How to Change Google Maps from Walking to Driving [and Vice Versa]

When you're planning a trip or just don't know how to reach a particular location, Google Maps is one of the most reliable navigation apps you can use. Not only does Google Maps show you the fastest route to your destination, but it also lets you choose your mode of transportation. In addition to walking, you can select driving, public transport, transport services, cycling and airplane mode.

In this guide, we'll show you how to switch from walking to driving in Google Maps on different devices.

How to Switch from Walking to Driving in Google Maps on an iPhone

Even though Apple Maps is pre-installed on your iPhone, you can also download Google Maps on your device. To switch from walking to driving in Google Maps on your iPhone, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Google Maps app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the "Search here" field at the top of your screen.
   
3. Type in your destination and press the "Search" button in the lower right corner of your screen.
   
4. Go to the "Directions" option below the map.
   
5. Select your starting location. If it's your current location, tap the "Your location" option. If you plan to start driving from another location, enter it in the field above.
   
6. Allow Google Maps to access your current location and speakers.
7. Tap the car icon at the top of the screen.
   

Right next to the car icon, you will be able to see the exact time you will need to get there. Google Maps will show you the fastest route to your destination by default. Besides the main route, which will be blue, you will also get alternate routes highlighted in grey.

When you're ready to begin your journey, tap the "Start" button at the bottom of your screen. If you don't plan to start driving right away but want to save the route, you can pin it. To do this, simply tap the "Pin" button in the lower right corner of your screen.

To make your journey even more accessible, Google Maps offers a voice guidance function. This feature can be disabled if you prefer not to use it. However, activating this feature is a good idea if you need to concentrate on driving.

You can also set it to “Alerts only” mode. To do this, tap the headset icon on the right side of your screen and choose one of three modes.

If you prefer your voice guidance feature in another language, you can also change it.

When you want to exit route mode on Google Maps, tap the “Exit” button in the lower right corner of your screen.

How to switch from walking to driving in Google Maps on an Android device

If you want to use your Android device to switch from walking mode to driving mode in Google Maps, try doing this:

1. Use your Android device to open the app.
2. Navigate to the "Search here" field at the top of the app.
   
3. Choose your destination. If you've searched for this location on Google Maps before, it would already be in the "Recent" tab.
   
4. Allow Google Maps to access your current location and speakers.
5. Tap the "Directions" button under the name of the location.
   
6. Choose your departure location. If this is your current location, tap "Choose location". Another way to select a destination from the recommended locations or enter it in the search field above.
   
7. Select the car icon at the top of your screen.
   

If you're going to start your journey right away, tap the "Start" button at the bottom of the screen. Google Maps will immediately display your current location and you can begin your journey.

Changing your driving route is also a simple process. Simply tap and hold a location on your route and drag it to another location. Remember, though, that Google Maps needs your phone's GPS to be "on" to work properly.

How to Switch from Walking to Driving in Google Maps on Desktop

If you want to see directions more clearly, you can use Google Maps on your computer. To switch from walking to driving in Google Maps on desktop, follow these steps:

1. Open your browser and navigate to the Google Maps page.
2. Enter your destination in the "Search on Google Maps" field in the upper left corner.
   
3. Click on the "Directions" button in the left sidebar.
   
4. Choose your departure location. Google Maps will show you the fastest route to your destination.
   
5. Find the car icon in the upper left corner of your screen and click on it.
   

You can send these instructions to your phone so you can follow them as you drive. To do this, click on the “Send directions to your phone” option on the left side of your screen. You can also send directions to your phone via email or phone number or print directions.

When you get ready to leave, open the instructions on your phone, press the "start" button and start driving.

Under this section, you will be able to see all the recommended routes to your destination. The best and fastest route is in blue and the others will be in grey. The exact time and distance to reach the destination are displayed for each route. If you decide to take an alternate route, Google Maps will automatically adjust your location and change directions to your destination.

Drive Safely with Google Maps

Google Maps can be a great navigation tool before and during your trip. To make your driving experience even safer, enable Google Assistant driving mode in the app settings. Once you've got the hang of it, you can plan your trip down to the smallest detail.

Have you tried changing the transportation mode from walking to driving in Google Maps? Have you tried the same method we used in this article? Tell us all in the comments section below.