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Alternate route on Google Maps

Started Jul 14, 2021 | Questions
skyglider Veteran Member • Posts: 6,451
Alternate route on Google Maps

I have a Samsung S8 phone running Android version 9.

How does one specify an alternate route on Google Maps?

When I enter my location and a destination, GMap show a round about way to my destination. I know of a much shorter route but I can't find a way to select the shorter route.

Anyone know how to choose an alternate route on GMaps "on a phone"? I'm not asking about doing it on a computer.

BTW, there are no alternate routes shown in gray on my phone like it does on my PC.

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DickyAus Veteran Member • Posts: 4,562
Re: Alternate route on Google Maps
1

The only way I have found is to add a number of 'stops'.

I use "directions A"  to get to the first point of the route (A) I want and then tap the menu (at the top) and select "add stop" . Keep doing that until you add your final destination.

A bit of a PITA but it works to force a route which is not Google's choice.

Dicky.

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OP skyglider Veteran Member • Posts: 6,451
Re: Alternate route on Google Maps
1

DickyAus wrote:

The only way I have found is to add a number of 'stops'.

I use "directions A" to get to the first point of the route (A) I want and then tap the menu (at the top) and select "add stop" . Keep doing that until you add your final destination.

A bit of a PITA but it works to force a route which is not Google's choice.

Dicky.

Thanks for one way to do it.

Wish Google Maps for phones was as smart as Google Maps for PCs.  On my PC it shows alternate routes in gray.

wklee Veteran Member • Posts: 9,950
Re: Alternate route on Google Maps

I found what works when Google Maps doesn’t show the Gray route in 3D is to select a Bird’s Eye (2D) view. That normally will show alternative routes.

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OP skyglider Veteran Member • Posts: 6,451
Re: Alternate route on Google Maps
1

wklee wrote:

I found what works when Google Maps doesn’t show the Gray route in 3D is to select a Bird’s Eye (2D) view. That normally will show alternative routes.

I was going to try your suggestion so I opened Google Maps on my S8 phone.

I don't know what happened but today Google Maps on my S8 phone is showing alternate routes in gray.  I entered the same destination as before when alternate routes were not shown but today Google maps selected the shortest route (which it didn't do before) and also shows an alternate longer route in gray.

Maybe Google Maps has been updated to work on phones better?

At any rate, for now my problem appears to be resolved.

Thanks all,
Sky

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