Optimizing Google Maps and Apple Maps for Fastest Routes

Washington DC, United States Jul 25, 2026 ALN: When it comes to driving, most of us want to get to our destination as quickly (and safely) as possible. After all, given how bad sitting behind the wheel is for your health, who wants to be in a car any longer than they have to be? The average American spends over 300 hours a year driving, which is a significant portion of time that could be better spent on other activities. This reality has made navigation apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps indispensable tools for modern travelers.

Most of us might expect that, when it comes to getting directions, the world’s two biggest mapping apps, Google Maps and Apple Maps, would show us the route that gets us there as fast as possible. But that’s not always the case. Understanding how these apps prioritize route suggestions can help users make informed choices about their travel time. Here’s how to make Google Maps and Apple Maps show you the actual fastest route.

How to get the fastest route in Google Maps

Google Maps, the most-downloaded mapping app in the world in 2025, according to AppTweak data, doesn’t show you the fastest route when you search for directions between places. Instead, the app defaults to showing you the most fuel-efficient route. This default setting is a reflection of a growing awareness and concern for environmental sustainability, as fuel-efficient routes can contribute to lower carbon emissions and reduced fuel consumption.

While this is commendable from an environmental perspective and helpful to those interested in saving money, because you’ll waste as little fuel as possible, it also means that the default route that Google Maps provides you could be one to five minutes longer, according to Upper, a logistics company. This discrepancy can be particularly frustrating for drivers who prioritize time over fuel efficiency, especially in urban areas where every minute counts due to traffic congestion.

Fortunately, if your priority is arriving at your destination as quickly as possible, Google Maps lets you disable its default behavior of showing the most fuel-efficient routes first. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Maps app.
2. Tap your Google account profile picture.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Navigation.
5. Under the “Route options” header, toggle the “Prefer fuel-efficient routes” switch to Off.

Now Google Maps should default to showing you the fastest route every time. It may mean you burn more fuel, but if the least time behind the wheel is your priority, this is the setting to adjust. It’s worth noting that Google Maps also incorporates real-time traffic data to suggest the fastest routes, which can change based on current road conditions, accidents, or construction.

How to get the fastest route in Apple Maps

Apple Maps handles default route suggestions differently from Google Maps. Apple’s mapping solution won’t necessarily show you the fastest or most fuel-efficient route as a first choice. Instead, it may default to showing you what it has learned to be your preferred route. This feature is designed to enhance user experience by learning habits and preferences over time, but it can lead to longer travel times for those who are not aware of how it operates.

You see, Apple Maps has a feature called “Preferred Routes” that uses on-device processing to learn the routes you typically drive and suggests them to you by default. This means that if you frequently take a specific route to work, Apple Maps will prioritize that route in future directions, even if a faster alternative exists.

The problem here is that these preferred routes may not be the fastest. That’s why, if you want Apple Maps to give you the fastest possible routes, it’s a good idea to disable the Preferred Routes feature. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Tap Maps.
4. Tap Location.
5. Under the heading “Allow More Location Access,” toggle the “Preferred Routes & Predict Destinations” switch to Off.

Make sure Apple and Google Maps aren’t avoiding tolls and highways

No driver likes tolls, because they cost money and traffic can slow around the booths. And many drivers dislike highways because you have to share the road with other vehicles traveling at speeds you may find uncomfortable. However, it’s important to recognize that these routes can often be the quickest way to reach your destination.

But sometimes the shortest route between point A and point B may involve a highway or toll booth. That’s why if you want to ensure Google Maps and Apple Maps show you the fastest possible route, you should make sure you haven’t told the apps to avoid highways or tolls. Some users may have inadvertently set their preferences to avoid these options, which can significantly affect travel time.

Here’s how to check that in Google Maps:

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Tap your Google account profile picture.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Under the “Route options” heading, make sure the “Avoid tolls” and “Avoid highways” toggles are switched to Off.

And here’s how to check in Apple Maps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Tap Maps.
4. Under the “Directions” header, tap Driving.
5. Under the “Avoid” heading, make sure the “Tolls” and “Highways” toggles are switched to Off.

These tweaks, along with the measures above, should ensure that Google Maps and Apple Maps now show you routes that help you arrive at your destination as quickly as possible.

Understanding the Implications of Route Selection

Choosing the fastest route may seem like a straightforward decision, but it has broader implications. For instance, route selection can affect not just travel time but also fuel consumption, emissions, and even the wear and tear on your vehicle. Drivers who consistently choose longer, less efficient routes may find themselves spending more on fuel and maintenance over time.

Moreover, the choice between speed and efficiency can also reflect personal values. Some drivers prioritize environmental sustainability and may prefer to take routes that minimize fuel consumption, even if it means spending more time on the road. Others may prioritize time due to work commitments or family responsibilities, leading them to seek the quickest routes available.

In essence, optimizing navigation apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps for the fastest routes is not just about getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible; it’s also about making informed choices that align with individual priorities and values. Understanding how these apps work and how to customize them can lead to more efficient and satisfying driving experiences.

As technology continues to evolve, both Google Maps and Apple Maps are likely to incorporate more sophisticated algorithms and real-time data analysis to enhance route suggestions. This means that users will have access to increasingly accurate and personalized navigation experiences that take into account not just speed and efficiency, but also factors like traffic patterns, weather conditions, and even user preferences.

In conclusion, while Google Maps and Apple Maps provide powerful tools for navigation, understanding how to optimize their settings can significantly enhance your driving experience. By adjusting preferences and being aware of how routes are calculated, drivers can ensure they make the most of these applications, ultimately leading to more effective and enjoyable travel experiences.