How to Avoid Toll Roads With GPS Apps

This article explains how to avoid toll roads using the Googe Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze apps for Android and iOS devices. It includes a second option for the Apple Maps app and information on using Google Maps and Apple Maps on a desktop computer.

How to Avoid Tolls With Google Maps

If you navigate with a GPS app, such as Google Maps, you get a heads up when tolls are on the planned route, and you can quickly plot out an alternative that avoids toll roads. The trip might take longer, but it could save you from sitting in traffic, in addition to the cost of the toll

Here's how Google Maps makes it simple to avoid tolls.

1. Open Google Maps app.

2. Put in your destination.

3. Tap Directions (be sure to select driving directions).

4. Tap on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.

5. Choose Route options from the drop-down menu.

6. Tap the square next to Avoid tolls.

   You can also opt to avoid highways and ferries.

On a desktop browser, the process is a bit different. First, input your destination, click Directions > Options > and select the box next to Tolls under the Avoid section.

On the mobile app, your toll preference remains the default, but that preference displays above the map, so you can turn it off if you don't want to avoid tolls on a particular trip. On a desktop, that preference resets when you exit navigation.

How to Avoid Tolls on Apple Maps

Apple Maps has two ways to avoid tolls in its iPhone app.

1. Open Settings.

2. Go to Maps > Driving & Navigation.

3. Under Avoid, choose Tolls.

   You also have the option to avoid highways.

4. Alternatively, open Apple Maps and input your destination.

5. Tap Directions, and swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Then tap Driving Options.

6. Under Avoid, toggle Tolls to the On position.

   There's also a toggle for avoiding highways.

These options remain in effect for the next time you use the app, but Apple offers faster routes with tolls (if applicable), so you can make an informed decision.

On the Apple Maps desktop app, there's no option to avoid tolls. It offers you multiple routes, though, and indicates whether there are tolls along the way. You can also send navigation routes from your Mac to your iPhone, and then adjust toll settings once you're in the car.

How to Avoid Tolls on Waze

To avoid tolls when you are using the Waze app:

1. Open Waze.

2. Tap Search.

3. Tap the Settings gear.

4. Under Driving preferences, tap Navigation.

5. Toggle Avoid toll roads to the On position.

6. You can also adjust settings to avoid freeways and ferries and add toll/HOV passes.

   These settings remain the default until you change them, so it's a good idea to take a look before navigating.