If you use Google Maps as an application of gps navigation You're not special, because it's the most used app in the world. However, not all users know the Google Maps tricks...or some of its most useful functions. And one of them, without a doubt, is to avoid tolls. Because, by default, Google Maps will tell you the route that will take you the least time to do. And that, sometimes, involves going through roads that involve paying a toll.
Sometimes you want to get there soon, yes, but you don't want to pay tolls. If this is your case, you should know that with Google Maps You don't have to ignore their warnings to avoid them. You can simply configure your GPS navigation routes to Avoid these toll roadsInstead of taking you along toll roads, Google Maps will give you directions via alternative roads and highwaysAnd perhaps it will take you a little longer to get there, or you'll take a slightly longer route, but you won't have to pay the tolls of the roads.
In addition, the app lets you choose whether you want this preference to be something punctual for a specific route or permanent adjustment for all your journeys. This way, you can adapt whether you frequently travel through toll areas or simply need to avoid toll roads on a specific trip. You'll see both options explained step by step later.
How to avoid tolls when using Google Maps as a GPS navigation application
On your mobile open the application Google Maps and at the top, in the search bar, enter the final destination Go to the location you normally would. From the suggestions it offers, select the one that matches your intention. That point will then appear directly on the map, along with a Location preview, with the time it will take you to arrive if you start browsing.
The buttons will appear below. How to get toStart, Save, and Share. We'll press the first one: How to get toAt that point, Google Maps will automatically calculate the fastest route or recommended based on traffic, distance and other factors, without yet taking into account your toll preferences if you haven't set them up before.
Now yes, we will get one preview of the route we are going to take. Here we will have the origin and destination point, the mode of transport we're going to use, the preview in question, and the Start and "Steps and more" options. What we need to do is, in the upper right corner, click on the button with three points in portrait orientation. And here we will select Route options to open a new menu in which, effectively, we will mark the option Avoid tolls, leaving the options as they were "Avoid highways" y "Avoid ferries"unless you also want to customize these alternatives.
We will click on "Done" and it will automatically start searching for one new routeThe fastest possible route without including toll roads. We will see that, evidently, the distance changes and, almost always, it changes the journey timeIf we are satisfied, we simply need to click on the button in the lower left corner. StartFrom that moment on, navigation will be carried out on toll-free roads.
If you want to use toll roads again on another trip, you can return to Route options and uncheck the box to avoid tolls. This way you'll maintain control at all times over whether you prioritize the time saving or saving money.
And now with tolls, or without tolls, you can still find restaurants with Google Maps on your route, See nearby gas stationsCheck traffic conditions or find out about other points of interest to better plan your trip.
Setting up toll-free routes in Google Maps: how the toll avoidance option works
Google Maps only asks us for a arrival point to automatically set the route. When using GPS permits It knows where we are and calculates what it considers the shortest route in terms of time. However, taking the shortest route may involve driving on toll roadsThis represents an additional cost that you may not have anticipated.
To avoid this, we can configure Google Maps with an option that prevents these types of toll roads from being included in the route. This setting affects both car trips as motorcycle trips, as long as you are using the navigation modes designed for vehicles and not for walking or public transport.
By activating the toll box in the Route optionsGoogle Maps recalculates the route to show a path that best suits your preferences. This means that:
- Priority will be given toll-free roadseven if the arrival time may increase.
- The application can show several toll-free alternativesalways indicating the estimated time difference.
- In some areas with few roads, it is possible that there is no viable toll-free routeTherefore, Google Maps may continue to show toll sections if there is no other reasonable way.
This configuration can be used in two different ways: as timely adjustment only for the current route, or as permanent preference for all your journeys, something especially useful if you want to systematically avoid toll roads.
How to quickly activate the "Avoid tolls" option on a specific route
If what we want is Avoid toll roads only on the trip we're about to take.Simply follow a very easy sequence within the route screen itself. It's ideal when you don't normally mind using tolls, but for a specific journey you want to avoid spending extra money.
The steps, once you have entered the destination and clicked on How to get toThey are very similar to the ones we saw before, but it's important to understand where each setting is so you don't waste time when you're about to leave:
- Click on the three point menu in the upper right corner of the route screen.
- Choose the option Route options.
- In the window called Driving options check the box Avoid tolls.
- If you wish, you can also mark Avoid highways o Avoid ferriesDepending on the type of trip you want to take.
- Click the button Ready so that the changes are saved and the route is recalculated.
Once we have pressed the button, if the route we have selected includes this type of road, It will be updated without any tolls.You'll see how sections of toll highways disappear and are replaced by alternative routes, usually national or regional roads.
In this mode, the choice of avoid tolls It applies mainly to the current routeIf you close Google Maps or plan a different trip later, you'll need to check the route options again to make sure the toll box is still displayed as you want it, since behavior can vary depending on the app version or your global settings.
Keep in mind that, although the toll avoidance adjustment is very effective, the availability of alternative routes always depends on the road infrastructure of the areaIf you're in an area where the only reasonable route involves a toll, Google Maps may still suggest that route, although it will always try to respect your preference as long as there is a viable alternative.
Set avoid tolls as a permanent preference in Google Maps
In addition to configuring the toll option route by route, Google Maps allows you to set permanent preferences so that, by default, never include tolls on your journeys. This option is very useful if you want to completely forget about toll highways and prefer to take a little longer in exchange for saving money on each trip.
To do this, you must enter the general application settings and access the navigation settings. Although the exact location of these options may vary slightly depending on the version, the typical flow is as follows:
- Opens Google Maps on your phone.
- Click on the profile picture from your Google account located in the upper right corner.
- Access the menu Settings.
- Search and enter the section called or simply Navigation.
- Within this section, locate the route options o route preferences, where you will find the box Avoid tolls.
- Activate the route option called Avoid tolls so that it is permanently marked.
From that point on, Google Maps will behave as if the "avoid tolls" option were always enabled when you calculate a route. This means that, under normal conditions:
- Routes with tolls will not be shown as recommended, except in specific cases where there is no reasonable alternative.
- When several toll-free options exist, the one that offers the better balance between time and distance.
- If you check the alternatives at the bottom, you can compare the estimated times of the toll-free routes that the app offers.
This change is considered a global and persistent adjustmentTherefore, even if you close the app, change your destination, restart your phone, or Google Maps updates, the toll avoidance preference will remain selected by default. You can always return to Navigation Settings and disable it if you want to use toll roads again for certain journeys where speed is a priority.
It's a good idea to check this section from time to time, especially if you notice that the routes Google Maps suggests are longer than expected or they don't go through highways that you know exist in the area; in many cases this is precisely because you have this option activated by default.
What other route options does Google Maps offer: highways, ferries, and more
In the same menu where you can configure the option to avoid tollsGoogle Maps offers additional preferences that influence the types of roads you'll use. Understanding these preferences allows you to adapt your trip to your driving style or your needs at any given time.
The main additional options The options you'll find, both in the submenu of a specific route and in the global navigation settings, are:
- Avoid highwaysBy checking this box, Google Maps will attempt to route through back roads instead of major highways or motorways. It's a very useful option if you're looking for quieter journeys with less fast traffic, or if you want to enjoy a more scenic trip.
- Avoid ferriesThis preference causes the route calculation to not include sections that require using a ferryThis is important in coastal areas, islands, or areas where crossing a river might involve loading the vehicle onto a boat.
By combining these options with the one from avoid tollsYou can create highly customized routes. For example, you could select tolls but leave highways active to take advantage of free, high-capacity roads, or you could avoid both tolls and highways if you want to explore secondary roads at your own pace.
However, the more filters you activate, the more likely the resulting route will be longer in time and kilometersOn complex routes, it's possible that no single road combination will meet all your requirements. In these cases, Google Maps prioritizes the most sensible option, even if it means compromising some of your preferences if no other viable alternative exists.
How to see if a route includes tolls and how many there are on your trip
Before activating or deactivating options, it's a good idea to know if the route you're about to follow Does it actually include tolls? And how many you'll find. Google Maps offers this information within the route preview itself, and it's very useful for deciding whether it's worth using a toll road or if you'd prefer to look for an alternative route.
Once you have entered the destination and the route is displayed, in the bottom of screen You'll see the estimated travel time and, in many cases, an indication of whether there are tolls along the route. Additionally, if you tap the route information button, you can view more details.
- In the section ROUTE INFO or in the drop-down information you can see if the calculated route includes tolls.
- In certain versions, Google Maps even indicates the distance between the starting point and the arrival point.
- If there are multiple suggested routes, it usually specifies Which option has tolls and which doesn't?so you can compare quickly.
If you notice that the main route has toll roads and you don't want to use them, you just have to go back to the main route screen where you have selected your destination and click on Route options to activate the checkbox Avoid tollsOn many devices you will also find this option through the sliders or quick settings icon, usually located at the bottom of the route screen.
Thanks to this combination of prior information and quick adjustments, you can make an informed decision about whether it's worth it for you. pay to save time or if you prefer to avoid any additional costs during the trip.
Advantages and disadvantages of avoiding tolls with Google Maps
Google Maps' toll avoidance feature is very powerful, but it's not always the best solution for every trip. It's worth knowing its limitations. strengths and its possible drawbacks to know when to activate it and when it might be better to leave it unchecked.
Among its main advantages can include:
- Economic savingsBy not using toll highways, the total cost of the trip is usually lower, especially on long routes with many tolls.
- Greater control of spendingIf you're traveling on a tight budget, avoiding tolls allows you to better plan what you'll spend on fuel and other expenses.
- Alternative routes: on many occasions you will discover interesting secondary roads, intermediate towns and landscapes that would go unnoticed while always traveling on highways.
However, there are also some aspects to consider:
- Longer travel timeBy avoiding toll roads, journeys are usually longer in time, and sometimes also in kilometers.
- More local trafficSecondary roads may have intersections, traffic lights, and urban traffic that slow you down.
- Fewer services en routeSome toll highways have better equipped service areas Alternative roads are something to consider for long journeys or when traveling with children.
The key is to adjust this function to your priorities of each tripYou can have the preference to avoid tolls activated on your usual routes to save money on a daily basis, and deactivate it on urgent journeys where arriving quickly is the most important thing.
Use Google Maps to check toll-free and toll-free alternatives
One very interesting use of Google Maps is to take advantage of the application not only to avoid tolls, but also to Quickly compare routes with and without toll roads.This way you can assess how much time you actually save with a toll and whether it's worth paying for it.
When you enter a destination, Google Maps usually shows several route options highlighted on the map. Usually, the main route is the recommended one based on time, but you will see one or two shaded alternatives with slightly longer or shorter times.
To take advantage of this in an advanced way, you can do the following:
- First, let The option to avoid tolls has been deactivated. and see which route it suggests as the fastest.
- Next, check if it includes toll sections by looking at the toll information at the bottom or on the route card.
- Next, check the box to Avoid tolls in Route Options and wait for Google Maps to recalculate the route.
- Compare the estimated travel time with and without tolls for that same origin and destination combination.
With this information in hand, you can assess whether the time difference It's worth it. In some cases, avoiding a toll might only add a few minutes to your trip. In others, the toll-free route could significantly lengthen your journey, which might not be ideal if you're on a tight schedule.
Although Google Maps doesn't always show the exact price of each toll In all regions, this time comparison gives you a solid basis for deciding, and if needed, you can supplement the information by checking the approximate cost of tolls through other sources before you leave.
Current limitations of Google Maps with tolls
Google Maps stands out from other navigation apps by offering a clear option for avoid toll roadsHowever, it still has some limitations that are important to know if you want to control the cost of your trips as much as possible.
One of the main shortcomings is that, in many regions, the app It does not show the toll prices. directly on the map or in the route details. This means that even if you know how many tolls you'll encounter, you won't always be able to see the total cost directly from the app.
In those cases, if you need to know the cost precisely, the simplest alternative is to do a quick internet search You can choose to pay the toll on the specific toll or use other specialized tools that calculate the total cost of your trip. Google Maps will still be the perfect assistant to get you to your destination, but you'll have to complete the cost calculation yourself.
Additionally, you should be aware that the exact way in which tolls are displayed, the number of tolls, or the presence or absence of prices may vary. vary between countries and updates of the application. That's why it's recommended to occasionally check the app's updates and navigation settings to take advantage of the latest features as they are added.
How to avoid tolls on iPhone using Google Maps and Apple Maps
If you use an iPhone, you can also benefit from the options for avoid tolls This works with both Google Maps and Apple's native Maps app. The functionality is very similar to Android, although the location of the options varies slightly between systems.
On one hand, Google Maps on iPhone It maintains the same philosophy: you can choose to avoid tolls on a case-by-case basis in the route options or go into the navigation settings to set it as a permanent preference. The menus are virtually identical, so if you're used to using the app on Android, you'll find it very easy to adapt.
On the other hand, if you usually use Apple MapsYou also have a specific function to avoid toll roads. The general process consists of:
- Open the application Maps on your iPhone.
- Search the final destination to the one you want to go and select the driving route.
- Access the route options or the section where settings such as "Avoid" appear.
- Activate the functionality that allows avoid tolls.
Once enabled, navigation will adjust to avoid toll highways whenever a reasonable alternative exists. This means that you can do this with both Android and iPhone devices. skip all toll roads and reduce costs, without giving up the advantages of step-by-step guided navigation.
Alternatives to Google Maps for managing tolls: Waze and other apps
Although Google Maps covers the needs of most users very well, there are other navigation applications which offer interesting features related to tolls and road types. Among them, the following stand out in particular Waze, a very popular app that also belongs to Google but focuses more on real-time collaborative information.
Waze lets you define your details route preferences To avoid tolls, ferries, and highways. You can even configure, before you start driving, which types of roads you want to avoid, not just for the current trip, but for all your future journeys. Its philosophy is very similar to Google Maps, but it adds a more social focus and a very powerful traffic alert system.
- possibility of avoid tolls, ferries and motorways directly from the navigation menu.
- Specific options for HOV lanes (high occupancy vehicles), so that you can indicate whether you are authorized to use them or not.
- In certain regions, the capacity to See the approximate price of some tollsThis is especially useful if you want to compare route costs.
Beyond Waze, other GPS and navigation apps also include features to avoid tolls or display detailed cost information, although their level of integration and accuracy may vary. However, for most users, the combination of real-time collaborative information And community tips are usually enough to manage the trip well.
Finally, many people combine both apps depending on the situation: A combination of Google Maps and Waze It is usually more than enough to control both travel time and unforeseen events on the route.
Practical tips to get the most out of the toll avoidance option
Once you understand how the option works avoid tolls In Google Maps and what alternatives exist, it's a good time to review some practical tips that will help you make the most of it on a daily basis.
First of all, it is advisable that, before a long trip, you dedicate a few minutes to plan the route Take your time. Check what the fastest route would be with tolls and compare it to the route without toll roads. This will give you a clear picture of the impact in time and distance that will have your decision.
It's also a good idea to take other factors into account.:
- Closing hourDuring peak hours, secondary roads can become more congested than highways, even if they are not toll roads.
- Trip typeIf you're traveling with small children, pets, or need to make frequent stops, you might be interested in the service areas on certain highways, even those that come at a cost.
- Meteorological conditionsIn situations of heavy rain, snow, or fog, the highways and motorways They can be safer than narrow secondary roads.
Finally, don't forget that, although the option to avoid tolls is very useful, you can always change it on the fly if circumstances change. If during your trip you see that the alternative route becomes too complicated, you can temporarily disable the checkbox and let Google Maps guide you along the nearest toll highway to save time or gain convenience.
The combination of these Google Maps features, along with the ability to repeatedly review toll-free and toll-free alternatives, makes the app a very flexible tool for tailor each trip to your budgetyour availability and your driving style, ensuring that you always have under control both the route and the money you decide to spend on the road.
