A Google Maps itinerary is a multi-stop route created with Directions, and Google Maps supports up to nine stops, including the final destination.

For a trip lasting several days, create a separate route for each day. Use a saved list or Google My Maps to keep track of places you may want to visit.

Google Maps Itinerary Options at a Glance

What you want to do Best Google Maps feature Best for
Navigate between several places Directions with multiple destinations Road trips and day itineraries
Save restaurants, hotels and attractions Saved lists Organising places before a trip
Create a detailed, shareable map Google My Maps Multi-day trips, layers and custom planning
Navigate without mobile data Offline maps Remote areas and international travel

How to Create a Multi-Stop Itinerary on Google Maps

On a Computer

  1. Open Google Maps.
  2. Select Directions.
  3. Enter your starting point and first destination.
  4. Select Add destination.
  5. Add the rest of your stops.
  6. Drag the destinations up or down to change their order.
  7. Choose a travel method, such as driving, walking or cycling.
  8. Review the route and select the option you want to use.

Google Maps supports multiple destinations for most travel modes. Multi-stop directions are not available for public transport or flight searches. You can add up to nine stops, including the final destination.

On an Android Phone or Tablet

  1. Open the Google Maps app.
  2. Search for your destination or tap it on the map.
  3. Tap Directions.
  4. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
  5. Select Edit stops.
  6. Add the other destinations.
  7. Press and hold the reorder icon beside a destination.
  8. Drag the stop into the right position.
  9. Tap Done.

Google Maps follows the stop order you provide. Check the route before you leave, especially if it appears to travel back and forth. You can then move the stops manually to create a more practical order.

On an iPhone or iPad

  1. Open the Google Maps app.
  2. Search for a destination or select one on the map.
  3. Tap Directions.
  4. Tap the three-dot menu.
  5. Tap Add stop.
  6. Enter each additional destination.
  7. Press and hold a destination to move it.
  8. Tap Done when the order is correct.

Google Maps supports up to nine stops, including the final destination, on iPhone and iPad.

How to Save Places for a Google Maps Itinerary

A saved list works well when you are collecting possible hotels, attractions, restaurants or shops before choosing the final route.

Create a Saved List

On Android:

  1. Open Google Maps.
  2. Tap You.
  3. Tap New list.
  4. Add a name and description.
  5. Choose whether the list is private or shared.
  6. Tap Save.

On iPhone or iPad:

  1. Open Google Maps.
  2. Tap Saved or You, depending on the app version.
  3. Scroll to Your lists.
  4. Tap New list.
  5. Enter a name and description.
  6. Tap Save.

Add Places to the List

  1. Search for a place in Google Maps.
  2. Tap or click the place name.
  3. Select Save.
  4. Choose your itinerary list.
  5. Repeat for each place you may want to visit.

You can add notes to saved places, such as "book ahead," "best for lunch" or "near the hotel." Shared lists can be sent to other people and opened for collaborative editing.

A saved list organises places, but it does not create a turn-by-turn route. To navigate to a saved place, open it and select Directions, or add it to a multi-stop route.

How to Create a Multi-Day Itinerary with Google My Maps

Google My Maps is useful when a standard Google Maps route does not provide enough detail. It lets you create a custom map, add places, organise them into layers and share the map with other people.

You could organise the map like this:

  • Day 1: sightseeing
  • Day 2: museums and restaurants
  • Hotels: accommodation
  • Transport: airports, stations and parking
  • Food: saved restaurants and cafés

To create a map:

  1. Open Google My Maps in a web browser.
  2. Sign in with your Google Account.
  3. Select Create a new map.
  4. Name the map.
  5. Search for a place.
  6. Select Add to map.
  7. Create more layers for different days or categories.
  8. Share the map if other travellers need access.

Google My Maps is mainly a computer-based tool for creating and editing custom maps. You can view your maps in Google Maps, but editing takes place in My Maps.

The Most Effective Way to Plan a Trip in Google Maps

For most holidays, this workflow keeps the planning simple:

  1. Create a saved list named after the trip, such as Paris Trip or California Road Trip.
  2. Add hotels, attractions, restaurants and transport points.
  3. Group the places by location and day.
  4. Create one multi-stop route for each day.
  5. Reorder the stops to reduce unnecessary travel.
  6. Check opening hours, booking requirements and travel times.
  7. Share the saved list or My Maps itinerary with your travel companions.

One route per day is easier to follow than putting an entire holiday into a single route. It also avoids the nine-stop limit.

How to Use the Itinerary Offline

Before travelling, download the relevant area in the Google Maps app:

  1. Search for the destination.
  2. Tap the place name or address.
  3. Tap the three-dot menu.
  4. Select Download offline map.
  5. Adjust the area and tap Download.

You can also open your profile picture, select Offline maps, choose Select your own map, adjust the area and download it.

Offline driving directions work when the entire route is inside the downloaded map. Offline public transport, cycling and walking directions are not available. Without an internet connection, driving routes will not show live traffic or alternative routes.

Best Method for Different Types of Trips

  • One day with several stops: Use multi-stop Directions.
  • Several possible places to visit: Create a saved list.
  • A holiday lasting several days: Use saved lists or Google My Maps with separate day layers.
  • A road trip with unreliable internet: Create the route and download offline maps before leaving.
  • A public transport itinerary: Create separate directions between each major stop because Google Maps does not support multi-destination public transport routes.