Let’s be honest, most of us use Google Maps just to get directions or check traffic. But this app can do so much more. Over the years, Google has added many useful features, such as downloading maps for offline use, finding nearby places like cafes or gas stations, and even sharing your location with friends or loved ones. Here, we’ve put together the top 10 Google Maps features you might be missing out on.
1. Real-Time Traffic and Smart Rerouting
Google Maps not only helps us find directions but also keeps an eye on traffic conditions in real time. It shows what’s happening on the road—whether there’s construction, an accident, or just heavy traffic. Even better, it can suggest a faster route while you’re on the move. So if your usual way is blocked or delayed, you won’t be left guessing. The app will prompt you to take an alternate route, helping you save both time and stress.
2. Use Maps Without Internet
While traveling, you may not always have access to Wi-Fi or mobile data. To help with this, Google Maps allows you to download specific areas of the map to your phone in advance. Once downloaded, you can use the map as usual — search for places, check your location, and get directions — all without needing an internet connection. Just make sure to download the map while you still have access to the internet.
3. Navigate Inside Big Buildings
Ever found yourself lost in a giant shopping mall or airport, looking for a gate or store? Google Maps has a feature for that, too. In many large places, it now offers indoor navigation. You can see a layout of the building—different floors, shop names, gates, restrooms—almost like a mini GPS for indoors. It’s especially handy when you’re in a rush or just don’t want to keep asking people for directions.
4. Take a Look Around with Street View
Before going somewhere new, wouldn’t it be nice to see what the place looks like? That’s what Street View is for. It gives you a 360-degree look at streets, buildings, and even parks, just like you’re standing there in person. This can help a lot if you’re meeting someone, finding a specific shop, or checking out a neighborhood before renting or buying a place. You can even “walk” down the street from your screen to get a feel for the area.
To use it, just search for a place and tap the image that pops up, or drag the little yellow figure on the map.
5. See How Crowded a Place Is
No one likes waiting in long lines. Whether it’s a coffee shop, a restaurant, or a grocery store, Google Maps can show you when a place is usually the busiest—and even how crowded it is right now.It gathers this info anonymously from people who visit the spot and gives you a graph of the most popular times. That way, you can plan your visit when things are quieter. It’s a small thing, but it can save a lot of time.
6. Keep Track of Where You’ve Been
Ever try to remember the name of that great little restaurant you visited last year? If your location history is turned on, Google Maps can help you retrace your steps. It keeps a private timeline of the places you’ve visited.
You can scroll through days, see routes you took, and even view photos taken on the trip. It’s a bit like a digital travel diary, only you don’t have to write anything down. And if you don’t like the idea of it keeping records, you can delete the history anytime.
7. Share Your Location in Real Time
Meeting up with someone in a busy place? Or maybe you just want to let your family know where you are during a trip? Google Maps makes it easy to share your live location.
You decide who gets to see it and for how long. They can watch you move on the map in real time until you arrive. It’s a simple way to stay connected and adds a little peace of mind, especially when you’re traveling alone or running late.
8. Quickly Find Nearby Places
Let’s say you’re in a new city and suddenly need a bank, a pharmacy, or just a bite to eat. Google Maps can instantly show you what’s nearby, along with reviews, hours, photos, and directions.
Just tap on the search bar and pick a category, like gas stations or coffee shops. It’ll pull up a list of nearby options ranked by distance and ratings. You’ll be able to decide fast without having to search too much.
9. Measure Distance Between Two Points
Sometimes you want to know the distance between two places, even if there’s no road between them. Maybe you’re walking through a park or planning a hike. Google Maps lets you drop pins and measure the straight-line distance between them.
You can add multiple points, too, if you want to map out a whole route. It’s a great feature if you’re curious or planning something outdoors.
10. Plan a Trip with Multiple Stops
If you’re running errands or going on a road trip, you don’t have to enter one destination at a time. Google Maps lets you plan a whole route with multiple stops.
Just enter your starting point and destination, then tap “Add stop” to include other places along the way. You can drag and rearrange them to figure out the best order. The app will automatically find the most efficient path, saving time and fuel.
There’s a lot more to Google Maps than just turn-by-turn directions. These features can help you travel smarter, save time, and feel more confident whether you’re in your hometown or halfway around the world.
If you’ve only been using it for the basics, try out a few of these tips. You might be surprised by how useful they are in everyday life.
