travel time estimate google maps

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• Search for your destination in the search bar at the top.
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• The current traffic on your route
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Tip: Only available on mobile and in some locations.

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How Does Google Maps Calculate Travel Time?

As of 2011, Google is the most popular website on the Internet, fielding literally millions of queries each day. Of the available Google services, 6.92 percent of the site's massive amount of traffic goes to Google Maps, according to Alexa. Google maps offers everything from street-view and real time pictures of certain locations to driving directions. If you're looking for directions and travel time for a destination, understanding how Google calculates driving time gives you a better idea of how that time is applicable to your trip.

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Travel Distance and Route

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When you input a starting point and a destination into the Google Maps interface, it first calculates the fastest route to get from point A to point B. You can toggle your settings so the service finds routes with fewer stops, routes that avoid freeways and routes that match other specifics. When you change the route, the travel time also changes to reflect the specifications you've made, which are calculated and added to other factors that determine the overall travel time.

Speed Limit Data

The original travel time for any given route is calculated using the average speed limits along the route. Google collects data on the speed limits of major highways, freeways and streets to give the most accurate travel time possible. The average time you see when you plug a route into the Google Maps interface is one calculated using that specific data, but since travel speeds vary, it's not always the most accurate estimate.

Before 2007, Google Maps was only able to calculate the travel time based on the distance between two points and the average speed limit between those points. Today Google also takes into consideration current traffic conditions, which often increase travel time. When you receive your route from Google Maps you'll see two travel times. One is the average travel time at optimum conditions and the other is the travel time under current traffic conditions, which is handy to help you plan and give yourself the time you need to reach your destination.

Estimates vs. Real Time

It's important to remember that when you track a route through Google Maps, all information is an estimate. Google Maps cannot take into consideration your personal driving speed or unexpected conditions, which is why the travel time presented to you might not always be completely accurate. Use common sense and judgement to ensure you arrive on time based on your personal specifics, such as speed and stops on the way.

• CNET: Google Maps Now Includes Traffic in Drive Time
• Google Lat Long: How Long Will It Take at Rush Hour?
• Alexa: Google.com Site Info

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Travel Time Calculator Google Maps

Introduction.

In the age of technology, planning your journeys has become more seamless than ever. The Travel Time Calculator on Google Maps is a valuable tool that enables users to estimate travel durations, helping them make informed decisions about commuting, travel itineraries, and more. This article delves into the functionality of this tool, offering insights into its formula, usage, and providing practical examples.

The Travel Time Calculator on Google Maps utilizes advanced algorithms to calculate travel time based on factors such as distance, traffic conditions, and chosen mode of transportation. While the exact formula is proprietary, it considers real-time data to provide accurate and up-to-date estimates.

How to Use?

• Enter Start and End Points : Open Google Maps and input your starting location and destination.
• Select Transportation Mode : Choose your preferred mode of transportation—whether it’s driving, walking, biking, or public transit.
• Review Routes and Duration : Google Maps will display various routes along with estimated travel times. Select the one that suits your preferences.
• Real-Time Updates : Be mindful of real-time traffic conditions, as Google Maps dynamically adjusts travel estimates based on current situations.

Suppose you’re planning a road trip from Miami to Orlando:

• Start Point : Miami, FL
• End Point : Orlando, FL
• Mode : Driving

Google Maps may provide an estimate of approximately 3 hours based on current traffic and road conditions.

Q1: How accurate is the travel time estimate on Google Maps?

A1: Google Maps employs real-time data to provide accurate estimates, but unforeseen events can affect travel times. It’s advisable to check for updates during your journey.

Q2: Can I use Google Maps for public transportation schedules?

A2: Yes, Google Maps offers public transit schedules and estimates for buses, trains, and other modes of public transportation.

Q3: Does the Travel Time Calculator consider historical traffic data?

A3: Yes, Google Maps uses historical traffic patterns to enhance the accuracy of its travel time estimates.

Conclusion:

The Travel Time Calculator on Google Maps has become an indispensable tool for individuals and businesses alike, providing a quick and reliable way to plan journeys. Whether you’re navigating through daily commutes or embarking on a cross-country road trip, this feature offers valuable insights to ensure a smoother and more efficient travel experience. Stay connected with real-time updates and make the most of your time on the road with Google Maps.

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Google Maps will now tell you the best time to hit the road

The feature is already live on our devices, so Google might not be doing a lengthy rollout with this particular new feature. The information is presented as a bar graph that looks very similar to the one used to denote hours when businesses are busiest. You can even look one hour in the past, to kick yourself over how much time you might have saved if you just left a little earlier.

The feature is only available in the United States and United Kingdom, according to Android Central , and didn’t accompany an app update — meaning users in other regions will have to wait for Google to flip it on.

Google sources traffic data all day, all around the world, so it’s nice to see it used to deliver a new tool that makes driving easier and traffic jams less unexpected.

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Every couple of months, Google quietly updates Maps with helpful little features, like a parking availability indicator or floor plans with marked staircases and elevators to denote wheelchair-accessible places. It can honestly be difficult to stay on top of everything you can do with Maps, which is why we’ve written a guide featuring the most useful tips and tricks .

At the same time, the company has been fighting back against problems like fake listings for locations and businesses that are aimed at extorting travelers. According to Google, about 70 percent of these listings have been weeded out over the past two years. New policies instituted since then have prevented unverified businesses from creating listings in bulk, or registering locations far away from their existing operation. Google says most of the offenders are now identified before they ever appear to the public.

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• Google Maps got a major update, and people hate it

Google introduced a major update for Maps on Thursday, adding a bunch of new features that make the app even more powerful.

The company has been working hard to bring AI smarts to its suite of tools in recent months, and so it’s no surprise to see Google Maps getting some attention in this area.

Google has been accused of negligence after a man drove off a broken bridge while allegedly following directions on Google Maps.

Philip Paxson drowned after the Jeep Gladiator he was driving fell about 20 feet (6.1 meters) and landed upside down in a river in Hickory, North Carolina, about 60 miles northwest of Charlotte.

The latest version of Google Flights provides you with new information designed to help you make a more informed choice about when to book a ticket for a flight.

“Most of the time, it’s better to book on the early side, especially when your plans aren’t very flexible,” Google Flights’ James Byers says in a blog post introducing the new features. “But flight prices do change frequently, and there are often low fares to be found with the right tools (and some perseverance).”

Calculate Travel Time Google Maps: A Complete Overview

Google Maps has become a popular navigation app essential to human life. It allows individuals to plan their journeys, get real-time traffic updates, and deliver products and services to their customers.

One impressive feature that makes Google Maps an excellent tool is the ability to calculate travel time. Many consider this feature remarkable yet wonder how it can accurately calculate travel time on Google Maps.

It employs modern technology and other factors to provide accurate travel time. How truly remarkable! This guide will provide interesting details on how to calculate travel time on Google Maps. Overall, you will better appreciate how Google Maps continues delivering accurate navigation to its users. 

How Does Google Maps Calculate Travel Time?

Google Maps is a sophisticated high-end tool that dominates many alternatives in the navigation sector. A study indicates that over 150 million active users utilize Google Maps monthly ,  providing them with millions of navigation info daily. It is especially evident as we employ Google Maps to plan a route, commute to work, navigate unfamiliar territories, and more.

Despite its high-end navigation services, many ask, “How does Google Maps calculate travel time?” This question often arises due to the Expected Time of Arrival (ETA) accuracy. Well, the answer is not far-fetched. Google Maps employs a complex algorithm to estimate travel time from various variables.

To calculate travel time on Google Maps, the algorithm accounts for various transportation modes, including walking, driving, cycling, and public transit. It also considers many factors, such as weather conditions, traffic patterns, and terrain.

4 Factors That Help To Calculate Travel Time on Google Maps

After considering how Google Maps calculates travel time, it is necessary to consider specific factors that can help to calculate travel time on Google Maps. Here are four of them.

• Determination of the Fastest Route

One significant factor that helps to calculate travel time on Google Maps is determining the fastest route between the starting point and the destination. To determine the best route, Google Maps notes road networks, real-time and historical traffic data, and machine learning algorithms.

• Speed Limits

Another factor to consider is the speed limit. Since Google Maps receives data from GPS satellites, it assumes the average speed of vehicles. Also, it takes note of the terrain of certain road networks and their speed limits.

Consequently, as long as there is no traffic, the app assumes the drivers will navigate to their final destinations with such speed. For instance, Suppose the speed limit of a particular highway is 40 miles per hour with no traffic in sight. In that case, Google Maps calculates travel time at 40 miles per hour to reach their final destination.

• Including Real-Time Updates From Users

Google’s complex algorithm allows it to consider real-time updates from other users on the road. This app collects data from mobile phones, GPS devices, and vehicles to provide updates on traffic, accidents, or other road features. Thus, it will automatically update the estimated travel time while journeying.

• Different Modes of Transportation

Another factor determining the travel time calculation on Google Maps is different modes of transportation. The transport mode you use to navigate from your current location to your final destination is quite significant. Different transportation modes have varying speeds and travel times. Google Maps collects data on the average speed of each mode to provide an estimated arrival time when navigating.

What Speed Does Google Maps Use To Calculate Travel Time?

Indeed, a lot is happening behind the scenes to calculate travel time on Google Maps. Likely, in your early education, you are aware of this universal formula for calculating the total distance of an object or person;

Total distance = Average Speed X Time Taken

Therefore, to calculate your average speed, you need to know the total distance you covered. When you get the answer, divide it by the time it took you to cover that distance. 

Average speed = Total Distance / Time Taken

Despite its complexities, Google Maps bases its operations on this universal formula to provide your average speed and travel time during navigation.

So you are right to ask, “What speed does Google Maps use to calculate travel time?” To calculate this effectively, the app utilizes speed limits to provide accurate travel time. How so?

Speed limits are safe speeds that traffic laws provide road users with to prevent accidents. They are a significant determinant when you want to calculate travel time on Google Maps. Following traffic laws, the app assumes drivers will travel at the specified speed limit on any road.

This assumption is valid because most drivers follow speed limits strictly to avoid speeding fines, tickets, and other penalties. To determine the speed limit of major and minor roads, Google Maps collects data from government agencies and traffic studies. Also, it provides users with updates on the speed limit in cases of road construction, accidents, and other factors.

3 Factors That Affect Speed When You Want To Calculate Travel Time on Google Maps

Speed limits help to calculate travel time on Google Maps effectively. However, other factors can also affect the speed. Here are three major factors to keep in mind.

• Real-Time Traffic

Traffic is usually a common factor that affects speed when trying to calculate travel time on Google Maps. Google Maps collects traffic data in real time and updates its users regarding the current traffic conditions on the road. Moreso, since traffic affects speed significantly, the app can adjust travel time estimates by introducing slower speed indicators on its maps.  

• Mode of Transportation

The mode of transportation you employ in navigation can affect the speed necessary to complete your journey. Thus, it significantly alters your travel time on Google Maps. How so? Consider the varying speeds of different transportation modes.

For vehicles and motorcycles, Google Maps assumes that drivers will travel at or below the speed limit on any road. As a result, it predicts the travel time when plying a particular route to get to your destination. 

The app uses different speeds for bicycles and pedestrians to calculate travel time. These speeds depend on factors such as the terrain, the presence of bike lanes or sidewalks, and their average speed.

• Personal Factor

It is another determinant that affects speed when calculating time travel on Google Maps. Some users may enjoy their trips more by going slower than the speed limits, thus increasing the estimated arrival time. Others may want to reach their destination as fast as possible, thus reducing travel time.

Also, human errors often occur when users calculate time travel with a particular transportation mode. In effect, they are not employing the right mode on Google Maps to calculate transportation mode accurately. 

Understanding Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)

Overall, Google Maps provide accurate travel time by combining real-time traffic data, transportation modes, and speed limits. When you want to calculate travel time on Google Maps, it provides an ETA according to available traffic data.

It is important to note that Google Maps’ estimated time is not always accurate. It would help to consider present traffic and weather conditions, accidents, and road closures. Also, suppose you are traveling during rush hour or in a busy city. In that case, your estimated travel time is longer than the time stipulated on Google Maps.

Therefore, if you want to calculate travel time on Google Maps, endeavor to render all available information as an estimate. While normal conditions make this estimate accurate and reliable, unforeseen events can alter it. Ultimately, it would help if you allow a time buffer when using Google Maps for personal or professional use.

Other Useful Navigation Features of Google Maps

Indeed, Google Maps is an amazing tool which provides the best navigation to its users. It’s totally cool to know how to calculate travel time on Google Maps. However, there are several fascinating features that can also be of utmost importance to you.

As a popular mapping service, many users use Google Maps for personal use, like planning a route, preparing for a road trip, and checking out new spots in their area. Business owners utilize it to calculate a route with multiple stops. In fact, you can make delivery at ten different locations in a particular route efficiently with this app.

If you want to navigate through a busy city, especially during rush hour, Google Maps feature real-time traffic data. This feature provides alternative routes from your current location to your destination. Many have found valuable navigation tips when utilizing Google Maps in their daily commute. 

Many mapping platforms utilize Google Maps’ functionalities to provide essential features to their customers. Thus, they can create custom maps for their clients and employ various tools to assist them in their personal and professional use. 

Furthermore, they collect valuable data from Google Maps to streamline better navigation services for individuals and businesses using their platform. So, this app is more than simply finding the distance or calculating travel time between two points. It helps other mapping platforms to provide better services to their clients.

Final Thoughts on Calculating Travel Time on Google Maps

Google Maps is an excellent navigation tool that offers users accurate travel times regardless of road terrain and speed limits. Complex algorithms and other factors like speed limits and transportation modes help to calculate travel time on Google Maps accurately.

Indeed leveraging the power of Google Maps in your business has many advantages. As such, it becomes important to harness the benefits of Mapize — a mapping platform that integrates Google Maps’ functionality into creating custom maps. 

Interestingly, Mapize features tools that help calculate travel time on Google Maps between multiple points. While doing so, it considers traffic conditions, road closures, weather, and terrain. Furthermore, Mapize allows you to integrate custom maps into other applications and services. This will help to increase your workflow and streamline your business to meet the needs of your existing and prospective customers. 

You do not require coding knowledge to utilize its tools. So, join Mapize today for free and create your first map .

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Get Savvy with Social

Using Google Maps to estimate arrival and departure times

Google Maps can calculate arrival and departure times in the future. I love this feature to help with traffic and to plan ahead. It’s easy to use and you can do it on your desktop or a phone!

on a desktop

Start by putting in your departure and arrival locations, then click “Directions.”

Click “Leave now” which is toward the top left of this photo and has an arrow next to it:

That’s where you can change it to estimate your travel time based on arrival or departure:

MORE: Tesla road trip to the Grand Canyon and Southwest

As an example, let’s say I want to depart at 10 a.m. on a Sunday (so a few days from now):

You’ll see that once I clicked “Depart at” it let me put in a future date and time. You can pick a day far into the future as well. The times on the left change to reflect Google’s estimate on that date.

As another example, let’s say you want to estimate travel time based on arrival. Click “Arrive by” and pick your date and time, and Google will give you suggestions for when to leave your departure location:

MORE: Step up your navigation game with Google Maps’ Live View

Estimating arrival and departure times with Google Maps is very similar to the above on a phone as well.

Open the app and put in your locations. Then click the three dots top right:

Choose “Set depart or arrive time:”

You’ll be able to estimate times just like on a desktop:

MORE: Sign up for media consulting services!

@livnewss Using Google Maps to estimate future arrival and departure times 🗺 #googlemaps #google #arrivaltime #departuretime #traveltiktok #travel #getsavvywithsocial #livnews #livwell #fyp ♬ Realy – Ardapez

Keep in mind these times can change if there’s an unexpected circumstance like an accident. But it’s a great way to help you figure out your trip in advance!

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How To : See What Traffic Will Be Like at a Specific Time with Google Maps

As intuitive as Google Maps is for finding the best routes, it never let you choose departure and arrival times in the mobile app. This feature has long been available on the desktop site, allowing you to see what traffic should be like at a certain time and how long your drive would take at a point in the future. Fortunately, Google has finally added this feature to the app for iPhone and Android.

To try this out, you'll need to update your Google Maps app, which you can do with the links below. When you do, you'll be able to plan ahead by choosing arrival and/or departure times, which is ideal for seeing when you'll need to leave if you want to get to your destination by a specific time.

• Get the latest version of Google Maps: Android | iOS

Setting Departure or Arrival Times

Scheduling a trip based on either when you'd like to leave for, or arrive to a desired location couldn't be easier with Google maps — simply input your destination as you normally would within the the search field along the top of the screen. Tap on "Directions" after doing so to yield available routes.

Afterward, choose the best route a from the selections given. From there, tap on the three-dot menu button on the upper-right and hit "Set depart & arrive time" (Android) or "Set a reminder to leave" (iOS) from the prompt.

Now, either set the time and date you want to "Depart At" on the time table given, or tap on the "Arrive By" tab on the upper-right and adjust the time and date the same way if you want to arrive by a certain time. Hit "Set" once you're done, and Google Maps will yield average travel times for the route, along with either an ETA if you picked the former, or a suggested time for departure if you chose the latter.

As handy as this new feature is, it's worth noting that it does have some limitations. Google Maps currently won't alert you via a notification if you set a departure time. Besides that, traffic conditions aren't updated in real-time, so arrival times can vary, and drastically change due to unforeseen events like traffic accidents and sudden weather downturns.

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Driving Time Calculator

Driving time between two cities.

Travelmath helps you find the driving time based on actual directions for your road trip. You can find out how long it will take to drive between any two cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes. This can also help you plan the best route to travel to your destination. Compare the results with the flight time calculator to see how much longer it might take to drive the distance instead of flying. You can also print out pages with a travel map.

You may want to search for the driving distance instead. Or if you're thinking about flying, make sure you compare flight times between airports. For a long road trip, check the cost calculator to see if it's within your budget.

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Google Cloud

Predicting future travel times with the Google Maps APIs

Nov 10, 2015

[[read-time]] min read

• If your application is used for scheduling deliveries, and you want to ensure you’ve allowed enough time between deliveries so your drivers won’t be late, you might want to use the pessimistic travel time estimates.
• On the other hand, if you’re building a thermostat app, and you want the house to be warm by the time your user arrives home from work, you might want to use the optimistic travel time estimate to calculate when the user is likely to arrive.
• If you want to give your user an estimate of the most likely travel time to their destination, the default best_guess traffic model will give you the most likely travel time considering both current traffic conditions and historical averages.

“Taking the guesswork out of knowing how long it will take to drive between homes will help us provide a better customer experience to our users” – Curtis Howell, Product Manager Customer Engagement, Redfin

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Google Maps Formulas for Google Sheets

Use Google Maps formulas inside Google Sheets to calculate distances, travel time, get driving directions, look up postal codes with reverse geocoding and more!

You can bring the power of Google Maps to your Google Sheets using simple formulas with no coding. You don’t need to sign-up for the Google Maps API and all results from Google Maps are cached in the sheet so you are unlikely to hit any quota limits.

To give you a quick example, if you have the starting address in column A and the destination address in column B, a formula like =GOOGLEMAPS_DISTANCE(A1, B1, "driving") will quickly calculate the distance between the two points.

Or modify the formula slightly =GOOGLEMAPS_TIME(A1, B1, "walking") to know how long it will take for a person to walk from one point to another.

If you would like to try the Google Maps formulas without getting into the technical details, just make a copy of this Google Sheet and you are all set.

Using Google Maps inside Google Sheets

This tutorial explains how you can easily write custom Google Maps functions inside Google Sheets that will help you:

• Calculate distances between two cities or any addresses.
• Calculate the travel time (walking, driving or biking) between two points.
• Get the latitude and longitude co-ordinates of any address on Google Maps.
• Use reverse geocoding to find the postal address from GPS co-ordinates.
• Print driving directions between any points on earth.
• Get the address from the zip code itself.

1. Calculate Distances in Google Sheets

Specify the origin, the destination, the travel mode (walking or driving) and the function will return the distance between the two points in miles.

=GOOGLEMAPS_DISTANCE("NY 10005", "Hoboken NJ", "walking")

2. Reverse Geocoding in Google Sheets

Specify the latitude and longitude and get the full address of the point through reverse geocoding of coordinates.

3. Get the GPS coordinates of an address

Get the latitude and longitude of any address on Google Maps.

=GOOGLEMAPS_LATLONG("10 Hanover Square, NY")

4. Print the driving directions between addresses

Specify the origin address, the destination address, the travel mode and the function will use the Google Maps API to print step-by-step driving directions.

=GOOGLEMAPS_DIRECTIONS("NY 10005", "Hoboken NJ", "walking")

5. Measure the trip time with Google Maps

Specify the origin address, the destination address, the travel mode and the function will measure your approximate trip time between the specified addresses, provided a route exists.

=GOOGLEMAPS_DURATION("NY 10005", "Hoboken NJ", "walking")

Tip: Improve Formula Performance by Caching

The Google Sheets functions internally use the Google Maps API to calculate routes, distances and travel time. Google offers a limited quota for Maps operations and if your sheet performs too many queries in a short duration, you are likely to see errors like ""Service invoked too many times for one day” or something similar.

To get around the quota issue, it is recommended that you use Apps Script’s built-in cache to store results and, if the results of a function already exist in the case, you’ll make one less request to Google Maps.

The Maps functions inside this Google Sheet also use caching and here’s how you can implement it.

Also see: Embed Google Maps in Emails and Documents

Amit Agarwal

Google Developer Expert, Google Cloud Champion

Amit Agarwal is a Google Developer Expert in Google Workspace and Google Apps Script. He holds an engineering degree in Computer Science (I.I.T.) and is the first professional blogger in India.

Amit has developed several popular Google add-ons including  Mail Merge for Gmail  and  Document Studio . Read more on  Lifehacker  and  YourStory

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What is TravelTime?

Create a Travel Time Map

Travel time map generator & isochrones, i know i can get from a to b by public transport within my selected time, but it's not showing up.

• Walking to the station platform
• Waiting for the next available departure
• Time spent boarding the train
• Giving enough time to take the A to B journey
• Depart on the station on the other side.

You can't drive that far / you can drive much further than that"

• Open another mapping app of your choice and enter an A to B route
• Select a departure time for tomorrow.

Still not convinced?

About this tool, what is a travel time map, how to create a drive time radius map or other modes.

• Select a start location
• Select a maximum travel time limit
• Select a mode of transport, for example driving
• Voila! There's your driving radius map

Use cases for consumers

• Create a commute time map so you can see where to live based on commute time.
• How far can i travel in a given time: compare transport coverage for different areas.
• Create a drive time radius map: explore how far you can travel on a road trip.

Use cases for businesses

• Travel time mapping up to 4 hours & cross reference other data sets in GIS such as population data
• Site selection analysis: analyse the best location to locate a business by adding thousands of analysis points
• Create a distance matrix or travel time matrix & calculate travel times from thousands of origins to thousands of destinations
• Network analysis / travelling salesman problem: use spatial analytics to solve routing problems
• Commute time map - plot thousands of employee commute times for an office relocation
• Create up to 3 time polygons visualising where's reachable within 2 hours or less. Our API can create large travel time areas, talk to sales.
• Calculate travel times from an origin to various points of interest - in this demo we use points from Foursquare Give A to B routing details

Full access

• Book a demo
• Trial TravelTime API
• Trial QGIS Plugin
• Trial ArcGIS Pro Add-In
• Trial Alteryx Macros

TravelTime Features

• See 'How far can I get' in X minutes
• Create a drive time map or any other transport mode
• Overlap many shapes & highlight overlap area
• Search points of interest within the area
• Get A to B routing details

How accurate is Google Maps Journey time?

By: luke stewart tag(s): geolocation published: feb 01, 2021.

I have been doing quite a bit of work with businesses and government organisations on how to use Google Maps in real time and in particular the predictive Journey times and Estimated time of Arrival (ETA) functionality available through the Google Maps APIs .

One question that always comes up is how accurate the journey times are. So, I decided to put Google Maps to the test to find out just how reliable it is.

Testing the accuracy of Google Maps journey times

Google does not provide much documentation on the actual accuracy of their journey times, so it often comes down to the potential user to test this for themselves. Having used Google Maps for my own in-car navigation for a few years, I believe the predicted journey times are indeed very accurate. I would quite often let the person at the other end of my journey know my ETA and — bingo — arrive at that exact time. However, I had not validated the accuracy of the journey times. This is exactly what I have been doing over the last couple of months.

Over the past two months, I have noted the predicted journey time at the start of any car trip and measured this against the actual time. Having completed the analysis, I can confirm that, as expected, the Google Maps journey times are very accurate. Below is a summary of my findings.

Google Maps journey time analysis and findings

To undertake the analysis, I would enter my route into Google Maps, note down the predicted journey and arrival times and compare these to the actual times. I tried my best to stick to good driving behaviour, speed limit etc. to make sure the results were as representative as possible.

I conducted 56 individual trips with an average distance of 18 miles and journey time of 32 minutes. The trips were mainly from my house in Hampshire to locations in the South of England. I spent an average amount of each journey on motorways, A and B roads, with the odd country lane thrown in for good measure. I also recorded the traffic conditions based on the Google Maps navigation app and if the whole route equaled green, orange or red traffic. The majority of my trips were in green or orange, but I did have some with red traffic for comparison.

Considering the number of journeys I undertook and their average time and distance, I think an average of 1.8 min out of predicted journey time is a very good result. This gives me a lot of confidence about the accuracy of Google Maps journey times. It also gives me a lot of confidence that the technology we are offering to our customers is the best and most accurate there is.

One thing to note is that the journey time accuracy went down based on the amount of traffic on the route and the distance travelled. This is expected as those two variables make predicting journey times much harder. However the accuracy does not fall by a significant amount and my confidence in Google’s journey accuracy stays high even when undertaking long trips in traffic.

One further thing to note is I excluded from the results any trip that had an unpredictable incident such as a car crash, although there was only one such incident over my trips.

How does Google Maps work out journey times?

Google calculates journey time by measuring the distances between your two chosen points, and applying any speed limits that are in place on the route to provide a perceived average speed for the journey. This is then used to compute the forecast arrival time at the destination.

Crucially, however, Google Maps also layers over additional live, real-time data to ensure that these trip times are as accurate as possible. Data is sent anonymously to Google from Apple of Android smartphones that have Google Maps open, or from any Android device that shares location information. This data is then used to provide real-time updates on traffic congestion and incidents, which is then taken into account alongside the distance and typical journey time to provide a more reliable and realistic estimate.

The evolution of Google Maps journey time predictions

Google Maps journey time predictions have evolved to the point where they can now give highly accurate real and predictive journey times, even over long distances and in rush hour traffic conditions. These journey times have a wide range of uses, not only in the consumer world to help people navigate and understand when they will arrive at their destination but also in business and government to help improve customer service and plan new infrastructure.

I believe the journey times provided by Google Maps are the most accurate available in the UK and Europe, and most probably in the world. This information can help businesses and government services improve the services they provide and do so in a much more cost effective manner. I will be exploring some of these use cases and how Google predicts its journey times in subsequent posts.

Working with a Google Maps Premier Partner

A Google Cloud Partner like Ancoris can help you apply the power of Google Maps to solve current business challenges and develop new digital models using   location-based services .

We’re not only a Google Maps Premier Partner but have achieved Google’s Location-Based Services Partner Specialisation. This means we’ve demonstrated both technical proficiency and proven success in building and managing applications using the best of Google Maps Platform and Google Cloud Platform in both web and mobile environments.

If you’d like to find out more about how we can help you, why not take a look at some of our customer success stories or   talk to the experts in our Google Maps team .

Article updated June 2022 First published February 2018

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What is Google Maps’ Estimated Arrival Time and How to Use it for Your Business?

Google Maps Platform has transformed the way businesses and individuals navigate the world. One of its most powerful components is the Routes API, a suite of tools designed to provide precise routing solutions for various transportation needs. In this article, we delve into the key features of Google Maps Routes API, Google Maps Estimated Arrival and Time (ETA), and a case study of FREENOW, the Hamburg-based mobility service provider that connects taxi and passenger services in 100 European cities.

Key Features of Google Maps Routes API

The Directions feature of the Google Maps Routes API is a game-changer for planning journeys. Whether it’s for driving, walking, cycling, or public transit, this tool leverages real-time traffic information to create the most efficient routes. It’s not just about finding a way from point A to point B; it’s about finding the best way. By considering current traffic conditions, the Directions feature ensures that the suggested route is the most time-efficient, helping users avoid traffic jams and road closures.

Distance Matrix

Next is the Distance Matrix, a vital tool for businesses that manage multiple destinations or pickups. Imagine a delivery service needing to calculate the quickest or shortest routes for multiple deliveries. The Distance Matrix comes into play here, calculating the travel distance and time between various origins and destinations. This functionality is crucial for logistics and transportation companies, enabling them to optimize their operations and reduce transit times.

Finally, the Roads feature is particularly useful for applications requiring detailed route information, such as ride-sharing or delivery services. By providing route data based on coordinates, the Roads API helps in accurately determining the paths vehicles have traveled. This is especially beneficial in urban areas where GPS signals might be less reliable due to high buildings or other obstructions.

These features collectively make the Google Maps Routes API a versatile and essential tool for anyone needing reliable and efficient routing solutions.

Understanding Google Maps Estimated Arrival Time

In today’s fast-paced world, accurate time predictions are more than a convenience; they’re a necessity, especially for businesses that rely on timely deliveries and services. Google Maps’ estimated arrival time (ETA) and estimated time (ET) functionalities are crucial in planning and navigating routes. They provide users with predicted travel times by analyzing various factors, including real-time traffic data, average speed, and road conditions. This information is crucial for businesses and individuals who depend on punctual arrivals and efficient scheduling.

How Does Google Maps Calculate Estimated Time of Arrival?

Google Maps’ ability to predict travel time is rooted in its advanced technology and vast data collection methods. It employs a complex algorithm that takes into account several factors:

• Historical Traffic Data : Google Maps analyzes years of traffic patterns to understand traffic flow and arrival times at different periods of the day and days of the week.
• Real-Time Traffic Conditions : Live traffic data is continuously fed into the system, allowing Google Maps to adjust travel time predictions based on current road conditions.
• Road Types and Speed Limits : The nature of the roads (highways, local streets, etc.) and their speed limits also play a crucial role in determining travel time.
• User Data: Speed data from smartphones using Google Maps is aggregated to provide real-time traffic information, further refining the accuracy of travel time predictions.

How Accurate is Google Maps Travel Time?

An individual study conducted for over two months, involving 56 car trips in the South of England, revealed that Google Maps’ predicted journey times were remarkably accurate. The trips, covering an average distance of 18 miles with an average journey time of 32 minutes, showed that the actual arrival times were, on average, only about 1.8 minutes different from the predicted times. This high level of accuracy gives users substantial confidence in the reliability of Google Maps’ journey time predictions.

FREENOW Case Study: A Deep Dive

One successful implementation of Google Maps Platform can be seen in the case study of FREENOW , earlier known as Mytaxi. By integrating the Google Maps Platform solution, FREENOW improved the accuracy of estimated arrival times and enhanced driver-passenger interactions. The benefits included:

• Enhanced Navigation for Drivers : The direct incorporation of Google Maps navigation into the FREENOW app provided drivers with up-to-date traffic information and optimized routes. This feature improved the accuracy of ETAs, allowing drivers to navigate more efficiently and reduce the time spent searching for passengers.
• Improved Passenger Experience : With more reliable ETA information, passengers experienced shorter wait times and increased trust in the service. The integration also streamlined the process of finding and boarding rides, contributing to higher customer satisfaction.
• Operational Benefits: The improved ETA accuracy, which saw an average increase of 23% and up to 48% in certain cities, meant that drivers could complete more trips in a day. The average trip length also decreased by 4%, indicating more efficient routing and time management.

The FREENOW case study is a testament to the power of integrating advanced navigation solutions like the Google Maps Platform. It highlights how precise ETA predictions can transform the efficiency and reliability of services, benefiting both providers and consumers.

How does Google Maps calculate time?

• Distance : Google Maps measures the distance between your starting point and destination.
• Speed Limits : They factor in the posted speed limits for the roads you’ll be travelling on. This gives an initial estimate assuming normal traffic conditions.
• Real-time Traffic Data : Google collects anonymized data from Android devices and other sources to understand current traffic conditions. This allows them to adjust the travel time based on congestion ahead.
• Historical Traffic Data : Google considers historical traffic patterns for the specific day and time of day you plan to travel. This helps predict future traffic conditions and adjust the ETA accordingly.

By combining these elements, Google Maps strives to provide the most accurate estimate of how long your trip will take. It’s important to remember that this is still an estimate, and unexpected delays can always occur.

How can Cloudfresh Help You?

Cloudfresh is a unique hub of expertise for Google Maps Platform , Google Cloud , Zendesk , Asana , and Gitlab . To find out more information about Google Maps API for business, get in touch with our Google Maps certified product specialists.

Our Google Maps professional services include:

• Consultations and API integration, including address validation;
• Google Maps Platform-based development services;
• Technical teams’ training;
• Technical support;
• Google Maps licenses .

Contact our team and get the chance to take your customers’ location-based experience to the next level with Google Maps solutions!

Google’s Maps data: How does it work?

Reimagine your mapping experience with Google Maps Advanced Markers

Creating a Greener Environment with Google Maps Platform’s Newest Service

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Google Maps Bike Speed: How Fast Does It Assume You Cycle?

By Matthew Chandler

Updated Aug 15, 2023

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This post may contain affiliate links, which help to keep Discerning Cyclist rolling. Learn more .

Google Maps Bike Speed

Google Maps assumes a standard cycling speed of roughly 16kph (10mph) for its estimates. However, the speed can vary based on factors like gradient and intersections, influenced by past GPS data from other users. It doesn’t adjust for weather, time of day, actual personal cycling speed, or route surfaces.

If you take your bicycle out for a spin and end up venturing into the unknown, embrace it. Not only because you might find your new favourite cycling route, but because as long as you’ve got signal on your smart phone, you’ve always got good old Google Maps to bail you out if need be.

Introduced in 2005, before adding bike-specific functions in 2010, Google Maps has plenty of cycling benefits. For one thing, it actually shows you where the bike lanes in your area are , but it also gives you a rough estimate of how long it will take you to ride from your current location to your destination.

PICTURED: Bicycle Anatomy 101 Mug (Limited Edition)

Obviously, this can be seriously different in reality if you go significantly faster or slower than the speed they use. So, what speed does Google Maps use for biking? And are Google Maps cycling times accurate all the time?

Why is Google Maps Cycling Speed Important ?

Google Maps cycling speed is important so that you can:

• Plan the duration of your journey ahead of time.
• Find the quickest or most accessible routes.
• See how much longer it will take you if you took a quieter or scenic route.

How Fast Does Google Maps Assume You Bike?

Google Maps assumes a standard moving speed of roughly 16kph (10mph) irrespective of the length of your journey.

It also does not take into account time lost due to stopping for water, checking directions, and so on, while it uses the average stopping time for traffic lights, rail crossings and other stops.

Yet people often say they complete their journeys before the clock hits Google Maps’ estimated time of arrival (ETA), so don’t take that speed as gospel. There are other factors at play, of course, as we’ll get onto next…

Does Google Maps Adjust Cycling Speed?

Yes. Google Maps bike speed alters for each part of the route based on factors such as gradient and the number of intersections, while GPS data previously logged by other Google Maps users can also affect it.

Cycling speed is not adjusted because of:

• Weather conditions
• Time of day (and so the amount of congestion)
• Traffic lights – it assumes all cyclists wait until red lights turn green
• Route surfaces (e.g. off-road cycle paths, bumpier, less even terrain)
• How fast you cycle on average

How Does Google Maps Calculate Bike Time?

Don’t just take our word for it. Richard Russell, an ex-Google engineer, used Q&A site Quora in 2013 to expand on how Google Maps calculates speed.

Asked if ETAs are determined by speed limits or actual travel time by previous users , he said: “These things range from official speed limits and recommended speeds, likely speeds derived from road types, historical average speed data over certain time periods… actual travel times from previous users, and real-time traffic information.

“They mix data from whichever sources they have, and come up with the best prediction they can make.”

Is Google Maps Good for Cycling?

Of course – it offers you multiple routes from A to B, giving you a pretty good estimate of how long each will take.

But it’s not perfect, either. As we’ve established, there is a sense of uniformity about its ETAs which, while rarely if ever wildly inaccurate, aren’t exactly geared to individual cyclists or specific factors mentioned above, like weather or traffic.

That said, credit where it’s due – it’s still pretty reliable, and is always adding new improvements, including a visual overhaul last summer courtesy of algorithmic analysis of satellite imagery, which tries to automatically decipher the nature of the environment.

Then, late in 2020, Google Maps launched a messaging function, so verified businesses can now communicate with customers directly from the Google Maps app. Its performance insights were also updated, as well as adding Street View contributions straight from your phone, and a Community Feed.

And as of March 2021, Google Maps have started defaulting to the route with the lowest carbon footprint, rather than the fastest, in a bid to make it more eco-friendly.

Google Maps Alternatives for Cycling Routes

If you decide you no longer want to be of the billion-or-so users of Google Maps, you’re at least spoilt for choice when it comes to picking another app.

Google Maps may offer great ease of use and arguably the most contemporary data, but some understandably feel uneasy about the amount of information it logs about you.

So, if you’re looking for something a little more private, niche or under-the-radar, these are a few good recommendations:

• Apple Maps – for iOS users, obviously, but Apple Maps is, perhaps a little surprisingly, one of the most privacy-friendly options available. It doesn’t like to your Apple ID or retain a search or cycling history, and when you save locations across devices, it uses end-to-end encryption, so Apple itself can’t view them.
• OpenStreetMap – like a Wikipedia of maps, where the users update it themselves through GPS devices, aerial photography and their own manual changes. No-frills, non-profit, only collects limited data, no logins or ads – simple but effective. The only real downside is it has no official app, so isn’t exactly tailor-made for smart phone users.
• OsmAnd – best for when you’re looking for previous users’ experience, it uses the OpenStreetMap database, which allows them to provide more precise live traffic updates. Available both online and offline, it’s also free with a Premium subscription from $1.99 a month. It also has tools to change the look of maps, ‘dark mode,’ and Wikipedia integration.
• CycleStreets – a UK-wide, non-profit journey planner, which offers a choice of four different route modes based on the type the user prefers. It also saves previous routes, tells you how many calories you’ll burn on a route, as well as how many traffic lights you’ll come across and how busy it is.
• Bike Citizens – an app which, through logging its users’ journeys, will then suggest the best routes for you, or help you explore a new city through a ‘cycling tour’ curated by the area’s regular riders.

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Distance Matrix API overview

Why use the distance matrix api.

You can use the Distance Matrix API to help determine the most efficient travel routes between multiple possible origins and destinations. For example, which workers to send to job sites, or from which warehouses to send packages.

What can you do with the Distance Matrix API

With the Distance Matrix API, you can provide travel distance and time for a matrix of origins and destinations. You can specify several options, including mode of transportation, such as driving, biking, transit or walking, as well as transit modes, such as bus, subway, train, tram, or rail.

The Distance Matrix API provides information based on the recommended route between start and end points. You can request these kinds of distance data:

• Distance for a selected travel mode
• Distance in kilometers or miles
• Estimated travel time in traffic

How the Distance Matrix API works

The Distance Matrix API uses any number of origins (starting points) and destinations, and returns the distance and travel time between each origin and all requested destinations, starting with the first origin in the request and proceeding step-wise to the next.

For example, if your request specifies A and B as origins, and C and D as destinations, it returns distances and travel time in this order:

The following example shows a request for two origins: Washington, DC and Boston, with a single destination, New York City, NY, in JSON format:

The following table summarizes the resources available through the Distance Matrix API along with the data it returns.

How to use the Distance Matrix API

Available client libraries.

Call this API in the language of your choice through one of the following client libraries:

• Java Client for Google Maps Services
• Python Client for Google Maps Services
• Go Client for Google Maps Services
• Node.js Client for Google Maps Services

The Java Client, Python Client, Go Client and Node.js Client for Google Maps Services are community-supported client libraries, open sourced under the Apache 2.0 License . Download them from GitHub, where you can also find installation instructions and sample code.

What's next

• Start using the Distance Matrix : Go to Get Started .
• Get started with sample requests and responses : Go to Distance Matrix request and response
• Follow best practices : Go to Web Service Best Practices .

Except as otherwise noted, the content of this page is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License , and code samples are licensed under the Apache 2.0 License . For details, see the Google Developers Site Policies . Java is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates.

Last updated 2024-04-17 UTC.