How to Add a Stop in Google Maps (Phone and Computer)

A trip with one stop is simple. A school run, three client visits and the petrol station on the way is where Google Maps starts to show its worth, because you can build the whole route in one go. Here's how to add stops on a computer and on a phone, how to put them in a sensible order, and the limits to know before you plan a long day.

Add a stop on a computer

1. Open Google Maps and click Directions.
2. Enter your starting point and your destination.
3. To change your starting point, click Your location at the top and type a different one.
4. Below the destinations you've entered, click Add destination.
5. Choose the extra stop by typing it or clicking the map.
6. Click a route to get directions.

Add a stop on Android, iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Google Maps app and search for your destination.
2. Tap Directions at the bottom left.
3. At the top right, tap More, then Edit stops.
4. Add the stops you need, then tap Done.

Edit stops also lets you reorder them on the phone. Press and hold the reorder icon beside a stop and drag it to a new position.

The limits

Question	Answer
How many stops can I add?	Up to 9, and that count includes your final destination
Which travel modes support multiple stops?	All except public transit and flight
Can I reorder stops?	Yes, by dragging the destination
Can I search for places along the route?	Yes

Public transit is the one that surprises people. If you've switched to the train or bus icon and the Add destination option disappears, that's why. Switch back to driving, walking or cycling and it returns.

Put the stops in a sensible order

The route follows the list of stops you give it, so check the order is the one you want. Drag a stop to a new position and the route updates. A quick way to choose the order is to look at the map and move in a loop, not zig-zag. If your destination is a fixed appointment time, put the flexible errands before it.

Add a stop to a journey you've already started

Google's directions guide says you can search for places along your route, which is handy when you realise you need fuel or a coffee on the way. Do any searching when you're stopped, or let a passenger handle it. Google also reminds you to stay aware of your surroundings and to follow traffic regulations and signs over the app's directions.

Choose a route that suits the vehicle

Driving routes are built for cars and may take car-only roads. Google says that if you ride a motorized bicycle or a motorcycle under 125cc, turn on Avoid tolls and Avoid highways. Check the options before you set off on a multi-stop day.

Why your starting point matters

To start navigation, your starting point must be your location. If you've typed a different start, you'll get a preview of the route and not turn-by-turn directions. That's helpful for planning at home the night before. Then, on the day, switch the start back to your location and tap Start.

Planning stops for customers or deliveries

• Group visits by area first, then order them within each area.
• Treat any stop with a fixed time as the anchor, and plan the others around it.
• Check opening hours before you rely on a stop being available.
• Save the route details for the day somewhere you can see them in a hurry.

If you're a local business that people will add as a stop, your listing needs to be on the map first. My notes on why local SEO still works for small businesses explain why, and the Google Maps ranking factors cheat sheet covers how to show up when people search along a route.

An example day with four stops

Say you've got a morning of errands: collect a parcel, drop off a signed form, meet a supplier and finish at the office. Enter the office as your final destination, add the three earlier places as stops, then drag them into the order that follows the map. Check the estimated travel time shown for each route before you commit. If the supplier meeting has a fixed time, build the other stops around it and leave a gap. The route will tell you the driving time, but it can't tell you how long the supplier will chat.

If the route looks odd

• It goes back on itself: reorder the stops so they follow a loop.
• It's using roads you'd avoid: open the route options and switch on Avoid tolls or Avoid highways.
• A stop won't add: you may have reached the limit of 9 including the destination, or switched to public transit.
• You get a preview and no turn-by-turn: your starting point isn't your location.

My verdict

Click Add destination, or tap More and Edit stops. Remember the limit of 9 including the final stop, put them in order yourself and use driving, walking or cycling, because transit doesn't do multiple stops. Check your start is your location before you set off.

Frequently asked questions

How do I add a stop in Google Maps?

On a computer, click Directions, enter your start and destination, then click Add destination. On a phone, tap Directions, then More, then Edit stops.

How many stops can I add in Google Maps?

Up to 9, and that includes your final destination.

Can I add stops on public transit routes?

No. Multiple destinations work for all modes except public transit and flight.

Can I change the order of my stops?

Yes. Drag a destination to a new place in the list and the route updates.

Why do I only get a preview and not navigation?

To start navigation your starting point must be your location. Otherwise Google Maps shows a route preview.