You Planned the Perfect Road Trip, Then Google Maps Sent You on a Detour
You are packing the car for a weekend getaway, excited to hit the open road. You punch your destination into Google Maps, eager for the fastest route. The app calculates, and a blue line appears. It looks good, but something is missing. You have a nagging feeling. Will this route take you on expensive toll roads you want to avoid, or worse, are you missing a faster toll road option that could save you hours?
This common scenario highlights a powerful but often overlooked feature in Google Maps: toll road preferences. Whether you want to avoid every toll plaza to save money or ensure you are using the fastest route regardless of cost, knowing how to control this setting is essential for modern navigation.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to turn toll roads on or off in Google Maps on your iPhone, Android, and computer. We will also cover what the setting really does, its limitations, and how to troubleshoot when it does not seem to work as expected.
What the “Tolls” Setting Actually Controls in Google Maps
Before changing any settings, it is important to understand what you are controlling. The “Avoid Tolls” or “Tolls” preference in Google Maps is a routing filter. When enabled, the app’s algorithm will attempt to find a route that does not use roads requiring a toll payment.
It is not a perfect guarantee. The system relies on map data to identify toll roads, bridges, and tunnels. In most well-mapped regions like the United States, Canada, and Europe, it is highly accurate. However, it may not account for very new toll roads, temporary tolls, or some congestion pricing zones immediately.
Conversely, when the setting is off (the default), Google Maps will consider all roads, including toll roads, to find the fastest or most efficient route based on current traffic. It will display an estimated toll cost for the route if that information is available.
How Google Estimates Your Toll Costs
When toll roads are part of your route, you will often see a dollar amount or local currency estimate below the travel time. This is a helpful feature for trip budgeting. Google calculates this estimate using several data points:
– Official toll rates from transportation authorities.
– The type of vehicle you have set in your profile (car, motorcycle, etc.).
– Whether you have a transponder like E-ZPass, SunPass, or FasTrak, which often qualifies for a discounted rate.
You can usually tap on the toll estimate to see a cost breakdown or confirm your vehicle type and transponder status.
How to Turn On Toll Road Routing on Your Phone (iPhone & Android)
The process is nearly identical for both iOS and Android devices. The goal is to ensure the “Avoid Tolls” option is turned off, allowing Google Maps to include toll roads in its route calculations.
Step 1: Open Route Options in Google Maps
Start by opening the Google Maps app and entering your destination in the search bar. Tap “Directions.” After Maps provides a route, look at the top of the screen. You will see three vertical dots or a button labeled “Options.” Tap on it. This opens the route customization menu.
Step 2: Locate and Adjust the Tolls Preference
In the “Route Options” menu, you will see several toggles. Look for one labeled “Avoid tolls.” If the switch is gray or to the left, it is off. This means toll roads are ON and will be considered. If the switch is blue or to the right, it is on, and Maps will try to avoid tolls.
To ensure tolls are turned ON (i.e., allowed), make sure the “Avoid tolls” switch is turned OFF. Tap it so it is not highlighted. You may see the route recalculate immediately.
Step 3: Save Your Preference for All Future Trips
The setting in Route Options only applies to your current search. To make it your default, you need to adjust your profile settings. Tap your profile picture or initial in the top-right corner of the app, then go to “Settings.”
Navigate to “Navigation settings.” Scroll down to the “Route options” section. Here, you will find the “Avoid tolls” toggle again. Set it to your preferred default. With it off, toll roads will be on for every new route you plan.
How to Manage Tolls on Google Maps for the Web (Desktop)
Planning a trip on your laptop or desktop computer? You have the same control. Go to maps.google.com in your browser. Enter your start and end points. Click “Directions.”
Below the destination field, click “Options.” A panel will expand. You will see checkboxes for “Avoid tolls” and “Avoid highways.” To allow toll roads, ensure the “Avoid tolls” box is NOT checked. Click “Close,” and your route will update. Note: web settings are typically session-based and do not save to a permanent profile like the app.
When “Avoid Tolls” is On, But Maps Still Shows a Toll Route
This is a frequent point of confusion. You set “Avoid tolls,” but the primary route suggestion still includes a toll road. Why does this happen?
Google Maps will always try to honor your preference. However, if a non-toll alternative would be exceptionally slow, impractical, or impossible (like an island connected only by a toll bridge), Maps may show the toll route as the only viable option. It will usually display a message like, “This route includes tolls because a toll-free route would be significantly slower.”
In such cases, you can manually explore the map. Look for alternate gray route lines. Sometimes, tapping on a different suggested route at the top of the screen or dragging the blue route line on the map itself can reveal a longer but toll-free path you prefer.
Advanced Tips for Managing Tolls and Trip Costs
Simply turning tolls on or off is just the beginning. Use these strategies for smarter trip planning.
Compare Routes With and Without Tolls
Do not just accept the first route. After entering your destination, look at the two or three route suggestions at the top of the screen. One will be the “Best” route. Others will show slightly longer times or different paths. Tap each one to see if it is a toll-free alternative and compare the time-cost trade-off.
Set Your Vehicle Type and Transponder for Accurate Pricing
For the most precise toll estimates, configure your vehicle details. In the app, go to Settings > Navigation settings. Under “Driving options,” you can often set your vehicle type (car, motorcycle, truck). Some regions allow you to specify if you have a toll transponder. This ensures the estimated cost reflects any discounts you qualify for.
Use the “Depart At” Feature for Future Trip Planning
Toll rates can change based on time of day. To plan a trip for tomorrow morning, use the “Depart at” feature. After getting directions, tap “Leave now” and change it to “Depart at.” Set your future date and time. The route and toll estimate will update based on typical traffic and toll schedules for that time, giving you a more accurate picture.
Common Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
Let us address some specific hurdles you might encounter.
Why Does My Route Not Show Any Toll Cost Estimate?
This usually means Google does not have toll price data for the specific roads on your route. This is common in some countries or on newer highways. The route may still use toll roads; you just will not see a price upfront. It is wise to have local currency available or research the tolls independently.
The Toggle is Missing From My Route Options
In a very small number of regions where toll roads are non-existent or not mapped as such, the toggle may not appear. If you are in a major country and it is missing, try updating your Google Maps app to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Can I Avoid Specific Tolls But Not Others?
No, the setting is global for the route—it is either “Avoid all tolls” or “Consider all roads.” You cannot pick and choose individual toll plazas to avoid within the app. For that level of control, you would need to manually add a stop or waypoint to force a specific path.
Do These Settings Work for Biking or Walking Directions?
No. The toll road preference only applies to driving directions. Biking, walking, and public transit routes do not use toll roads in their calculations.
Taking Control of Your Next Journey
Mastering the tolls setting transforms Google Maps from a passive direction-follower into an active trip-planning tool. The choice is not about right or wrong; it is about what is right for your specific trip. A daily commute might benefit from the time savings of a toll road, while a leisurely cross-country drive might prioritize the scenic, cost-free route.
Your action plan is simple: Open Google Maps right now, go to your Navigation settings, and set your default “Avoid tolls” preference. Next time you plan a drive, consciously check the route options. Compare the time and cost of the suggested routes. A few taps can save you money, time, or both, ensuring your journey matches your priorities from the moment you pull out of the driveway.
