Draw a route on a map

How to draw a route

1. Pick the line tool. It is already selected above.
2. Click along the way. Each click adds a point. Zoom in on bends to follow the road or trail closely. The total distance updates as you draw.
3. Finish the line. Double-click (or tap the last point) to finish. Drag any point later to correct it.
4. Style it. Choose a colour, width and dashed or solid style. Use several lines for different days or modes of travel.
5. Add stops. Drop markers for each stop with a name, description and photo so viewers can tap through your trip.
6. Share. Copy the link, embed it in a blog post, or – with any purchase – export the route as GPX for your GPS or KML for Google Earth.

Ideas for route maps

• Road trips and travel itineraries for a blog or a group chat.
• Hiking, cycling and running routes with lookouts and water stops.
• Walking tours of a city's museums, monuments or cafes.
• Parade, marathon and event routes with road-closure notes.
• Delivery runs and sales visit circuits.

Make it richer

• Turn on 3D terrain to show the climbs on a hiking route.
• Use satellite imagery for off-road and coastal routes.
• Add a data layer – say campsites or fuel stations – to plan stops along the way.
• Use Buffer on your route to find everything within 1 km of it.

Draw a route now

Related

• Distance calculator
• Pin map maker
• Map file formats explained (GPX, KML…)

Tips for clear route maps

• Make the route line thicker than the roads underneath, in a colour that contrasts with the basemap.
• Use a separate line for each day or leg, with the day in its label.
• Number your stops in their titles ("1. Harbour lookout") so viewers can follow the order.
• Check the route in the mobile preview – that is how most people will follow it.