How to Create a Custom Route on Google Maps (2024)

With the Google My Maps tool, you can build custom routes for any upcoming trip. This lets you plan the route exactly how you want, and you can even share your custom routes with others.

How Do I Create a Custom Route in Google Maps?

Creating a custom route in Google Maps is a two-step process. First, you'll need to create a new map in My Maps and add a custom route. Below, you'll find instructions for both tasks:

1. Navigate to Google Maps and make sure you’re signed in to your Google Account.
   

2. Click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top-left corner.
   

   

3. Select Your places from the drop-down menu.
   

   

4. Select Maps in the top row and then click Create Map. Your custom map will open in a new window.
   

   

5. Click Untitled Map in the top-left to enter a name and description for your map.
   

   

6. Click Save to confirm.
   

   

Customize Your Route on Google Maps

Now that you have your map, it’s time to plan a route.

1. To begin, select Add directions under the search bar. This will create a new directions layer in the menu located on the left side of the screen.
   

   

   See Also

   How to Plan the Shortest Route for Multiple Destinations in Google MapsWaze Route Planner: Get The Fastest Multi-Stop Routes in 2024Directions API Usage and Billing  |  Google for Developers10 Multi-Stop Route Planner Apps For Your Business in 2024

   You can add up to 10 layers on a custom map. Having additional layers is useful if you want to create multiple custom routes for a single trip.

2. Select your transportation mode by clicking the Driving icon under the new map layer.
   

   

   Google’s custom routes do not support transit. You can only select driving, cycling, or walking.

3. Enter your departure point in the A text box.
   

   

4. Enter your destination point in the B text box.
   

   

   You can add multiple stops along your route in Google Maps, up to a maximum of 10.

5. Google will automatically plot a route. Then, to customize it, click and drag the destination line to the desired point.
   

   

6. Your custom route will be saved to your Google Drive automatically.
   

How to Access Custom Routes on Mobile

Once you’ve finished a custom route, you’ll be able to access it on the go with your mobile device. While you won't be able to edit your maps, you can still view custom routes on any Android or iOS device using Google Maps.

1. Open the Google Maps app.
   

2. Tap the Saved icon from the menu at the bottom of the screen.
   

3. Tap Maps.
   

   See Also

   Get directions & show routes - Android

4. Open the map you’d like to view. You should see your custom route displayed.
   

   

Can You Draw a Route on Google Maps?

In addition to directions, you can add markers, lines, and shapes to your custom route in My Maps.

Add a Marker

If you want to plan stops along your route, you can use a custom marker to indicate those points.

1. Click Add layer.
   

   

2. Click the Add marker icon under the search bar.
   

   

3. Click the location you’d like to pin. Enter a name for the pin and click Save.
   

   

4. The location will now be pinned to your map. From here, you’ll be able to:

   • Change the font color.
   • Change the pin icon.
   • Edit location name.
   • Add a photo or video to make the location more visible on your map.
   • Add directions to the location.
     

   

Add a Line or Shape (Desktop)

You can use lines and shapes to fine-tune the route you're creating on Google Maps. Here's how to add them.

1. Click Draw a line under the search bar.
   

   

2. Select Add line or shape.
   

   

   You can also choose to draw a driving, cycling, or walking route with this tool. This is useful if you want to fine-tune your route, but the Add directions tool is more intuitive for plotting an A to B route.

3. Click the location on your map where you’d like your line or shape to start.
   

   

4. Drag the cursor to another point and click to pin a line. Once you’re finished, double-click to confirm line or shape placement.
   

   

5. Your line or shape will now appear in your map legend on the left-side of the screen. From here, you can edit the color and width, change the name, add a photo or video, or delete.