15 Hidden Features of Google Maps You Need to Know

Google Maps has become an indispensable tool for over 1 billion users worldwide, helping us navigate, explore, and plan our journeys. But did you know that 99% of people are unaware of some of its most powerful hidden features?

From planning trips to enhancing local SEO, these tips can transform the way you use Google Maps.

Let’s dive into 15 incredible and lesser-known features that will elevate your Google Maps experience.

Check Flight Prices

Planning a vacation or business trip can be overwhelming, but Google Maps has a hidden feature that makes it easier to find and compare flight prices for any destination. Here’s how it works:

1. Open Google Maps:
   • Start by opening the Google Maps app on your smartphone or go to maps.google.com on your desktop.
2. Search for Your Destination:
   • Enter your destination city or airport in the search bar. For example, type “Los Angeles” if that’s where you plan to travel.
3. Explore the Flight Options:
   • After searching for your destination, click on the “Flights” option. This feature will display available flights to your chosen destination.
   • You’ll see a map with various routes, airline schedules, prices, and connections.
4. Compare Prices and Schedules:
   • Use the filters to narrow down your options based on departure times, flight duration, airlines, and price.
   • You can also view details like layovers and total travel time to find the most convenient flight.
5. Book Your Flight:
   • Once you’ve found a flight that suits your needs, you can book it directly through Google Maps by clicking on the price or airline. This will redirect you to the airline’s website or a third-party booking site.
6. Additional Planning:
   • After booking your flight, use Google Maps to plan other aspects of your trip. You can explore nearby hotels, attractions, and restaurants to create a complete travel itinerary.

Why Use This Feature?

This feature is designed to streamline the travel planning process, allowing you to:

• Book your flight and plan your trip all within the Google Maps app.
• See all your options in one place without switching between multiple travel sites.
• Visualize your trip and find the best routes, saving time and money.

Locate Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity the world over, knowing where to charge your car is becoming increasingly important. Google Maps has a feature that allows you to easily locate nearby charging stations, ensuring you’re never far from a power source.

Here’s how it works:

1. Open Google Maps:
   • Launch the Google Maps app on your smartphone or visit maps.google.com on your desktop.
2. Search for Charging Stations:
   • In the search bar, type “electric vehicle charging stations” or simply “EV charging stations.”
   • Google Maps will instantly display a list of nearby charging stations on the map.
3. View Details:
   • Click on any of the charging station icons on the map to see more details.
   • You’ll get information such as the type of chargers available (e.g., fast chargers, Level 2 chargers), the number of available charging ports, and user reviews.
4. Get Directions:
   • Once you’ve found a suitable charging station, click on the “Directions” button to get turn-by-turn navigation to the location.
   • Google Maps will guide you directly to the station, ensuring you reach your destination with ease.
5. Check Availability:
   • In some locations, Google Maps may provide real-time information on whether the charging ports are currently in use or available. This can help you avoid arriving at a full station.
6. Filter Your Search:
   • Use filters to narrow down your search based on your specific needs, such as searching for stations with certain types of chargers or those that are open 24/7.
7. Add to Your Route:
   • If you’re planning a longer trip, you can add charging stations along your route to ensure you have enough charge to reach your destination. Google Maps can help you plan the most efficient route, taking into account charging stops.

Skip Driving with Ride-Sharing Services

Google Maps integrates seamlessly with ride-sharing services. Instead of driving, simply enter your destination and choose your preferred ride-sharing option, like Uber or Lyft.

This feature is especially useful in busy urban areas where parking can be a hassle.

Explore What’s Inside

Google Maps doesn’t just guide you to stores or businesses; it also shows you what’s inside. By exploring indoor maps, you can navigate large shopping malls, airports, or department stores with ease. This allows you to find specific stores, restrooms, or even ATMs inside large complexes.

Measure Any Distance or Area

Need to measure the distance between two points or calculate the area of a particular location? Right-click on the map and select “Measure distance.” You can also connect four or more points to calculate an area.

This tool is perfect for urban planners, hikers, or anyone needing precise measurements.

Discover More About a Business

Get detailed insights into a business by clicking the blue briefcase icon. From here, you can explore accessibility features, health and safety measures, payment methods accepted, and available assistance levels.

This feature is especially useful for those with specific needs or preferences.

Find Accessible Places

For those with mobility challenges, Google Maps offers an “Accessible Search” feature. Enable it by going to Settings ⇢ Accessibility ⇢ Accessible Locations.

This ensures that your search results highlight locations that are wheelchair accessible, have accessible entrances, and more.

Know the Traffic

Avoid traffic jams with real-time traffic updates on Google Maps. You can also check traffic conditions for any time, allowing you to plan your trips around peak hours and avoid delays.

This feature is invaluable for daily commuters and travellers alike.

Explore Neighborhoods with Peg Man

Want to explore a neighbourhood from a pedestrian’s perspective? Use Peg Man for a street view experience. Just click, drag, and drop Peg Man onto any location on the map, and you’ll instantly access a 360-degree street view.

Lens on Maps: AI & Augmented Reality

With Google Maps Lens, augmented reality and AI come together to provide instant insights about your surroundings. Simply point your camera to explore information in real-time, whether it’s identifying landmarks, reading restaurant reviews, or navigating unfamiliar areas.

AI Recommendations

Google Maps now offers AI-driven recommendations. If your plans get disrupted—say, by rain—Maps can suggest alternative activities nearby. This feature ensures that you always have options, no matter the circumstances.

Introducing the Aerial View API

Transform your apps and websites with Google’s Aerial View API. This tool offers striking 3D bird’s-eye visuals, blending street view and aerial snapshots for immersive imagery. It’s perfect for real estate listings, travel websites, or any platform that benefits from dynamic visual content.

Immersive 3D Experience

Google Maps offers an immersive 3D experience that lets you explore locations with detailed 3D images derived from street view. Additionally, you can get accurate, real-time traffic and weather updates, making route navigation more precise and enjoyable.

Enhanced Dialogue Search

Search has never been easier with Google Maps’ AI-driven dialogue search. It offers in-depth details and simplifies the discovery of new locations. Whether you’re searching for restaurants, hotels, or tourist attractions, this feature ensures you get comprehensive information.

Live View (Augmented Reality)

Activate Live View by tapping the camera icon and scan your surroundings in real-time. This augmented reality feature overlays directions on your screen, making it easier to navigate complex areas like busy city streets or large indoor spaces.