How to Print Google Maps Directions

What You’ll Need

A computer with internet access (the print option is not available in the mobile app)
A printer or a PDF writer (like “Save as PDF” on Windows or Mac)
A web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

Step-by-Step

Open Google Maps on your computer. Go to maps.google.com in your browser. The print feature is only available on the desktop version, not the mobile app.
Get directions. Click the blue “Directions” button (it has a right-arrow icon). A panel will appear on the left side.
Enter your start and destination. In the “Choose starting point” field, type your origin address or place name. In the “Choose destination” field, type where you want to go. Press Enter or click the route that appears.
Select your travel mode. Above the route, you’ll see icons for car, transit, walking, cycling, and flight. Click the one that matches how you’ll travel. The route and estimated time will update.
Choose your preferred route. If multiple routes appear, click the one you want to use. It will highlight in blue.
Open the print dialog. In the left panel, click the three-dot menu (⋮) next to the route details. From the dropdown, select “Print” or “Print directions”. A new tab or window will open with a printer-friendly version of the directions.
Print or save as PDF. In the print preview window, click the “Print” button. Choose your printer, or select “Save as PDF” if you want a digital copy. Adjust settings like paper size or margins if needed, then confirm.

Common Mistakes

Using the mobile app: The Google Maps app on phones and tablets does not have a print button. You must use a computer browser.
Not selecting a route first: If you just search for a place and click “Directions” without entering a start point, the print option may not appear. Always fill in both fields.
Printing the whole map: The print preview shows only the text directions and a small map. If you want a larger map, use the browser’s print function (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P) instead, but you’ll need to adjust the layout.
Ignoring route options: If you need to avoid highways or tolls, set those in “Route options” before printing. Otherwise, the printed directions won’t include those preferences.

Tips

Save as PDF for later: Instead of printing, save the directions as a PDF so you can view them on your phone or tablet without using data.
Use the “Print” button in the menu: The three-dot menu is the most reliable way to get a clean, formatted printout. The browser’s print (Ctrl+P) often includes extra clutter.
Check the route before printing: Make sure the route is the one you want, especially if there are multiple options. The printed directions will match the selected route.
Adjust print settings: In the print preview, you can often choose to print just the text or include the map. If the map is too small, try selecting “Background graphics” in your browser’s print settings.
For transit, check departure times: If you’re using public transit, the printed directions may include specific departure times. Make sure they are current.

Troubleshooting

Print button not showing: If you don’t see the three-dot menu, make sure you’ve entered both start and destination and that a route is displayed. Refresh the page and try again.
Print preview is blank or missing directions: This can happen if your browser blocks pop-ups. Allow pop-ups for Google Maps, then try again. Also, disable any ad-blockers that might interfere.
Directions are cut off on paper: In the print preview, select “Fit to page” or adjust the scale in your browser’s print settings. Also, choose landscape orientation if the directions are long.
Map is too small or missing: In the print preview, look for a checkbox like “Include map” or “Show map”. If it’s not there, use the browser’s print (Ctrl+P) and enable “Background graphics” in the print dialog.
Route changed after printing: Google Maps may recalculate if traffic conditions change. Always check the printed directions against live traffic before you leave, especially for long trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print directions from the Google Maps app on my phone?

No, the mobile app does not have a print option. You can share the directions to your computer or use a workaround like taking a screenshot, but the official print feature is only on the desktop website.

How do I print a map with the directions?

When you click “Print” from the three-dot menu, the print preview usually includes both the text directions and a small map. If you want a larger map, you can use your browser’s print function (Ctrl+P) and adjust the layout, but it may not be as clean.

Can I print directions without a printer?

Yes, you can save the directions as a PDF. In the print dialog, choose “Save as PDF” as the destination. This creates a digital file you can view on any device or print later.

Why is the print option grayed out?

This usually happens when you haven’t selected a route. Make sure you’ve entered both a starting point and a destination, and that a route is displayed. If it’s still grayed out, try refreshing the page.

How do I print walking or cycling directions?

The process is the same as driving directions. Just select the walking or cycling icon when you get directions, then follow the same steps to print. The printed directions will be tailored to that mode.

Can I print multiple routes at once?

No, Google Maps only prints the currently selected route. If you want to compare routes, you can print each one separately by selecting it and using the print option.

Sources: Google Maps Help. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.