How to Print Google Maps Directions

What You’ll Need

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

Step-by-Step

Open Google Maps in your browser. Go to maps.google.com. Make sure you are signed in to your Google account if you want to save the map or use saved places, but signing in is not required to print.
Get directions. Click the blue “Directions” button (the arrow icon) on the left side of the screen. Enter your starting point in the “Choose starting point” field and your destination in the “Choose destination” field. You can also right-click anywhere on the map and select “Directions to here” or “Directions from here.”
Choose your route and mode of travel. Select driving, transit, walking, cycling, or flight by clicking the corresponding icon above the route list. If multiple routes appear, click the one you want to print. The selected route will be highlighted in blue on the map.
Click the printer icon. On the left panel, below the route details, you will see a printer icon (a small printer symbol) next to the share and save icons. If you don’t see it, look for a “Print” link in the overflow menu (three vertical dots).
Adjust the print preview. A new tab will open with a preview of the map and directions. On the left side, you can choose to include the map, the directions, or both. You can also select the number of pages for the map (for example, 1 page or 2 pages) and the font size for the text. The preview updates as you make changes.
Print or save as PDF. Click the blue “Print” button at the top of the preview. In the system print dialog, select your printer or choose “Save as PDF” if you want a digital copy. Adjust paper size and margins if needed, then click “Print” or “Save.”

Common Mistakes

Using the mobile app. The print option is not available in the Google Maps app on phones or tablets. You must use a computer browser.
Not selecting a route. If you just search for a place without clicking “Directions,” the print option may not appear. Always use the directions feature first.
Printing the whole map instead of a route. If you click the printer icon on the main map (not in the directions panel), you’ll print the current view without directions. Make sure you are in the directions view.
Ignoring the preview settings. The default preview may show only the map or only directions. Check the checkboxes to include both, and adjust the map size to fit your needs.

Tips

Use “Save as PDF” for a digital copy. This is handy if you want to email the directions or store them on your phone.
Choose “No map” if you only need the text directions. This saves ink and paper.
For a large map, select multiple pages. The preview lets you choose 1, 2, or more pages. A multi-page map will be split across sheets, which you can tape together.
Print in grayscale to save color ink. The map and directions are readable in black and white.
If you have a long route, consider printing just the map and using your phone for turn-by-turn. The printed map gives you an overview, while the phone handles live navigation.

Troubleshooting

The printer icon is missing. Make sure you are in the directions panel and have entered both a start and destination. If you still don’t see it, click the three-dot menu next to the route and select “Print.”
The preview opens but the map is blank. This can happen if the map tiles haven’t loaded. Wait a few seconds and refresh the preview tab. If it persists, close the preview and try again.
The print button does nothing. Check your browser’s pop-up blocker. The print dialog might be blocked. Allow pop-ups for Google Maps and try again.
The directions are cut off. In the preview, increase the font size or select “Include directions” and then adjust the number of pages. You can also try printing in landscape orientation.
Printing from a shared computer. If you’re using a public or work computer, the printer may not be installed. Choose “Save as PDF” and then print the PDF from a device that has the printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print a map without directions?

Yes. On the main map, click the printer icon (or use the menu) to print just the map view. You can also print a route map without the text directions by unchecking “Include directions” in the preview.

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

No, the print option is only available on the desktop version of Google Maps in a web browser. On a phone, you can take a screenshot of the map or use the share feature to send it to a computer.

How do I print a map with a specific area zoomed in?

Before getting directions, zoom in or out on the map to the desired level. Then get directions and click the printer icon. The preview will show the map at that zoom level, and you can adjust it further.

Can I print a map with multiple stops?

Yes. Add multiple destinations by clicking the “+” (Add destination) button in the directions panel. After entering all stops, the print option works the same way.

Why does my printed map look blurry?

This can happen if the map is too large for the paper size. In the preview, select a smaller map size (e.g., 1 page instead of 2) or increase the font size. Also, ensure your printer is set to a high-quality print mode.

Can I print a map in a different language?

Yes. Change the language of Google Maps by clicking the menu (three lines) and selecting “Language” at the bottom. Choose your preferred language, then print as usual. The directions will appear in that language.

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