use

If you are going to travel to an area where the internet connection may be poor, you can download an area in Google Maps beforehand.

Offline maps are especially useful:

• when travelling;
• in rural areas;
• in areas with a weak signal;
• abroad;
• when you want to reduce mobile data usage.

Download the map before departure, while you have a stable internet connection.

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5. Search directly for location categories

You do not have to enter the name of a business.

You can search directly for categories such as:

• petrol stations;
• pharmacies;
• restaurants;
• supermarkets;
• car services;
• hotels;
• car parks;
• ATMs;
• cafes.

Google Maps will display the available locations in the selected area.

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6. Use filters for more relevant results

When searching for a location category, use the available filters to narrow down the results.

Depending on the category and area, criteria such as rating, opening hours or other relevant features may be available.

This is more efficient than manually checking dozens of results.

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7. Share your location with a trusted person

Google Maps allows location sharing under certain conditions and for a set period.

The feature can be useful when:

• you are meeting someone;
• you are travelling alone;
• you want to show where you are;
• someone needs to know when you arrive.

Only use this feature with people you trust and check the duration for which the location is shared.

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8. Quickly send a location to someone else

If you want to send someone the address of a restaurant, shop, hotel or other point of interest, you can use the location sharing option directly.

Instead of manually copying the address, you can send the location from Google Maps to the messaging app you are using.

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9. Check a location's opening hours before you leave

Before going to a shop, restaurant or other location, check the opening hours displayed in Google Maps.

Bear in mind, however, that the information may be changed by the owner of the location and there may be exceptions for holidays or special days.

For an important trip, it is also useful to check the location's official information.

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10. Use Street View before reaching your destination

Street View can be very useful when you need to more easily identify a building entrance or the appearance of an area.

It is especially useful for:

• addresses you have not visited before;
• office buildings;
• houses located on busy streets;
• locations with hard-to-identify entrances.

Checking the images before departure can help you recognise the area more easily when you arrive.

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11. Save where you parked

If you park in a busy area or somewhere you do not know, you can save your car's position.

This feature is very useful in:

• shopping centres;
• tourist areas;
• cities you do not know;
• very large car parks.

This way, you do not have to memorise the exact spot where you left your car yourself.

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12. Plan multi-stop routes

If you have multiple locations to visit on the same trip, you can organise your route to include several stops.

This feature is useful for:

• deliveries;
• business trips;
• visits to multiple clients;
• trips;
• routes with multiple tourist attractions.

Before leaving, check the order of the stops and the total estimated time.

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13. Use voice search while navigating

When driving, it is safer to reduce manual interaction with your phone.

Depending on your device and setup, you can use voice commands for certain navigation actions.

It is recommended to set up your destination before leaving and avoid operations that distract you while driving.

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14. Quickly check the distance between two points

Google Maps can also be used to estimate the distance between two locations, even if you do not intend to navigate between them immediately.

This can be useful when:

• comparing two locations;
• planning a trip;
• estimating the distance between two points;
• organising a trip;
• checking the position of some objectives.

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15. Check the route before you start

One of the most useful habits is to check the route before leaving, not just after you have started.

Look at:

• total distance;
• estimated duration;
• traffic;
• any alternative options;
• necessary stops;
• areas where the connection can be problematic.

For longer journeys, planning your route before departure can reduce wasted time and the number of unplanned stops.

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Bonus: create a list of places you want to visit

If you are planning a holiday or trip, you can save interesting sights in a list.

For example, you can create a list for:

• restaurants;
• tourist attractions;
• hotels;
• beaches;
• shops;
• places to visit.

This way, you no longer have to search for each location from scratch when you arrive in the area.

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Google Maps quick checklist

• Save important locations.
• Check the traffic before departure.
• Compare alternative routes.
• Download offline maps for travel.
• Use filters for more relevant results.
• Share your location only with trusted people.
• Check the opening hours of locations.
• Use Street View for unknown addresses.
• Save where you parked.
• Plan your stops before departure.
• Use voice commands when possible and safe.
• Check the route before setting off.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Google Maps work without internet?

Yes, certain features can be used offline if you have previously downloaded the respective area for offline use. Available features may be limited compared to online use.

Can I save locations in Google Maps?

Yes. You can save locations and organise them into lists to find them more easily later.

Can I share my location?

Yes, Google Maps offers features for location sharing, depending on the account, device and settings used.

Can I use Google Maps for multiple stops?

Yes. For certain types of routes you can add multiple stops and organise their order.

Why is Street View useful?

Street View can help you recognise the area and appearance of a location more easily before arriving at the address.

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