Avoiding highways on Google Maps is a handy trick to know, especially if you’re looking to take the scenic route or dodge those pesky tolls. In under 100 words, I’ll explain how it’s done. Open Google Maps, set your destination, tap ‘Directions’, then ‘Route Options’, and finally, select ‘Avoid Highways’. Voilà! You’re all set for a highway-free journey.
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why you might want to avoid highways. Maybe you’re not a fan of the fast-paced highway traffic, or perhaps you’re just in the mood for a leisurely drive through the countryside. Whatever your reason, Google Maps makes it simple to adjust your route.
Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone or tablet.
Google Maps is available for free on both Android and iOS devices. If you don’t have it installed, you can download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Type in your desired destination in the search bar and click on it.
Make sure you’ve got the right address to avoid any unnecessary detours!
Once your destination is set, tap on the ‘Directions’ button to start planning your route.
This button usually looks like a blue arrow and is hard to miss.
In the route options, you’ll find different ways to customize your trip.
The ‘Route Options’ menu is where you can really tailor your journey to your preferences.
Check the ‘Avoid Highways’ option and let Google Maps do the rest.
Once you select this option, Google Maps will automatically update your route to exclude highways.
After completing these steps, Google Maps will recalculate your route, keeping you clear of any highways. You’ll see your new path, free from the hustle and bustle of the fast lanes, and ready for a more relaxed drive.
Yes, you can avoid highways even while you’re in navigation mode.
Just tap on the three dots in the bottom-right corner, select ‘Route Options’, and check ‘Avoid Highways’.
Not necessarily. To avoid toll roads, you need to select the ‘Avoid Tolls’ option separately in the ‘Route Options’ menu.
No, currently there is no option to set ‘Avoid Highways’ as a default preference. You’ll have to select it manually for each trip.
While the feature is available in most countries, its effectiveness depends on the quality of Google’s mapping data in a particular region.
No, Google Maps does not currently offer the option to avoid specific highways. The ‘Avoid Highways’ feature applies to all highways in your route.
There you have it, a smooth and simple guide on how to avoid highways on Google Maps. Whether you’re trying to save on toll fees, eager to enjoy a peaceful drive, or maybe just looking to explore the road less traveled, this feature is a godsend. And while it’s true that taking the path less trodden might add a bit more time to your journey, isn’t that sometimes the whole point? Life, as they say, is about the journey, not the destination. So next time you’re setting out on a trip, why not take the scenic route? You never know what hidden gems you might discover along the way. And remember, the road less traveled might just make all the difference. Happy travels!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.