How to Set Google Maps to Avoid Tolls on iPhone and Android

Google Maps is one of the most popular navigation tools on smartphones, offering turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and a range of transportation options. But if you’ve ever found yourself surprised by unexpected toll roads along your route, you’re not alone. Thankfully, both iPhone and Android users can easily set Google Maps to avoid tolls while planning their journeys. Whether you’re trying to save money, avoid unnecessary detours, or drive stress-free, this simple setting can make a big difference in your travel experience.

Why You Might Want to Avoid Tolls

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s explore why someone might want to avoid toll roads in the first place:

• Cost Savings: If you travel frequently, toll fees can quickly accumulate. Avoiding them can lead to significant savings over time.
• Alternative Scenery: Toll-free roads often pass through scenic routes and small towns, making the drive more enjoyable and less monotonous.
• Budget Travel: For travelers on a restricted budget, every dollar counts. Skipping tolls is a great way to minimize road trip expenses.
• Availability of Payment: Some toll roads require cash or specific payment methods that may not always be available to you.

Whatever your reason may be, changing your route preferences in Google Maps is easy—especially once you know where to look.

How to Set Google Maps to Avoid Tolls on iPhone

Using an iPhone? Here’s a clear and easy step-by-step guide for how to set Google Maps to bypass toll roads:

1. Open the Google Maps App: Launch the Google Maps application on your iPhone.
2. Enter Your Destination: Tap the search bar and type in your desired destination. Then, tap Search.
3. Tap Directions: Google Maps will generate various route options. Tap the blue Directions button in the lower right-hand corner.
4. Access Route Options: In the route preview screen, tap the three-dot menu (⋮) located in the upper-right corner of the screen.
5. Select Route Options: A new menu will appear. Tap on Route options.
6. Toggle on “Avoid Tolls”: Switch on the option labeled Avoid tolls.
7. Save and Start Your Trip: Tap Done or go back, and your route will be recalculated to exclude any toll roads.

That’s it! Google Maps will now prioritize toll-free routes based on current traffic and road conditions. Keep in mind that you’ll need to repeat this each time you start a new journey unless you adjust default settings, which we’ll cover further below.

How to Set Google Maps to Avoid Tolls on Android

If you’re using an Android device, the process is quite similar, with just a few slight differences in UI layout. Follow the steps below to avoid toll roads:

1. Open the Google Maps App: Launch the app on your Android device.
2. Input Your Destination: Type in your destination using the top search bar, and tap Search.
3. Select Directions: Press the blue Directions button at the bottom right of the screen.
4. Tap the Three Dot Menu: In the upper-right corner of the navigation selection screen, tap the menu icon (three dots).
5. Choose Route Options: From the menu, select Route options.
6. Enable “Avoid Tolls”: Toggle the checkbox or switch for Avoid tolls to the “on” position.
7. Begin Your Route: Return to the main navigation screen, and Google Maps will display the toll-free path.

This option is particularly helpful for regular commuters or daily users who want to consistently minimize travel costs.

Setting Toll-Free Routes as the Default

Unfortunately, Google Maps doesn’t currently allow users to save “Avoid Tolls” as a default setting for all future routes. However, there’s a workaround to make it easier:

• Use Google Maps Saved Routes: If you frequently go to the same place, you can save the toll-free version of your preferred route and access it from your Saved places.
• Use Trip Planning Apps: Apps like Google My Maps or third-party travel planning tools can help you create and save toll-free routes for repeated use.
• Use Voice Commands: You can tell Google Assistant, “Take me to [destination] avoiding tolls,” and it will automatically generate a toll-free route.

Be Aware of Trade-Offs

While avoiding tolls can save money, it’s useful to consider some potential downsides:

• Longer Travel Times: Toll-free routes aren’t always the quickest. Be prepared for slightly longer trip durations.
• Narrow Roads or Backstreets: Sometimes toll-free paths may lead through less-maintained or congested streets.
• Real-Time Traffic Variability: Conditions can change quickly, so triple check your ETA before heading out.

You can always choose to turn off “Avoid Tolls” mid-route if you find that the alternative roads are too slow or complicated.

Helpful Tips for Road Trippers and Daily Commuters

For those who regularly use Google Maps to get around, these bonus tips may come in handy:

• Check Traffic Before Departing: Google Maps provides real-time traffic data, so consult it at different times to find the best moment to leave.
• Download Offline Maps: If you’re traveling through areas with low connectivity, download maps in advance—including your toll-free route options.
• Update the App Regularly: Make sure your Google Maps app is up to date to benefit from the latest features and improvements.
• Use the “Commute” Feature: For frequent routes, set up a commute profile with custom preferences that include avoiding tolls.

Troubleshooting: What If “Avoid Tolls” Isn’t Working?

If Google Maps still seems to include toll roads even after setting the option, try the following fixes:

• Reconfirm Your Settings: Go back into Route options and make sure the “Avoid tolls” box is checked.
• Clear Cache (Android): Go to Settings > Apps > Google Maps > Storage > Clear Cache to reset potential glitches.
• Reinstall the App: Uninstalling and reinstalling Google Maps can resolve persistent issues.
• Switch to Incognito Mode: Sometimes, account-based settings or history can interfere with preferences. Test the route using Google Maps in incognito mode.

Most users find that rechecking route preferences resolves 90% of issues with toll route avoidance.

Conclusion

Navigating around toll roads using Google Maps is easy once you know where to dig into the settings. Whether you’re an iPhone aficionado or an avid Android user, the flexibility built into the app helps enhance your trips while saving you money. While it may not remember your toll avoidance settings permanently, quick, routine setup each time ensures you always stay on your preferred type of route. Combine that with the map’s traffic insights and route optimization, and you’re ready for a great drive—minus the unexpected fees.

So next time you fire up Google Maps, don’t forget to choose the scenic, toll-free path—it could be the beginning of a more cost-efficient and enjoyable journey.