How to Use Google Maps to Find the Shortest Route with Multiple Stops

Learn how to optimize your journey by efficiently navigating through various destinations.

We will walk you through the step-by-step process of using Google Maps to plan a route with multiple stops, ensuring you save time, money, and energy along the way.

Let 's dive in!

If you don’t have time to read on the best option, we provide you with a simplified conclusion:

Kosmo Delivery is the best delivery app as it uses route optimization along with other integrations to make your deliveries more effective than ever.

How will Kosmo help you with route optimization?

‍1. Select all the orders available

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2. ‍Click in “Optimize”

3. You will find the routes optimized

Start now with Kosmo 

Understanding the Power of Google Maps

Google Maps has revolutionized the way we navigate the world, offering accurate directions, real-time traffic updates, and a wealth of features that simplify our daily commutes, road trips, and business travels.

One such feature is the ability to plan routes with multiple stops, allowing you to create a comprehensive itinerary and optimize your travel plans.

5 Steps to Master Google Maps:

Step 1: Launching Google Maps

To get started, open Google Maps on your preferred device. You can access Google Maps through the web or use the dedicated mobile application, available for both iOS and Android devices.

Step 2: Initiating Route Planning

Once you've launched Google Maps, locate the search bar at the top of the screen.

Here, you can enter the starting point of your journey. Input the address, landmark, or name of the place you'll be departing from.

Step 3: Adding Multiple Stops

Now, it's time to add the various stops along your route. To do this, look for the three-dot menu icon (usually located in the top-right corner of the screen) and select the "Add stop" or "Add destination" option.

Input the address, name, or landmark of the first stop you wish to add. Google Maps will automatically update the route to incorporate this stop into your itinerary.

Repeat this process for each additional stop you want to include. Note that Google Maps will only let you add 9 more stops in addition to your starting point.

Step 4: Optimizing Your Route

To further optimize your route, you can manually adjust the order of the stops. Simply tap and hold on a stop, then drag it to the desired position in the list. This way, you can prioritize certain destinations or rearrange them based on your preferences.

Step 5: Reviewing and Navigating Your Route

Once you've added all your stops and optimized the order, take a moment to review your complete route. Google Maps will display the entire itinerary, including the estimated travel time and distance for each segment of your journey.

To begin navigation, tap on the "Start" button, and Google Maps will guide you through your route, providing turn-by-turn directions and real-time updates.

And that’s it! You may create a route with several stops in Google Maps with just a few touches and start traveling. So, feel free to give it a shot.

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The Importance of Efficient Route Planning

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When you're on the road doing several deliveries, every minute counts.

This is why it's so important to map out your trip as effectively as you can.

Without compromising the caliber of your service, you can save time, fuel, and stress on the road by designing your route to be as efficient as possible.

And who doesn't want to be less stressed and more productive?

Additionally, you can guarantee that your deliveries reach on schedule and in good shape by arriving at each stop swiftly and efficiently.

This translates to happier managers, happier clients, and better reviews!

Does Google Maps always provide you with the fastest route?

Google Maps is best when wanting to find the fastest path from your starting location to your end destination

However, it is not so great when managing numerous stops along the road.

For the quickest, most practical route, Google Maps does not automatically rearrange stops. Finding the shortest path between each stop in the same order that you entered them is all that is required.

Accordingly, if you enter them in an ineffective manner, Google Maps won't put you on the overall quickest path.

It won't be a significant deal for occasional travel. However, it can become problematic if you design multi-stop itineraries for your company.

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Poor route planning costs time and money

When you're attempting to concentrate on the road in front of you, tools like Google are a blessing.

But when you schedule multiple stops, it might seriously clog your pipeline with problems. 

Therefore, Google Maps is not recommended for delivery businesses.

Fortunately, Kosmo is made to overcome these challenges and difficulties.

For each of your drivers, include additional stops, and Kosmo will determine the shortest path.

Arrange your stops so that you can save the most time and use the least amount of fuel!

Start now with Kosmo

Additional Tips for Efficient Route Planning

Planning a route with multiple stops can be a complex task, but with these additional tips, you can enhance your experience and make the most of Google Maps' capabilities:

1. Plan Ahead: Take the time to thoroughly route plan, and identify all the stops you'll be making. This will ensure you have accurate addresses and avoid any last-minute changes or confusion.
2. Consider Traffic: Keep in mind that traffic conditions can significantly impact your travel time. Check for traffic updates on Google Maps before and during your journey to make informed decisions and choose alternate routes if necessary.
3. Save Your Routes: If you frequently travel to the same destinations or have recurring itineraries, consider saving your routes in Google Maps. This way, you can quickly access and navigate them in the future without having to reenter all the stop details.
4. Make Use of Voice Commands: Google Maps offers voice-guided navigation, allowing you to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Utilize voice commands to control the app and receive real-time updates without distractions.

Google Maps for Route Optimization Pros and Cons:

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Aside from being free, there are a few more advantages:

• Easily accessible: on desktop, Android, and iPhone: Regardless of your device, you can always access Google Maps while on the go.
• Provides real-time traffic reports: removing the need for you to rely on your local expertise to determine whether a route might be congested. Google Maps will automatically take a detour in this situation.
• Turn-by-turn directions, you can deliver to new neighborhoods with confidence that you have a companion directing you at every turn.
• Voice GPS navigation: is included in the app.
• Offline mode: that enables you to download maps and utilize them later without an internet connection. This mode is especially useful when traveling to locations with poor or spotty cell phone reception.

Common Free Route Planner Apps can be a great option for organizing a multi-stop and simple trip whether you're conducting a few errands around town or are a member of a sales fleet with fewer addresses to visit each day.

However, Google Maps as many others can be frustrating and is unlikely to fulfill your specific demands if you work for a courier or delivery service with hundreds of daily trips.

Why? These are Google Maps drawbacks:

• Limited Accuracy: Google Maps relies on you to manually update your routes and maps, there is a chance that they won't be accurate.
• Minimal address information: Google Maps may assist you in navigating a neighborhood, but it often fails to direct you to your customer's door, particularly when dealing with elusive addresses and apartments.
• No route optimization: Google Maps does not optimize the route, you do. Manually. This increases the possibility of an increase in time per drop, fuel expenses, and customer unhappiness.
• Limited stops: Google Maps limits the amount of stops you can add to your route. Trying to figure out the best route and adding 9 stops at a time may quickly become a huge pain when the majority of delivery drivers have 150 or more visits planned.

Especially because you are aware that in this game, time truly is money. Only nine locations, including your starting point, can be added.

But don’t worry, Kosmo is here to solve these problems! 

With Kosmo you will be able to optimize your route AND add as many stops as you’d like.

Start now with Kosmo

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I add more than five stops to my route on Google Maps?

Yes, you can add more than five stops to your route on Google Maps. While the default limit is set to five stops, you can still add additional destinations by following these steps:

• After adding the first five stops, tap on the three-dot menu icon.
• Select "Add stop" or "Add destination" to include another location.
• Repeat this process to add as many stops as you need.

2. Can I change the order of my stops after planning the route?

Yes, you can change the order of your stops after planning the route on Google Maps. To rearrange the stops, follow these steps:

• Tap and hold on the stop you want to move.
• Drag it to the desired position in the list.
• Release your finger to place the stop in its new position.

Google Maps will automatically update the route based on the new order of stops.

3. Can I remove a stop from my route?

Yes, you can remove a stop from your route on Google Maps. To do this, follow these instructions:

• Tap on the stop you want to remove.
• In the bottom panel that appears, tap on the trash can icon or the "Remove stop" option.
• The stop will be deleted from your route, and Google Maps will adjust the directions accordingly.

4. Can I save my route with multiple stops for future use?

Yes, you can save your route with multiple stops on Google Maps for future use. To save your route, follow these steps:

• Once you have added all the stops and optimized the order, go to the three-dot menu icon.
• Select "Save route" or "Save directions."
• Provide a name or description for the route and save it.

You can access your saved routes under the "Your places" or "Saved" section in Google Maps.

5. Can I share my route with others?

Yes, you can share your route with others using Google Maps. To share your route, follow these steps:

• After planning your route with multiple stops, tap on the "Share" icon.
• Choose the preferred method of sharing, such as email, messaging apps, or social media.
• Select the contact or platform to share the route with.
• The recipient will receive a link to open the route in Google Maps.

6. Does Google Maps provide real-time traffic updates for my planned route?

Yes, Google Maps provides real-time traffic updates for your planned route. The app uses GPS data and crowd-sourced information to monitor traffic conditions. It will automatically adjust your route based on traffic congestion and suggest alternative paths to save time.

7. Can I use Google Maps to plan a route with multiple stops on a computer?

Yes, you can use Google Maps on a computer to plan a route with multiple stops. Simply open Google Maps in a web browser, follow the steps mentioned earlier in this guide, and you'll be able to add, rearrange, and optimize your stops just like on the mobile app.

8. Is the route planning feature with multiple stops available offline?

No, the route planning feature with multiple stops on Google Maps requires an internet connection. To use this feature, you need to be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. However, you can save the map area for offline use, which allows you to access the map and directions without an internet connection.

Remember to download the necessary offline maps and directions in advance if you anticipate being in an area with limited or no internet access.

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