How To Avoid Highways On Google Maps

Why Avoid Highways on Google Maps?

Going on a road trip or simply trying to avoid traffic congestion on your daily commute? Google Maps can be a powerful tool to help you navigate to your destination efficiently. However, sometimes taking the fastest route doesn’t always mean taking the most enjoyable or scenic one. That’s where the option to avoid highways on Google Maps can come in handy.

There are several reasons why you may want to avoid highways when using Google Maps. First and foremost, highways often have heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. By opting to avoid highways, you can steer clear of long lines of cars, frustrating delays, and the stress that comes with being stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Another reason to choose alternative routes is to experience more of the local scenery and attractions. Highways, although convenient, typically bypass smaller towns, scenic routes, and points of interest along the way. By taking backroads and byways, you have the opportunity to explore hidden gems, historic sites, stunning landscapes, and charming towns that you might otherwise miss.

Moreover, avoiding highways can provide a more relaxing and enjoyable driving experience. Highways are often noisy and filled with fast-moving vehicles, which can lead to a more tense and less enjoyable journey. On the other hand, driving on less traveled roads allows you to take in the peaceful countryside, enjoy the serenity, and perhaps even discover more peaceful and picturesque rest stops along the way.

Additionally, avoiding highways can be beneficial for those who prefer a slower pace or have specific driving preferences. Some drivers simply enjoy the slower speed limits and the opportunity to take their time and soak in the surroundings. Others might have certain preferences, such as avoiding toll roads or ferries, which can be inconvenient or costly.

Overall, the option to avoid highways on Google Maps can give you more control over your journey, allowing you to personalize your route based on your preferences and needs. Whether you want to avoid traffic, explore new areas, enjoy a more relaxing drive, or avoid specific road types, Google Maps provides you with the flexibility to choose the route that suits you best.

Option 1: Use the “Avoid Highways” Feature

If you’re using Google Maps on your computer or mobile device, one straightforward way to avoid highways is by utilizing the “Avoid Highways” feature. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Google Maps on your device and enter your desired starting point and destination.
2. Once the route is displayed, click on the three-dotted menu icon located at the top-right corner of the screen.
3. In the menu that appears, select the “Route options” or “Route preferences” option.
4. Scroll down the menu until you find the “Avoid highways” checkbox. Check the box to enable the feature.
5. After enabling the feature, click on the “Done” or “Apply” button to save your preferences.

By enabling the “Avoid Highways” feature, Google Maps will automatically calculate an alternate route that avoids major highways and freeways. The suggested route will likely take you on smaller roads, through towns, and along secondary routes.

This feature is especially useful for those who want a more scenic and leisurely drive, or for those who want to avoid congested highways during rush hours. However, it’s important to note that the alternate route may take longer compared to the highway route, so be sure to consider your time constraints before choosing this option.

One advantage of using this feature is that it’s easy to toggle on and off depending on your preferences. If you decide that you prefer the highway route or want to compare the estimated travel times and distances, you can simply uncheck the “Avoid highways” box and Google Maps will recalculate the route accordingly.

Keep in mind that the “Avoid Highways” feature is available on both the web version and the Google Maps mobile app, allowing you to easily customize your route regardless of the device you’re using.

Option 2: Use the “Avoid Tolls” Feature

If you want to avoid toll roads while using Google Maps, you can take advantage of the “Avoid Tolls” feature. This feature allows you to plan a route that bypasses tolls and helps you save money. Here’s how you can use this feature:

1. Open Google Maps on your device and enter your starting point and destination.
2. Once the route is displayed, click on the three-dotted menu icon at the top-right corner of the screen.
3. In the menu that appears, choose the “Route options” or “Route preferences” option.
4. Scroll down until you find the “Avoid tolls” checkbox and check it.
5. Click on the “Done” or “Apply” button to save your preferences.

By enabling the “Avoid Tolls” feature, Google Maps will provide you with an alternate route that avoids toll roads, bridges, and tunnels. This can be particularly useful if you’re looking to save money on your travels or if you simply prefer to take toll-free routes.

It’s important to note that while avoiding tolls may save you money, it can also add extra time to your journey. Non-toll roads often have lower speed limits and can be more congested, especially during peak travel times. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider your travel time constraints before opting for this feature.

The “Avoid Tolls” feature is available on both the web version and the Google Maps mobile app, providing flexibility across different devices. You can easily enable or disable the feature depending on your preferences or specific travel requirements.

Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that this feature is particularly handy when you are unsure if a particular route includes tolls or if you prefer to have more control over your expenses during your trip.

By utilizing the “Avoid Tolls” feature in Google Maps, you can customize your route to fit your budget and preferences, allowing for a more cost-effective and enjoyable journey.

Option 3: Use the “Avoid Ferries” Feature

When planning your route on Google Maps, you may want to avoid taking ferries, whether due to preference, time constraints, or travel restrictions. Fortunately, Google Maps offers the “Avoid Ferries” feature, which allows you to bypass ferry routes and choose an alternate path. Here’s how you can use this feature:

1. Launch Google Maps on your device and enter your starting point and destination.
2. Once the route is displayed, tap on the three horizontal dots at the top-right corner of the screen.
3. From the menu that appears, select “Route options” or “Route preferences.”
4. Scroll down to find the “Avoid ferries” checkbox and check it.
5. Tap on the “Done” or “Apply” button to save your preferences.

By enabling the “Avoid Ferries” feature, Google Maps will generate an alternate route that avoids ferry crossings. This can be especially useful if you have time constraints or prefer to stay on land during your journey.

It’s important to note that by avoiding ferries, your route may be adjusted to travel longer distances or take more time. Ferry routes can often provide significant shortcuts and faster travel times, particularly when crossing bodies of water or connecting different islands or coastal regions.

The “Avoid Ferries” feature is available on both the web version and the mobile app, allowing you to personalize your route preferences across different devices. This flexibility ensures that you can choose the most suitable route for your specific needs.

This feature is particularly handy when you are traveling in areas with a significant number of waterways, such as coastal regions, archipelagos, or regions with frequent ferry access. Additionally, it can be beneficial for those who may experience travel discomfort or have concerns related to seasickness.

By utilizing the “Avoid Ferries” feature on Google Maps, you can ensure that your route stays firmly on land, granting you peace of mind as you navigate to your destination.

Option 4: Customize Your Route with Alternate Routes

If you want more control over your route and prefer to explore different options, Google Maps allows you to customize your route by selecting from alternate routes. By considering various routes, you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and needs. Here’s how you can customize your route using alternate routes in Google Maps:

1. Enter your starting point and destination in Google Maps.
2. Once the route is displayed, you’ll notice that there are usually multiple route options available.
3. Click or tap on the various routes displayed on the map to see different options.
4. Each alternate route will have different distance estimates, travel times, and potentially different scenery and road conditions.
5. As you click or tap on different routes, Google Maps will dynamically update the estimated time and distance for each option, helping you make an informed decision.

By exploring different alternate routes, you can compare the estimated travel times, distances, and road conditions for each option. This can be particularly helpful when you want to consider factors such as traffic congestion, road quality, scenic views, or specific landmarks along the way.

Keep in mind that the fastest route may not always be the most enjoyable or suitable for your needs. By customizing your route with alternate routes, you have the flexibility to choose a path that aligns with your preferences, whether it’s a scenic route, a route with fewer tolls, or a route that avoids highways.

Additionally, the ability to select alternate routes helps you become more familiar with the available options and gain a better understanding of the different paths you can take to reach your destination. This knowledge can be valuable for future journeys or when you want to plan a specific road trip that requires specific route preferences.

The option to customize your route with alternate routes is available on both the web version and the mobile app of Google Maps, giving you the freedom to personalize your route selection across different devices.

By taking advantage of the alternate routes feature in Google Maps, you can tailor your journey to your preferences and create a unique and enjoyable travel experience.

Option 5: Save Your Custom Route for Future Use

When you’ve created a custom route in Google Maps that you find particularly appealing or convenient, you have the option to save it for future use. This allows you to easily access and retrace your preferred route without having to recreate it each time. Here’s how you can save your custom route in Google Maps:

1. Create and customize your desired route by following the steps mentioned earlier, such as avoiding highways, tolls, or ferries, or selecting alternate routes.
2. Once you’re satisfied with your custom route, click or tap on the “Save” or “Bookmark” option.
3. Give your route a descriptive name or label to make it easier to recognize in your saved locations.
4. Click or tap on the “Save” or “Add” button to save your custom route.

By saving your custom route, you will have access to it in the future under your saved locations or bookmarks within Google Maps. This feature comes in handy when you want to repeat a specific journey or explore different routes with similar features.

One advantage of saving your custom route is the ability to quickly retrieve it without having to manually adjust settings or select options each time. This saves you time and effort, especially if you frequently travel along the same path or have a preferred route for specific destinations.

In addition, saving your custom route allows you to share it with others easily. You can provide the saved route link to friends, family, or colleagues who may benefit from taking the same path. This is particularly beneficial for road trips or group outings where everyone wants to follow the same route.

The ability to save custom routes is available on both the web version and the mobile app of Google Maps, ensuring that you can access your preferred routes across different devices.

By utilizing the option to save your custom route in Google Maps, you can streamline your navigation process and ensure a consistent and enjoyable travel experience whenever you revisit that route.

Option 6: Use the “Avoid Highways” Setting on Google Maps App

If you prefer to use the Google Maps app on your mobile device for navigation, you can easily access the “Avoid Highways” setting right on your phone. This convenient feature allows you to avoid highways and choose alternative routes. Here’s how you can use the “Avoid Highways” setting on the Google Maps app:

1. Open the Google Maps app on your mobile device.
2. Enter your desired destination in the search bar.
3. Tap on the “Directions” button to generate the suggested route.
4. In the bottom left corner of the screen, you’ll see a set of options for driving, transit, walking, or cycling. Tap on the car icon for driving directions.
5. Now, tap on the three vertical dots at the top right corner of the screen to access the settings and options for the route.
6. In the menu that appears, you’ll find the “Route Options” selection. Tap on it.
7. Scroll down until you see the “Avoid Highways” option. Toggle the switch to enable it.

By enabling the “Avoid Highways” setting, Google Maps will recalculate the route to avoid highways and suggest an alternative path that takes you on local roads and secondary routes.

Using the “Avoid Highways” setting on the Google Maps app can be convenient when you’re on the go and want to quickly customize your route for a more enjoyable or scenic journey. It allows you to navigate without having to rely on a web browser or a computer to access the same feature.

It’s worth noting that by avoiding highways, the travel time and distance may differ from the original suggested route. Make sure to consider your time constraints before choosing this option, as alternative routes can sometimes take longer, depending on traffic conditions and the road network.

With the Google Maps app, you have the flexibility to switch off the “Avoid Highways” setting whenever you desire. This versatility enables you to compare different routes, experiment with alternate paths, and find the most suitable option for your specific travel needs.

Take advantage of the “Avoid Highways” setting on the Google Maps app to tailor your route and enjoy a personalized driving experience right from the convenience of your mobile device.

Option 7: Use Third-Party Apps to Avoid Highways

While Google Maps is a popular and widely-used navigation app, there are also third-party apps available that specialize in providing alternative routes and options to avoid highways. These apps offer additional features, customization settings, and sometimes even real-time traffic updates. Here’s how you can use third-party apps to avoid highways:

1. Research and download a third-party navigation app that is known for its ability to provide alternative routes and avoid highways. Popular examples include Waze, MapQuest, and Apple Maps.
2. Once you have installed the app on your device, open it and enter your starting point and destination.
3. Navigate through the app’s menu and settings to locate the option that allows you to avoid highways or select alternate routes.
4. Enable the feature or toggle the setting to customize your route based on your preference of avoiding highways.
5. Follow the app’s directions as it guides you along the chosen alternate route that avoids highways.

Third-party navigation apps often provide additional features that can make your journey more enjoyable and efficient. These features may include real-time traffic updates, incident reporting, speed trap notifications, and even points of interest along the way.

Using third-party apps can be advantageous because they may have different algorithms and data sources, providing you with alternate route options that may differ from what Google Maps suggests. Additionally, these apps often have their own dedicated user communities who contribute real-time information and updates, further enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the suggested routes.

It’s important to note that while third-party apps may offer unique features and route options, they may also come with their own limitations and drawbacks. The accuracy of the suggested routes and the user experience can vary depending on the app and your specific location. Therefore, it can be helpful to read reviews, check their user ratings, and test out a few apps to find the one that best suits your needs.

By utilizing third-party navigation apps to avoid highways, you can explore different options and find the app that offers the features and route customization capabilities that align with your preferences and requirements.

Option 8: Consider Time and Distance Factors

When deciding whether to avoid highways on your route, it’s important to consider the factors of time and distance. While taking alternative routes may offer a more scenic or enjoyable journey, it’s crucial to evaluate how these choices will impact the duration and length of your trip.

One key aspect to consider is the time it will take to travel on different routes. Highways are designed to facilitate faster travel with higher speed limits, fewer traffic lights, and limited intersections. This can significantly reduce travel time, especially when compared to slower-paced local roads and secondary routes that often have lower speed limits and more obstacles.

However, it’s essential to weigh this time advantage against other factors that are of importance to you. For instance, avoiding highways may provide a more pleasant and relaxing driving experience, allowing you to enjoy the scenery, explore charming towns, or discover hidden gems along the way. If time is not a priority or if you’re on a leisurely road trip, choosing alternative routes for these reasons can enhance your overall journey.

Another factor to consider is the distance you’ll be covering on your chosen route. While avoiding highways might provide a longer route, it’s important to assess whether the additional distance is manageable and aligns with your travel plans. If you have time constraints or need to arrive at your destination quickly, opting for a longer route may not be the ideal choice.

It’s crucial to strike a balance between your desire to avoid highways and the practicality of reaching your destination within the desired timeframe. Finding a route that offers a good compromise between distance and time can help you enjoy the journey without sacrificing convenience or efficiency.

Additionally, taking into account the factors of time and distance can be especially important when there are external factors to consider, such as road conditions, weather conditions, or specific events that may affect travel times. Being mindful of these variables will help you make informed decisions and choose the route that best suits your needs and circumstances.

Ultimately, considering time and distance factors is crucial when deciding whether to avoid highways on your route. By striking a balance between efficiency and personal preferences, you can optimize your travel experience and ensure a successful journey.

Option 9: Be Mindful of Local Traffic Conditions

When you choose to avoid highways on your route, it’s important to be mindful of the local traffic conditions. While taking alternative routes may seem like a great way to avoid congestion, there are times when local roads can also experience heavy traffic or roadworks. Considering local traffic conditions plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and efficient journey. Here’s how you can be mindful of local traffic conditions:

1. Prior to your trip, check for any known traffic issues or road closures in the area you’ll be traveling through. You can use various resources such as traffic news websites, local news outlets, or even real-time traffic apps.
2. Consider the time of day you’ll be traveling and any potential peak traffic periods. Traffic conditions can vary greatly depending on the time, so it could be beneficial to plan your departure time accordingly.
3. Utilize navigation apps that offer real-time traffic updates, which can help you identify areas with heavy traffic congestion. Apps like Google Maps, Waze, or dedicated traffic monitoring apps can provide you with valuable information on traffic flow, accidents, or any other incidents that may affect your chosen route.
4. Stay connected to local traffic radio stations or listen to real-time traffic updates on your preferred radio app. These sources often provide regular updates on traffic conditions, road closures, or accidents.
5. Be prepared to make on-the-spot adjustments if you encounter unexpected traffic congestion or roadblocks. Navigation apps can provide you with alternative routes to help you navigate around traffic congestion and find the most efficient path.

Being mindful of local traffic conditions allows you to adapt your route in real-time and choose the best course of action to minimize delays. It’s important to remember that even alternative routes can be affected by traffic, especially during peak travel times or in heavily congested areas.

By staying informed about local traffic conditions, you can make informed decisions and potentially save time on your journey. This knowledge also helps you avoid getting stuck in unexpected traffic jams or road closures, ensuring a smoother and less stressful travel experience.

While avoiding highways can often provide you with a more relaxed and scenic drive, it’s important to assess local traffic conditions and choose the most appropriate route based on the current traffic situation. By being mindful of traffic conditions, you can make informed decisions and enjoy a hassle-free journey to your destination.

Option 10: Take the Scenic Route: Explore Backroads and Byways

If you’re looking to add more adventure and charm to your journey, consider taking the scenic route by exploring backroads and byways. These lesser-known roads often offer stunning landscapes, picturesque views, and a more laid-back driving experience. Here’s how you can take the scenic route:

1. Research and plan your route ahead of time. Look for local maps, guidebooks, or online resources that highlight scenic drives and backroads in the area you’ll be traveling through.
2. Identify points of interest or landmarks along the way that you’d like to explore. These can include national parks, viewpoints, waterfalls, historic sites, or quaint towns.
3. Consult navigation apps or online mapping services to map out your scenic route. While these apps tend to prioritize major roads, you can manually customize your route to incorporate backroads and byways.
4. Once you’re on the road, be flexible and open to spontaneous detours or side trips. This allows you to discover hidden gems or unexpected scenery that may not have been included in your initial research.
5. Take your time and savor the journey. Scenic drives are about more than just reaching your destination. Slow down, roll down the windows, and enjoy the beauty of the landscapes and surroundings.
6. Keep an eye out for local attractions, unique photo opportunities, or charming cafes along the way. These unexpected discoveries can add a touch of magic to your scenic drive.
7. Consider embarking on a multi-day road trip to fully experience the beauty and serenity of backroads and byways. This allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore hidden trails, and create unforgettable memories.

Choosing the scenic route not only offers breathtaking views but also provides a sense of adventure and discovery. It allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of highways, providing a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience.

While scenic routes may take longer than the direct highway route, the rewards are worthwhile. These roads often offer a deeper connection with the natural surroundings, a chance to appreciate local communities, and the opportunity to uncover hidden gems off the beaten path.

It’s important to note that not all backroads and byways are well-maintained or suitable for all vehicles. Some roads may be unpaved, narrow, or winding, requiring extra caution and the appropriate vehicle type. Therefore, consider the condition of the roads and the capabilities of your vehicle when selecting a scenic route.

By taking the scenic route, you can turn your ordinary journey into an extraordinary adventure. Embrace the beauty of the road less traveled and create lasting memories as you explore backroads and byways.