How to Avoid Highways on Google Maps

This article explains how to avoid highways when getting directions using Google Maps. You can enable this feature on the Google Maps website and the Android and iPhone mobile apps.

Avoid Highways Using the Google Maps Website

When you’re planning your route on the Google Maps website, it takes a simple checkmark to avoid major highways. By doing so, your route may incur a longer travel time; however, if you’re just as excited about the journey as reaching the destination, it’s a great way to go.

1. Visit Google Maps on the web and select the Directions icon on the top left next to the Search box.
   

2. Enter your starting and ending locations.
   

3. Select Options right below the destination section.
   

4. Under Avoid, check the box for Highways. Optionally, you can check the boxes to avoid Tolls and Ferries as well. 
   

You’ll see your route update on the map and in the directions area on the left.

Avoid Highways on Your Route on Android

If you’re using the Google Maps app on your Android device, you can easily avoid highways for the current route you’re planning.

1. Open Google Maps and tap the blue Directions icon.

2. Enter a starting and ending location.

3. Tap the three dots in the upper-right and select Route options.

4. Tap the box next to Avoid highways, then tap Done. Optionally, you can avoid tolls and ferries as well.

5. Tap the back arrow to return to the route with updated directions.

Always Avoid Highways on Android

Here's how to always avoid highways for every trip you plan in the Google Maps mobile app:

1. In Google Maps, tap your profile icon in the upper-right.

2. Tap Settings.

3. Scroll down and tap Navigation settings.

4. Go to Route Options and turn on the toggle for Avoid highways.

   Tap the arrow in the upper-left to exit Settings and return to the main Google Maps screen. With this setting enabled, you’ll avoid high traffic roadways for all directions you obtain.

   Whether you want an alternate route that’s more scenic or wish to stay away from traffic-filled roads, it’s easy to avoid highways when getting directions in Google Maps.

Avoid Highways on Your Route on the iOS App

Avoiding highways with the Google Maps on iOS is very similar:

1. Open Google Maps on your mobile device, then go to the lower-right and tap the blue Directions icon.
   

2. Enter your starting and ending locations.
   

3. Tap the three dots and select Route options.
   

4. Turn on the toggle for Avoid highways. Optionally, you can avoid tolls and ferries as well. And to retain the setting(s) for future directions you obtain, also enable the toggle for Remember settings.
   

Tap the back arrow to return to the route. You’ll see updated directions that take you away from highways.

Always Avoid Highways on the iOS App

If you prefer to stay away from highways for every trip you plan in the Google Maps mobile app on iOS, you can change a simple setting.

1. Open Google Maps and tap your profile icon on the top right. Select Settings.
   

2. Under Getting Around, tap Navigation.
   

3. Go to Route Options and turn on the toggle for Avoid highways.