How to Avoid Highways on Google Maps (2024)

> Connected Car Tech

Take the scenic route and avoid high traffic roadways

Sandy Writtenhouse

Writer

Kaplan University

Sandy has been writing about technology since 2012. Her work has appeared on How-To Geek, MakeUseOf, iDownloadBlog, groovyPost, and many other websites.

lifewire's editorial guidelines

Updated on April 3, 2022

Reviewed by

Jon Fisher

Reviewed byJon Fisher

Wichita Technical Institute

Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.

lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

Website: Directions> enter your destination. Select Options > under Avoid, checkHighways.
App: TapDirections> input destination >three-dotmenu > Route options. Toggle on Avoid Highways.
Always avoid highways: Tap profile icon > Settings > Navigation>Route options. Toggle onAvoid highways.

This article explains how to avoid highways when getting directions using Google Maps. You can enable this feature on the Google Maps website and the Android and iPhone mobile apps.

Avoid Highways Using the Google Maps Website

When you’re planning your route on the Google Maps website, it takes a simple checkmark to avoid major highways. By doing so, your route may incur a longer travel time; however, if you’re just as excited about the journey as reaching the destination, it’s a great way to go.

Visit Google Maps on the web and select theDirectionsicon on the top left next to the Search box.
Enter your starting and ending locations.
SelectOptionsright below the destination section.
Under Avoid, check the box forHighways. Optionally, you can check the boxes to avoid Tolls and Ferries as well.

You’ll see your route update on the map and in the directions area on the left.

Avoid Highways on Your Route on Android

If you’re using the Google Maps app on your Android device, you can easily avoid highways for the current route you’re planning.

Open Google Maps and tap the blueDirectionsicon.
See Also
Can I Road Trip Without Any Interstates? - Mom Van Up
Enter a starting and ending location.
Tap thethree dotsin the upper-right and selectRoute options.
Tap the box next toAvoid highways, then tap Done. Optionally, you can avoid tolls and ferries as well.
Tap the back arrow to return to the route with updated directions.

Always Avoid Highways on Android

Here's how to always avoid highways for every trip you plan in the Google Maps mobile app:

In Google Maps, tap your profile icon in the upper-right.
Tap Settings.
Scroll down and tapNavigation settings.
Go to Route Options and turn on the toggle forAvoid highways.

Tap the arrow in the upper-left to exit Settings and return to the main Google Maps screen. With this setting enabled, you’ll avoid high traffic roadways for all directions you obtain.
Whether you want an alternate route that’s more scenic or wish to stay away from traffic-filled roads, it’s easy to avoid highways when getting directions in Google Maps.

Avoid Highways on Your Route on the iOS App

Avoiding highways with the Google Maps on iOS is very similar:

Open Google Maps on your mobile device, then go to the lower-right and tap the blueDirectionsicon.
Enter your starting and ending locations.
Tap thethree dotsand selectRoute options.
Turn on the toggle forAvoid highways. Optionally, you can avoid tolls and ferries as well. And to retain the setting(s) for future directions you obtain, also enable the toggle forRemember settings.

Tap the back arrow to return to the route. You’ll see updated directions that take you away from highways.

Always Avoid Highways on the iOS App

If you prefer to stay away from highways for every trip you plan in the Google Maps mobile app on iOS, you can change a simple setting.

Open Google Maps and tap your profile icon on the top right. SelectSettings.
Under Getting Around, tapNavigation.
Go to Route Options and turn on the toggle forAvoid highways.

FAQ

How do I avoid tolls on Google Maps?

To avoid tolls on Google Maps, log in to Google Maps in a browser, plug in a starting point and destination, and select Options. Under Avoid, place a check next to Tolls.
How do I avoid tolls on Google Maps on an iPhone?

Enter a starting point and destination, tap Options > Avoid tolls. To avoid tolls for every trip, tap your profile picture > Settings > Navigation > toggle on Avoid tolls.
How do I avoid tolls on Google Maps on an Android phone?

To avoid tolls using the Google Maps mobile app on an Android device, enter a starting point and destination, tap Options, then tap Avoid tolls. To avoid tolls for every trip, tap your profile picture > Settings > Navigation > toggle on Avoid tolls.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for letting us know!

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

Tell us why!