4 min learnNew DelhiApr 29, 2026 12:58 PM IST
Google Maps is extensively used for getting from one place to a different, however over time, it has advanced right into a extra succesful journey and planning instrument. Past fundamental navigation, it now provides a variety of options that may assist customers plan journeys, keep away from crowded locations, and handle your journey extra effectively whilst you’re on the go.
Nevertheless, even with all these additions, many individuals nonetheless are likely to rely solely on instructions. Because of this, they typically miss out on a number of sensible instruments throughout the app that may really cut back uncertainty throughout journey and make the entire expertise way more handy.
Right here’s a take a look at some options that may assist customers get extra out of the app:
Test how busy a spot is earlier than visiting
Google Maps can present how busy a location is at completely different instances of the day. This makes it simpler for customers to keep away from peak rush durations and plan visits extra comfortably.
Obtain offline Google Maps for journey
Maps could be saved upfront for particular areas, permitting navigation even with out cell information or Wi-Fi entry throughout journey. That is notably helpful in areas with weak connectivity or whereas roaming.
Use Avenue View to preview places
Avenue View permits customers to visually discover streets, landmarks and environment earlier than arriving, making it simpler to recognise routes and entry factors. It additionally reduces confusion in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
Gemini-powered conversational driving
Google Maps now permits extra pure, conversational route planning utilizing Gemini. As a substitute of manually looking out, customers can ask issues like “Discover a quiet cafe on the way in which with parking”, and the app suggests related stops alongside the route. It makes use of evaluations and context to supply extra intent-based suggestions, making in-journey planning faster and extra versatile.
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Share stay location for real-time monitoring
Google Maps permits customers to share their stay location for a set interval, serving to with coordination and security throughout journeys. This may be particularly useful when assembly others or travelling late.
Provides stops alongside a route whereas travelling
The app permits customers to change a route by including stops, making it simpler to plan gasoline breaks, meals stops or detours with out beginning navigation once more. This provides flexibility to journeys, particularly throughout lengthy drives.
Save parking location
The app permits customers to mark the place they parked their car, which is beneficial in giant parking areas or unfamiliar areas. It additionally reduces the time spent looking for the car later.
Two-wheeler particular navigation and customized icons
Two-wheeler riders can select customised ‘Navatars’ (navigation icons) primarily based on their bike kind or color. The app additionally provides specialised routes by way of narrower roads that aren’t accessible to vehicles. It’s designed to match how bikes really transfer by way of visitors
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Detailed flyover steering
Google Maps additionally supplies clear steering on when to take a flyover and when to remain on the service street. This function is on the market in a number of Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Punjabi and extra, making it simpler for customers to observe instructions. It reduces confusion at advanced junctions and highways.
Save locations into customized lists
Customers can create and organise lists like trip-based folders. This helps maintain journey plans structured as a substitute of counting on scattered searches. These lists can be accessed shortly throughout journey with out repeated lookups.
(This text has been curated by Shivani P Menon, who’s an intern with The Indian Specific)
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