Starting navigation on Google Maps is fast and intuitive once you know where to tap. This guide walks you through the essential steps so you can enter a destination, choose a route, and begin driving, walking, or cycling with confidence.
Use the quick reference below to understand the core inputs, outputs, and settings involved when you start navigation on Google Maps on your phone.
| Action | Where to Tap | What Happens | Navigation Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search for a place | Search bar at top | Type or speak a destination or point of interest | Suggested places and routes appear |
| Choose a destination | Select an address or pin | Preview with estimated time of arrival and distance | Route summary shown below search |
| Pick a route option | Choose a suggested route | Preview travel time and primary mode (driving, transit, walking) | Preferred route highlighted on the map |
| Start navigation | Tap the blue Start button | Turn-by-turn voice guidance and map view activate | Active navigation with live traffic updates begins |
| Customize route preferences | Route options (three dots) | Avoid highways, tolls, ferries, or choose faster vs shorter | Map updates with preferred route details |
Search and Select Your Destination
Begin by opening the Google Maps app and entering your destination in the search bar at the top. You can type an address, a business name, or a landmark, and Google Maps will show matching places in real time. Selecting the correct result ensures the route starts from where you actually are to where you intend to go.
After choosing a destination, review the card that appears with estimated time of arrival, distance, and primary travel mode. This preview helps you confirm travel expectations before committing to navigation. If the location is correct, proceed to the next step to choose a specific route.
Use the scrollable list below the search bar to compare multiple options, such as a specific store entrance versus the main address. This flexibility is especially helpful in dense urban areas or large venues like airports and malls.
Choose a Route and Departure Time
Google Maps usually shows several route options ranked by speed, popularity, or type of travel. Tap a route to see its path on the map, along with the expected duration and any active incidents. Choosing the right route now affects how smoothly your navigation will proceed once you start moving.
At the bottom of the route card, you can adjust your planned departure time to see how traffic conditions change throughout the day. This is useful if you are not leaving immediately or want to avoid congested periods. Selecting an accurate departure time makes the estimated duration more reliable.
For driving, cycling, or walking, compare routes based on distance, estimated time, number of turns, and road quality. Transit navigation will also show line changes, step-free access, and scheduled arrival times at each stop.
Start Navigation with the Start Button
When you are ready to begin, tap the large blue Start button at the bottom of the route card. This action switches the interface into active navigation mode, hiding nonessential controls and emphasizing upcoming maneuvers. The map will center on your movement and display the next few turns prominently.
As you drive, walk, or cycle, Google Maps provides turn-by-turn voice instructions along with arrows on the map. These cues tell you when to continue straight, turn, merge, or exit, so you can keep your focus where it belongs. The navigation bar at the bottom remains accessible for quick actions such as pausing or rerouting.
Real-time traffic and incident data continuously influence the route during navigation. If a faster alternative becomes available, Google Maps may suggest a reroute and ask if you want to follow it. You can always decide to stay on the current path if the new route does not suit your preferences.
Customize Preferences Before You Go
Before tapping Start, open the route options menu (three dots) to set preferences that align with your journey. You can choose to avoid highways, toll roads, ferries, or dirt roads, which is especially helpful for large vehicles or budget-conscious travel. These settings only apply to the current navigation session unless you change your defaults.
Transit and walking navigation also offer preference options, such as minimizing stairs, favoring well-lit paths, or avoiding busy intersections. Cyclists can opt for bike-friendly routes that prioritize bike lanes and lower traffic speeds. Adjusting these details in advance leads to a smoother trip.
Keep in mind that some preferences, like avoiding tolls, may increase travel time or distance. Google Maps clearly indicates the trade-off on the route card so you can make an informed choice. Reviewing these details before you start navigation reduces surprises mid-journey.
Review Key Steps for Starting Navigation on Google Maps
- Open Google Maps and enter your destination in the search bar.
- Select the correct place from suggestions and review the route card.
- Compare route options and choose the one that fits your travel mode and preferences.
- Adjust departure time and route preferences such as avoiding tolls or highways if needed.
- Tap the blue Start button to activate turn-by-turn voice guidance and live map navigation.
- Follow on-screen arrows and voice cues, and respond to reroute suggestions as conditions change.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I start navigation after searching for a location?
After searching for a place and selecting it, review the route card that appears, choose your preferred route, then tap the blue Start button to begin turn-by-turn navigation.
Can I choose whether to drive, transit, or walk when I start navigation?
Yes, Google Maps lets you switch between driving, transit, walking, and cycling before you tap Start so the route and instructions match your chosen mode.
What should I do if I want to avoid highways or tolls when navigation starts?
Tap the route options (three dots) before starting, select Preferences, choose Avoid highways, tolls, or ferries, then confirm and tap Start to begin navigation with those rules applied.
How can I change my departure time to see different traffic conditions before I start?
On the route card, tap the departure time, choose a specific time to leave, and Google Maps will update the duration and route based on expected traffic before you start navigation.