Printing Google Maps directions is straightforward on a desktop browser. The print option is built directly into the directions panel and gives you a choice between printing the full route map alongside the turn-by-turn list, or printing the text directions only. The mobile app does not have a direct print option, but there is a workaround covered below.
How to Print Directions on Desktop
Step 1: Open Google Maps and Enter Your Route
Go to maps.google.com in any browser. Click the Directions button, which appears as a blue arrow icon near the search bar. Enter your starting location in the top field and your destination in the second field.
If your current location is already detected, it appears automatically as the starting point. Change it by clicking the field and typing a different address.
Select your transport mode using the icons below the address fields: driving, walking, cycling, or transit.
Step 2: Choose Your Route
Google Maps shows several route options in the left panel. Click the one you want to use. The selected route highlights on the map in blue.
Step 3: Open the Full Directions
Below the route options, click Details. This expands the full turn-by-turn list showing every step of the journey with distances and road names.
Step 4: Open the Print Menu
At the top of the directions panel, click the three vertical dots. A small dropdown menu appears. Click Print. Alternatively, look for a printer icon that may appear directly in the panel on some browser versions.
A print preview page opens in a new tab showing your complete directions formatted for printing.
Step 5: Choose Your Print Format
At the top of the print preview, you have two options:
Print including maps adds a visual map of the route above the written directions. This option takes more paper but is useful when you want a visual reference alongside the steps.
Print text only shows just the written turn-by-turn instructions without any map. This option is more compact and uses less ink and paper.
Click your preferred option. The preview below updates to show what will print.
Step 6: Print
Press Ctrl and P on Windows, or Command and P on Mac, to open your browser's print dialog. Alternatively, most browsers show a Print button directly on the preview page. Select your printer, adjust paper size and orientation if needed, and click Print.
Printing Directions on Mobile
The Google Maps app on iPhone and Android does not include a direct print button. The most practical workaround is to send the directions to your desktop and print from there.
Send to Desktop via Google Account
Open Google Maps on your phone and set up your route as normal. Tap the Share button, which appears as an arrow pointing upward on iPhone or a connected dots icon on Android. Select the option to send the link to your email. Open the email on your desktop, click the link to open the route in the browser, and follow the desktop steps above.
Screenshot Method
For a quick print of a specific section of the route, take a screenshot of the directions on your phone. On iPhone, press the side button and the volume up button together. On Android, press the power and volume down buttons together.
Connect your phone to a printer, or send the screenshot to your computer and print the image file. This method is less clean than the desktop print but works for short routes where a few steps fit on one screen.
Tips for a Better Printout
Zoom in on the map before printing if you choose the print including maps option. The map prints whatever is currently visible on screen, so centering it on the most useful section before opening the print dialog produces a more relevant map on the page.
Use Print text only for long routes with many steps. Long routes with maps can run to several pages and use significant ink. Text-only directions are easier to read while driving and fit more efficiently on one or two pages.
Save as PDF instead of printing if you want a digital copy you can pull up on a tablet or phone later. In the browser's print dialog, change the destination or printer to Save as PDF. This creates a file you can save and open anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print directions with multiple stops?
Yes. In the Directions panel, click Add destination to add intermediate stops along your route. Each stop is added to the step-by-step directions. When you print, all legs of the journey appear in order with the complete turn-by-turn list for each section.
Why does the print option not appear in my directions panel?
Make sure you have clicked Details to expand the full turn-by-turn directions. The print option does not appear in the collapsed route summary view. It only becomes accessible once you have expanded the detailed directions list. If it still does not appear, try refreshing the page or using a different browser.
Can I print a map without directions, just the area?
Yes. Open the map in the browser without entering any directions. Navigate to the area you want to print using zoom and drag. Click the three horizontal lines in the top left corner to open the menu. Click Print. Choose whether to include a legend and labels, then print. This produces a clean map of the area without any route overlay.
Discussion (0)
Be the first to comment.