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

Ever ended a road trip with a lighter wallet than you expected? Tolls can sneak up on your travel budget like a ninja in the night. The good news? Google Maps has a clever little setting that helps you avoid them. Even better, you don’t need to be a tech wizard to use it!

Whether you’re cruising with an iPhone or steering with Android, setting Google Maps to skip tolls is quick and easy. Let’s walk through it step by step. And while we’re at it, we’ll sprinkle in a few giggles to keep it fun.

Why You Might Want to Dodge Tolls

• Save money – More cash for road trip snacks or spontaneous ice cream stops.
• See more sights – Toll-free roads may take longer, but they often pass through charming small towns and scenic routes.
• No stopping hassle – Some toll booths still require cash or a specific payment pass. Ditching tolls means no last-minute ATM panic.

So, are you ready to hit the road without hearing your GPS say, “Proceed to the toll booth” ever again? Let’s get started!

Part 1: Avoiding Tolls on iPhone

Got an iPhone handy? Here’s how to tell it to steer clear of those sneaky toll roads.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open the Google Maps app.
2. Type in your destination. (Let’s say, “Grandma’s house.”)
3. Tap Directions.
4. Choose your mode of transportation, usually the little car icon.
5. Now tap the three dots in the top right corner. You’ll see an option that says ‘Route options’ – tap that!
6. Flip the switch next to ‘Avoid tolls’. (You can also select ‘Avoid highways’ or ‘Avoid ferries’ here if you want.)
7. Hit the back arrow, and voilà! Google will now route you around tolls like magic.

Important tip: This setting only applies to your current route unless you change your settings for every ride. Yep, Google likes to keep you on your toes.

Part 2: Avoiding Tolls on Android

Android lovers, we didn’t forget about you! Buckle up—here’s your no-toll tutorial.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Launch your Google Maps app.
2. Pop in your destination. Let’s say…Disneyland!
3. Tap Directions.
4. Pick your transportation method (again, probably the car icon).
5. Next, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner – hello, ‘Route options’ menu!
6. Check the box next to ‘Avoid tolls’.
7. Head back and start navigating. Google’s got your no-toll route all lined up.

Just like with iPhones, the setting is for this trip only unless you make future changes. So remember to tap that box every time if tolls are a no-go!

How to Make “Avoid Tolls” Your Default Setting

Want to set it and forget it? Here’s how to make Google Maps remember to avoid tolls every single time.

For iPhone:

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Tap your profile pic or initials in the top-right corner.
3. Go to Settings > Navigation.
4. Scroll down to find ‘Route options‘ and toggle on the one that says ‘Avoid tolls’.

Done! Now you can sing “On the road again…” without dreading toll booths.

For Android:

1. Open Google Maps.
2. Tap your profile in the corner.
3. Select Settings, then Navigation settings.
4. Scroll to Route options and turn on ‘Avoid tolls’.

No more tapping through options every time. Android (and your wallet) will thank you.

When Might You Not Want to Avoid Tolls?

Wait… could skipping tolls be a bad idea sometimes? Let’s take a look:

• You’re in a rush – Toll roads can save time, especially during traffic nightmares.
• You’re unfamiliar with backroads – Avoiding tolls can lead you down windy country roads where GPS signals may vanish.
• You’re on vacation – Sometimes, paying a toll means spending less time in the car and more time enjoying your destination.

So, use your judgment. Google Maps gives you choices. You’re the one in the driver’s seat—literally!

Bonus Tips for Happy, Toll-Free Driving

• Double check the route before hitting the gas. Just in case tolls sneak in.
• Use Street View to get a sense of roads or junctions you’re unsure about.
• Update Google Maps regularly to get the latest traffic and road info.
• Keep your charger and mount handy. You don’t want your phone dying in the middle of nowhere.

Final Thoughts

There you have it – a complete, easy-peasy guide to avoiding tolls through Google Maps. All it takes is a few taps and a bit of planning. And just like that, you’re back in charge of your route, your budget, and your road trip destiny.

So next time you’re mapping out a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, take control of the wheel (and the bill) by setting Google Maps to keep those tolls at bay.

Happy driving! May your roads be open, your gas tank full, and your snack stash bountiful.