---
title: "How to Use Google Maps Route Planner for Multiple Stops?"
url: "https://demo.upperinc.com/blog/how-to-use-google-maps-route-planner/"
date: "2022-05-10T13:27:00+00:00"
modified: "2025-09-02T00:00:00+00:00"
author: "Jeel Patel"
categories: ["Blogs", "Google Maps"]
word_count: 1923
reading_time: "10 min read"
summary: "Are you a frequent traveller knowing less about how to plan routes using Google Maps? Here is how to create a route map on Google navigation app in the easiest way. Plus, find out if the Google-pow..."
description: "Having a query about how to use google maps for route planner? Worry not, just follow this step by step guide to planning your route using google map."
keywords: "google maps route planner, Blogs, Google Maps"
language: "en"
schema_type: "Article"
related_posts:
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    url: "https://demo.upperinc.com/blog/ups-route-planning-software/"
  - title: "Understanding FOB Destination: Meaning, Responsibilities, Costs, and Benefits"
    url: "https://demo.upperinc.com/blog/fob-destination/"
  - title: "What is a Route Optimization Engine? 5 Benefits of a Routing Engine for Business"
    url: "https://demo.upperinc.com/blog/route-optimization-engine/"
---

# How to Use Google Maps Route Planner for Multiple Stops?

_Published: May 10, 2022_  
_Author: Jeel Patel_  

![how-to-use-google-maps-route-planner-for-multiple-stops](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/how-to-use-google-maps-route-planner-for-multiple-stops-1024x512.webp)

> Are you a frequent traveller knowing less about how to plan routes using Google Maps? Here is how to create a route map on Google navigation app in the easiest way. Plus, find out if the Google-powered mapping platform is reliable for long term or not.

<div id="bsf_rt_marker"></div><div class="blog-cta-main"> **<span style="font-size: 24px;">![key](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.1.0/svg/1f4dd.svg)</span>Key Takeaways:**- You can add up to 10 stops and plan routes on Google Maps, but they must be manually rearranged to improve efficiency.
- Google Maps does not offer route optimization or multi-route planning, making it less ideal for complex logistics or delivery operations.
- Google My Maps allows mapping up to 10,000 locations per map and customizing routes visually, but it doesn’t support real-time navigation.
- Google Maps is ideal for personal travel, road trips, and small businesses with simple routing needs.
- For advanced features like multiple stops, route optimization, live tracking, and proof of delivery, consider using Upper.

</div>**What Google Maps can (and can’t) do**

Explore different destinations ✅

Find nearby spots ✅

Reach from one place to another ✅

Accurate ETAs and avoid unwanted delays ✅

Planning a route with multiple stops — Ehh… ❌ [ERROR BUZZER SOUND]

Google Maps has always been a go-to navigation tool for millions worldwide. But when it comes to multi-stop route planning and optimization, it hits a roadblock. That’s where [route planning and optimization software](https://demo.upperinc.com/) becomes essential. This can be challenging for business owners who rely on Google Maps for managing deliveries.

But here’s the good news: we have created this step-by-step guide, which walks you through:

- Adding multiple stops in the Google Maps route planner
- How do you use Google Maps to plan a route?
- And discover a better, one-stop solution for smarter routing

Ready to shift gears and plan smarter?

Before we accelerate, if you want to create a daily travel route or a custom one with better details, [check out our blog](https://demo.upperinc.com/blog/draw-route-on-google-maps/).

<div class="gradiant-cta"><div class="row align-items-center"><div class="col-sm-12 text-center">Google Maps Helps You Plan, Upper Helps You Optimize!

<span class="sub-heading">Optimize your delivery routes and achieve peak efficiency with Upper's advanced route planning for drivers.</span>

 </div><div class="d-md-flex justify-content-center mx-auto"><div class="" style="margin: 0px 15px;"> [Try Upper <span>![Right Arrow](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/rightarrow.png)</span>](https://demo.upperinc.com/upper-solo-download/) </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="blog_index_cover">Table of Contents

- [Add Multiple Stops Using Google Maps Route Planner](#add-multiple-stops-using-google-maps-route-planner)
- [Step-by-Step Guide to Use Google Maps Route Planner – Mobile](#step-by-step-guide-to-use-google-maps-route-planner-mobile)
- [Plan Your Journey with Google Maps Route Planner on Desktop](#plan-your-journey-with-google-maps-route-planner-on-desktop)
- [When to Use Google Maps?](#when-to-use-google-maps)
- [Advantages and Disadvantages of Google Maps](#advantages-and-disadvantages-of-google-maps)
- [Discover a Better Way to Find the Best Route](#discover-a-better-way-to-find-the-best-route)
- [FAQs](#faqs)

</div>## Add Multiple Stops Using Google Maps Route Planner

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, here’s a quick tl;dr: Google My Maps lets you plan multi-stop routes using layers and color-coded pins.

It also allows you to rearrange stops, visualize the path, save the maps, and later access them on the mobile app.

Now let’s walk through each step:

**1.** Go to[ mymaps.google.com](https://mymaps.google.com).

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">![1. Go to mymaps.google.com.](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/step-1-1024x466.webp)</figure>**2.** Click **_“Create a New Map”_** and name it.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">![2. Click “Create a New Map” and name it.](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/step-2-1024x466.webp)</figure>For instance, **“Summer Road Trip” or “Saturday Errands.”** You can also add a description to recall why this map was created.

**3.** Search the location you want to visit from the search bar and click **_“+ Add to map”_** to put multiple addresses in google maps.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">![3. Search the location you want to visit from the search bar and click “+ Add to map” to put multiple addresses in google maps. ](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/step-3-1024x569.webp)</figure>Repeat this for all your stops until you are done.

**4.** Click on the **_“Layers”_** option from the panel on the left to group the stops.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">![4. Click on the “Layers” option from the panel on the left to group the stops.](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/step-4-1024x569.webp)</figure>For example, one layer might be for **_“Food Stops”_** and another for **_“Sightseeing.”_**

**5.** Use the **_“Draw a Line ”_** icon below the search bar → **_“Add Driving Route”_** (or walking or cycling).

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">![5. Use the “Draw a Line ” icon below the search bar → “Add Driving Route” (or walking or cycling).](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/step-5-1024x569.webp)</figure>**6.** Click on your starting point, the next destination, and so on by tapping on **_“Add Destination.”_**

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">![6. Click on your starting point, the next destination, and so on by tapping on “Add Destination.”](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/step-6-1024x569.webp)</figure>**7.** Drag and drop in the side panel to update the route order.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">![7. Drag and drop in the side panel to update the route order.](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/step-7-1024x569.webp)</figure>**8.** Use the **_“Paint bucket”_** icon to color-code stops by hovering on the stop you want to edit.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">![8. Use the “Paint bucket” icon to color-code stops by hovering on the stop you want to edit. ](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/step-8-1024x569.webp)</figure>For instance, red for restaurants and blue for attractions.

**9.** Click the three dots &gt; **_“Step-by-step directions”_** to see the breakdown of your route and time/distance.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">![9. Click the three dots > “Step-by-step directions” to see the breakdown of your route and time/distance.](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/step-9-1024x569.webp)</figure>**10.** Use the **_“Share”_** button to send your custom map to others.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">![10. Use the “Share” button to send your custom map to others.](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/step-10-1024x569.webp)</figure>**_Note:_**

You can also access your custom map on Mobile by:

- Open the Google Maps app
- Click the **_“You”_** tab
- Scroll for the **_“Maps”_** option to find your saved route.

<div class="gradiant-cta"><div class="row align-items-center"><div class="col-sm-12 text-center">Looking for Advanced Customization?

<span class="sub-heading">Upper offers options like avoiding tolls, highways, specific areas, setting time windows, prioritizing stops, and more.</span>

 </div><div class="d-md-flex justify-content-center mx-auto"><div class="" style="margin: 0px 15px;"> [Try App <span>![Right Arrow](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/rightarrow.png)</span>](https://demo.upperinc.com/upper-solo-download/) </div> </div> </div> </div>This was all about how do you add multiple stops on Google Maps. Next, we will focus on using the Google Maps route planner.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Use Google Maps Route Planner – Mobile

While we recommend working through this “how-to” breakdown, here’s a quick tl;dr: The “Options” feature lets you avoid tolls, ferries, or highways, while traffic updates adjust routes in real time.

You can set a starting point, preview routes, and enjoy voice-guided navigation with lane guidance and road alerts.

Now, let’s jump into how you can put all of this into action:

**1.** Download and launch the Google Maps app on your smartphone (Play Store and App Store).

**2.** Tap the **_“Directions”_** icon and enter your starting point and final destination.

**3.** Select your mode of travel—car, walking, cycling, or transit.

**4.** Tap the **_“Add Stop”_** button to include additional destinations along your route.

**5.** Tap the **three-dot menu (⋮)** next to each stop and choose **“Edit Stops”** to rearrange locations.

**6.** Tap **_“Options”_** to avoid toll roads, highways, or ferries depending on preferences.

**7.** Check all destinations, travel time, and live traffic updates. Then hit **“Start”** to begin your voice-guided navigation.

> _Mobile-friendly? Yes. Route-optimized? Not quite. [Use Upper’s app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/upper-route-planner-optimizer/id1481934166?platform=iphone) for fast, smart, multi-stop planning._

## Plan Your Journey with Google Maps Route Planner on Desktop

Here’s a quick TL;DR if you’re short on time: Routes can be sent to your phone for on-the-go navigation, Google Maps suggests addresses as you type, and it offers alternate routes with estimated time and distance.

Got the highlights? Great, now let’s get into the details.

**1.** Go to **“_maps.google.com”_** using any browser on your desktop or laptop.

**2.** Click the blue **_“Directions”_** icon near the search bar and enter your starting point and destination.

**3.** Click **_“+ Add Destination”_** to include more stops in your route.

**4.** Drag and drop stops using the six-dot icon next to each address to adjust the route order.

**5.** Click **_“Options”_** right below your stops to avoid toll roads, highways, or ferries based on your preferences.

**6.** Compare the available routes by distance and time, and select the most suitable one.

**7.** Click **_“Send directions to your phone”_** at the bottom of the directions panel to access the route on your mobile device.

<div class="gradiant-cta"><div class="row align-items-center"><div class="col-sm-12 text-center">Liked planning on Google Maps? You’ll love optimizing with Upper.

<span class="sub-heading"></span>

 </div><div class="d-md-flex justify-content-center mx-auto"><div class="" style="margin: 0px 15px;"> [Try Upper <span>![Right Arrow](https://demo.upperinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/rightarrow.png)</span>](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/free-google-maps-route-op/jdegbpgmagmcaoogamgechdmljmndglf) </div> </div> </div> </div>## When to Use Google Maps?

We all know that Google Maps Route Planner is a fantastic web-and-mobile-based mapping service.

However, is it the one for you? Let’s find out!

- **Basic directions:** It’s great for providing practical and real-time directions from one place to another.
- **Distance and time calculation:** It measures the exact distance and defines the estimated time of arrival.
- **Personal travel:** Perfect for searching the best route for everyday travel within your city.
- **Road trips:** Excellent for planning a road trip with a few stops along the way, like hotels, restaurants, and gas stations.
- **Small businesses:** Perfect for businesses with simple logistics. It boosts visibility and drives foot traffic by focusing on local search.

## Advantages and Disadvantages of Google Maps

A coin has two sides, showcasing upsides and downsides, and so does Google Maps. Let’s break them down:

### Pros:

- Google Maps is free route-planning software. And who doesn’t love free stuff?
- Choose your ride — car, bus, bike, or walk — it’s got you covered.
- Helps you dodge those long jams and find the shortest route to your exact location, thanks to the real-time traffic updates.
- Keep your eyes on the road and use voice directions on your mobile device for hands-free navigation.
- From finding the Pinteresty coffee shops to suggesting seamless routes to your favorite restaurants and searching for nearby gas stations, Google Maps does it all in seconds.
- Offers a 360° panoramic view of the destinations as if you are already standing there.
- No internet connection? No problem! You can download maps and use them offline without a hitch.

### Cons:

- Only 10 stops at max! That’s tough for individual drivers or businesses that have to handle multiple deliveries.
- It doesn’t always find the shortest route, leading to longer travel times.
- Google Maps can sometimes navigate you to the wrong spots, especially those with incorrect addresses or that don’t have any.
- Google Maps can drain your mobile’s battery pretty quickly. This is because of constant data usage, screen brightness, and background functionalities.
- Street view, continuous location tracking, and data collection can raise privacy concerns.

## Discover a Better Way to Find the Best Route

**_Imagine this:_** You’ve got a packed day ahead with 40+ stops to make. Google Maps caps out at 10 stops, leaving you to figure out the rest manually.

Felt stuck, right?

That’s where Upper route planning software comes into play.

With Upper, you can optimize multiple addresses in minutes. It handles hundreds of drops efficiently, saving you time and fuel.

Enjoy real-time updates of your driver’s location, authentic proof of delivery, and seamless route modifications on the go.

Don’t believe us? [Take a free trial](https://demo.upperinc.com/upper-solo-download/) and experience the Upper difference.

<div class="faqs-accordion">## Frequently Asked Questions About Google Maps

<div class="accordion" id="accordion-googlemaps"> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmOne">Yes, Google Maps can plan a route with multiple stops. Enter your starting point and final destination, then add any additional stops beforehand. However, Google Route Planner allows only up to **10 stops**.

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmTwo">Yes, you can select the **“Walking”** directions option in Google Maps and customize it to plan a running path.

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmThree">Yes, alternatives include:

- **Komoot, PlotaRoute, AllTrails** – for outdoor activities

Other substitutes by category:

- Privacy: OpenStreetMaps, Apple Maps, Here WeGo
- Multi-stop route planning: Upper, Routific, Route4Me
- Offline usage: Sygic, Maps.me, OsmAnd
- Live traffic: Waze, ViaMichelin, Bing Maps
- Public transit: WeGo, Apple Maps, CityMapper

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmFour">No, Google Maps doesn’t allow planning multiple routes at once. You can only add multiple stops on a single route.

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmFive">No, Google Maps does not optimize routes. It only provides the shortest path from A to B in the order you added the stops.

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmSix">Use **Google Maps Help** Center. It provides articles, policy details, and access to community forums.

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmSeven">Steps to plan quickest route:

1. Open Google Maps and enter start + end point
2. Click “+ Add Destination” for stops
3. Rearrange stop order
4. Compare ETAs to find the fastest option

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmEight">Steps:

1. Open Google Maps app
2. Search for your location
3. Tap “Directions”
4. Choose commute mode
5. View live traffic conditions

**Colors:** Green = no traffic, Orange = medium, Red = heavy traffic.

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmNine">Depends on your needs:

- Google Maps → Everyday navigation
- MapQuest → Basic multi-stop planning
- Waze → Real-time traffic updates

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmTen">Yes, Google Trips app was discontinued in 2019. Its features were integrated into Google Maps and Google Travel.

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmEleven">Google Maps is generally more accurate with live data. MapQuest is simpler but less updated, good for basic planning.

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmTwelve">**Rivian** acquired ABRP in June 2023 to integrate EV trip planning into its vehicles and app.

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmThirteen">Experts recommend **300–500 miles (5–7 hours)** daily, with rest stops every 2–3 hours.

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmFourteen">Basic MapQuest is free (with ads). Premium developer/business plans offer ad-free and higher usage limits.

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmFifteen">Steps:

1. Enter start &amp; destination
2. Select “Leave Now” → change to “Depart At” or “Arrive By”
3. Pick date &amp; time

Google Maps will estimate travel time based on typical traffic.

 </div> </div> <div class="card mb-0"><div class="card-body collapse" data-parent="#accordion-googlemaps" id="gmSixteen">Steps:

- Use Google Docs or Sheets to list itinerary, stops, hotels, costs
- Add Google Maps links
- Share doc for collaborative planning

 </div> </div> </div></div>


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_View the original post at: [https://demo.upperinc.com/blog/how-to-use-google-maps-route-planner/](https://demo.upperinc.com/blog/how-to-use-google-maps-route-planner/)_  
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