In this guide, we’ll dive into the essential and the best Google Maps tips to help you unlock its full potential. From offline access to custom route planning, these tricks will save you time, data, and stress.

1. Download Offline Maps

No Wi-Fi? No problem. One of the best Google Maps tips for travelers is downloading maps for offline use. Just search for a location, tap the name at the bottom, then hit “Download.” This ensures you stay on track—even without internet.

Best for: Remote areas, international travel, or weak mobile signal zones.

2. Avoid Traffic with Real-Time Updates

Enable real-time traffic updates to get alerts about congestion, construction, or accidents. Google Maps will automatically reroute you if there’s a faster way.

Tip: Turn on notifications so you’re alerted about delays before leaving.

3. Set Departure or Arrival Times

Need to be somewhere by a specific time? You can plan your trip in advance by setting a departure or arrival time. Google Maps will show expected traffic conditions and estimated travel duration.

How to use it: Tap “Directions” > “⋮” (three dots) > “Set depart or arrive time.”

4. Use Google Maps Timeline

Want to see where you’ve been? The Timeline feature lets you revisit past trips, see locations you visited, and even review your walking or driving patterns.

Find it: Menu > Your Timeline

Privacy Tip: You can pause location history anytime.

5. Save Favorite Places

Pin your favorite restaurants, hotels, or attractions for quick access. Just tap “Save” when viewing a location and add it to a list like “Favorites,” “Want to go,” or a custom one.

Perfect for: Travel planning or keeping track of bucket list spots.

6. Share Your Location

Share your real-time location with friends or family so they know when to expect you—or for safety during solo travel.

How to do it: Tap your profile photo > Location sharing > “Share location.”

7. Add Multiple Stops to a Trip

Planning a day full of sightseeing or errands? Add multiple stops to your route. Just tap the three dots next to your destination and select “Add stop.”

Bonus: You can drag and rearrange the order of your stops too.

8. Use Indoor Maps for Large Venues

Navigating airports, malls, or stadiums? Google Maps offers indoor maps to help you find restrooms, gates, shops, and more.

Look for: The floor selector on the side of the map when zoomed in.

9. Check Business Hours and Crowd Levels

Before visiting a place, check its peak times and live crowd info. This is super helpful for avoiding long lines or choosing the best time to visit.

Tip: Also view photos and reviews to get a feel for the atmosphere.

10. Use Voice Commands for Hands-Free Navigation

Driving? Use Google Assistant to control navigation hands-free. Say, “Hey Google, navigate to the nearest gas station,” and stay focused on the road.

Also try: “What’s my ETA?” or “Avoid tolls.”

11. Create and Share Custom Maps

For group trips or event planning, try Google My Maps to build custom maps with pins, notes, and routes. Then, share it with others.

Great for: Weddings, road trips, or curated city guides.

12. Use Live View for AR Walking Directions

If you ever feel disoriented while walking, Live View overlays directions onto the real world using your camera. Just lift your phone and follow the arrows.

Best for: Pedestrian navigation in unfamiliar cities.

Final Thoughts about Essential Google Maps Tips

Google Maps is more than just a digital map—it’s your personal travel companion. These Google Maps tips can help you save time, avoid hassles, and travel smarter, whether you’re walking across town or road-tripping across continents. Try a few of these features the next time you use the app, and you’ll quickly wonder how you ever traveled without them.