This article explains how to use Google Maps as a navigator, obtaining directions to reach the set destination using an iPhone, an iPad, an Android device or the website.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Mobile Device
Step 1. Launch the Google Maps app
It features a map icon, a pin and the letter G.".
Step 2. Set a destination
Type the name and address of the place you want to reach in the search bar visible at the top of the screen. Alternatively, scroll the map, then select the name of the destination.
Step 3. Get directions to your destination
Tap the blue circular button (on iOS devices) or select the item Indications (on Android) located in the lower right corner of the screen.
If your itinerary includes visiting multiple places, press the "⋮" button located in the upper right corner of the screen and select the option Add stage.
Step 4. Select the means of transport you wish to use
Tap one of the white icons displayed at the top of the screen:
- By car: select the icon depicting a stylized car;
- Public transport: select the icon depicting a stylized train;
- On foot: select the icon depicting a stylized man;
- Travel: select the icon depicting a passenger with stylized baggage;
- By bicycle: select the icon depicting a stylized cyclist;
- In order to view all the options available to you, you may need to scroll the list to the right.
Step 5. Press the Start button located in the lower right corner of the screen to activate the navigator
To see the complete list of all driving directions, tap the icon ^ displayed in the lower right corner of the screen, then select the item ⋮ ≡ Directions.
Method 2 of 2: Use the Google Maps website
Step 1. Visit the official Google Maps website
Use the link in this step or type the corresponding URL in the address bar of your browser and press the Enter key.
Step 2. Click on the "Directions" icon
It is characterized by a white arrow placed inside a blue diamond. It is located on the right of the "Search on Google Maps" field visible in the upper left part of the page.
Step 3. Select the means of transport you want to use
Click on the corresponding blue icon visible at the top left of the page:
- By car: click on the icon depicting a stylized car;
- Public transport: click on the icon depicting a stylized train;
- On foot: click on the icon depicting a stylized man;
- Racing: click on the icon depicting a passenger with stylized baggage;
- By bicycle: click on the icon depicting a stylized cyclist;
- Flight: click on the icon depicting a stylized airplane;
Step 4. Click on the text field Choose start point or click on the map…
Step 5. At this point, type in the name or address of the place from which your itinerary will start
When it appears in the list of results displayed below the text field, click on it with the mouse to select it.
Alternatively, you can click directly on a point on the map to select it as the starting point
Step 6. Click on the Choose Destination text field or click on the map…
Step 7. Start typing the name or address of the place that represents your travel destination
When it appears in the list of results displayed below the text field, click on it with the mouse to select it.
Alternatively, you can click directly on a point on the map to select it as the arrival point
Step 8. Click on one of the routes that appeared below the text fields corresponding to the starting and ending points
All the directions you will need to follow will appear inside the left panel of the window.
- Click on the icon depicting a stylized smartphone located in the upper right part of the panel reserved for driving directions to send the data to your mobile device.
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Click on the share icon
Android7share to get a link to access the map and driving directions of your itinerary.
- Click on the icon depicting a printer to be able to print the directions in text format.
