Exploring MapQuest

• Get a Map
• Get Directions

Using Routing Options

MapQuest provides several options to help you customize routes to match your driving preferences, and we're working on more. Just expand "Routing Options" when first entering your locations, or use the routing options listed to the right of the resulting directions (as shown below).

We offer a wide variety of ways to customize your route for your needs!

• Avoid Highways
  If you want an alternative to fast-paced highways or just like exploring the back roads, this option is for you! This option is limited to routes of 200 miles or less.
• Avoid Toll Roads
  Try this option to avoid stopping at toll gates and to save a few bucks. Note that in many cases toll roads may be your most direct and efficient route.
• Avoid Seasonally Closed Roads
  It's MapQuest's general practice that we won't route you on a seasonally closed road, but checking this option will prevent their use unless there is no other way to reach your destination. MapQuest recommends checking with state DOT's or local authorities to verify that seasonal roads are open during your trip and safe for your vehicle type.
• Shortest Time
  This is the primary method MapQuest uses to determine routes, and recommended for most travelers. Our proprietary routing algorithm finds the fastest and most efficient route based on speed limits, road classification, and many other criteria.
• Shortest Distance
  Some drivers may prefer to choose a route based on miles instead of time, so we also offer distance as another routing option. Note: Shortest Distance routes may utilize slower roads if they are more direct than, for example, a highway. Hint to bikers and pedestrians: try using this option along with Avoid Highways.
• Hide/Show Routing
  This option allows you to temporarily hide your blue route overlay to more easily view map data, business listings, or aerial imagery. Click again on "Show Routing" to restore the route overlay.
• Reverse Route
  Use this tool to generate a reverse route from your destination back to your starting point. Note that the reverse route will not necessarily be a "mirror image" of the original route; it will simply generate the most efficient route between your destination ("B") and origin ("A"). For a multi-point route, Reverse Route will not calculate the shortest distance back to your original starting point; it will take you back through your entire number of stops. For example, if Reverse Route is used on a route from San Francisco to Portland to Seattle, the resulting route would take you from Seattle to Portland to San Francisco.