How to change transportation mode in google maps

I finally found it! I finally found How To Change Default Transportation / Commute mode. Have been stuck in Walking mode for 2 years now and I finally changed it to driving! from GoogleMaps

The latest Google Maps beta v11.28 appears to be testing the ability to let users pick their preferred transport mode for in-app directions.

That’s not all as this change appears to show a previously tested route UI alteration that has a floating panel above the wider map view. Like this test from last year, instead of offering the usual tab or transport carousel underneath your current location and destination, this change may remove unnecessary components by allowing you to pre-select your most-used transit or transport methods.

You may note that a similar option has existed in a very different place than the main Google Maps app for some time. You’re able to adjust or change your preferred method of transport for your account from within the Google app. This involves heading to Settings > Google Assistant > Account > Preferences > Transport.

From here you’re able to change your preferred transport mode from a car, public transport, walking, cycling, or motorcycle. This only applies to directions offered when you make a request to the Google Assistant and it’s unclear if this option would cause some clashes.

In Google Maps beta 11.28, some users (h/t @GreenShades) are now seeing the ability to change or favorite their preferred transport modes from within the main app view along with the updated floating route option UI. This would certainly save time over the cumbersome method mentioned above and allows you to set multiple favorite options for transport.

If available on your device, when you then search for directions, you’ll get those specific modes prioritized within Maps and more space is allotted to the map overview. It even includes more options for you including driving, walking, rail and bus, cycling, ride-hailing services, and bike/scooter share services:

How to change transportation mode in google maps
How to change transportation mode in google maps

The slide-in bottom panel within Google Maps will then show these options, allowing you to pick your preferred transport method and directions for that specific transportation mode will be shown. It’s not entirely clear if this is widespread but the reports we have received concern Google Maps beta v11.28.0. As is often the case, this could simply be another UI test that will not spread more widely but it would clean up the process of getting directions that you want rather than those you do not need.

Let us know down in the comments section below if you’re seeing the option on your device along with your specific Google Maps build number.

More on Google Maps:

  • Google Maps rolling out toll pricing, more detailed navigation, and new iOS integrations 
  • Google Maps is reportedly the next target of US antitrust investigations
  • Downloading areas in Google Maps for offline use – Here’s how

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How to change transportation mode in google maps


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Guides

How to change transportation mode in google maps

Google Maps

About the Author

Damien Wilde

@iamdamienwilde

Damien is a UK-based video producer for 9to5Google. Find him on Twitter: @iamdamienwilde. Email: [email protected]

Whether you’re planning a future trip or simply just want to search for a specific location you may want to visit some other time, Google Maps can be a very useful tool. It helps you estimate the travel time and all the preparations you’ll need if ever. Also, it already gives you an idea of what the route would be like, making you more familiar with it.


Tutorial

Well, to help you have an accurate experience in Google Maps, they offer viewing directions in different travel modes — driving, walking, cycling, transit, and flights. If you haven’t discovered it yet, here’s a guide on how to change the travel mode in Google Maps.

1. Open Google Maps app on your phone or visit their site on your desktop.

When you already have the downloaded app on your mobile device, simply open it. However, when you’re on your desktop, type maps.google.com to visit their site.

The search bar is located at the upper-left side part your screen. Click it and type in the address name of your desired location.

How to change transportation mode in google maps
How to change transportation mode in google maps

3. Click on the “Directions” option.

After you input the location on the search bar, click enter. If you’re on your device, click “Directions” at the menu bar located on the left side of the screen. On the other hand, look for the “Directions” button at the bottom of the screen when on your mobile.

  • How to change transportation mode in google maps
    How to change transportation mode in google maps

4. Choose a starting point.

To allow a time estimation of your travel, make sure that you input a starting point. You can either put your current location or choose a different one from your saved locations and others more.

How to change transportation mode in google maps
How to change transportation mode in google maps

5. Choose your preferred travel mode to view.

At the top column of the menu bar, you’ll notice different icons such as a car, airplane, bus, and many more; they each correspond to a specific travel mode. If you want to view the directions when driving, click the car button, the person for walking, the bus for transit, the bicycle for cycling, and the airplane icon for flights.

For each one, you will also be able to see the estimated time period for the travel.

How to change transportation mode in google maps
How to change transportation mode in google maps

Use Google Maps with Great Accuracy

When you’re most curious about the amount of time it will take you to reach a certain destination, viewing the directions in the appropriate travel mode can help give you a more accurate estimation. Otherwise, you might experience some errors or inexactness when it comes to time. For instance, you won’t get an accurate estimation of your ETA if you look at the directions in the driving travel mode, but you won’t actually be using a car.

How do you change Google Maps from bus to car?

Select the “Directions” option under the map. Select your starting location. Tap on the car icon beneath the starting location and destination to receive driving directions.

How do I change the transport mode on Google Maps iPhone?

Change the way you commute.
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app ..
At the bottom, tap Go ..
Search for your destination in the search bar at the top..
At the bottom, tap on “Directions.”.
At the top, select your transportation mode..
Select your preferred route..
At the bottom, tap Pin ..

How do I change maps to car mode?

Choose a vehicle icon.
On your device, open the Google Maps app ..
Start navigation. Learn how to navigate to a place..
Tap the blue arrow, or the vehicle if you already changed it..
Tap the icon you want to use..