You’re on the road, hustling to complete deliveries, pick up passengers, or transport goods, when you see the toll booth ahead. Another unexpected expense eating into your hard-earned money. For gig workers like delivery drivers, truckers, and rideshare operators, every dollar counts, and toll fees can add up quickly.
But you don’t have to keep handing over your money to toll roads. With a few simple taps, Google Maps can help you steer clear of toll routes and take a more cost-effective path to your destination.
What is Google Maps?
Google Maps is a lifeline for gig workers who rely on their vehicles to make a living. If you’re a food delivery driver racing against the clock, a trucker hauling cargo across states, or a rideshare driver picking up passengers all day long, Google Maps helps you find the fastest and most efficient routes.
With real-time traffic updates, turn-by-turn navigation, and route customization, Google Maps smartly routes you from point A to point B. This free-to-use app allows you to avoid tolls, highways, or even ferries, giving you complete control over how you drive. Moreover, with features like offline maps and street view, you can always be prepared, no matter where the road takes you.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Turn Off Tolls on Google Maps
Tolls can be a huge expense, but avoiding them is easier than you might think. With a few simple tweaks in Google Maps, you can set your routes to bypass toll roads entirely—helping you keep more of your earnings from driving or delivering. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Open the Google Maps App
Start by launching the Google Maps app on your phone. If you don’t have it installed, you can download it from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone).
Step 2: Enter Your Destination
Once the app is open, type your desired destination in the search bar at the top of the screen. As you type, suggestions will pop up—select the correct one from the list of options.
Step 3: Tap on Directions
After selecting your destination, tap on the "Directions" button, usually found at the bottom left of your screen (on mobile). This will prompt Google Maps to create a route based on your current location and the destination you've entered.
Step 4: Select Your Mode of Transportation
You’ll see a row of transportation options, such as car, walking, biking, and public transport. Make sure the car or motorcycle icon is selected, as this will provide driving directions. If you're using public transportation or walking, pick those options accordingly.
Step 5: Choose Your Starting Location
Google Maps will automatically use your current location as the starting point. However, if you're starting from somewhere else, you can type in your starting address or select it on the map.
Step 6: Access Route Options
Look for the three stacked dots (also known as the "More Options" button) in the top-right corner of the screen. Tap these dots to reveal a menu with additional settings to customize your route.
Step 7: Select "Options"
In the menu that appears, tap on the option labeled "Options." This will open up a screen where you can tailor your trip preferences.
Step 8: Enable "Avoid Tolls"
On the "Trip Options" screen, you’ll see a toggle switch labeled “Avoid tolls.” Toggle this switch to the ON position. This will instruct Google Maps to find a route that bypasses any toll roads, ensuring you won't have to pay the toll during your drive.
Step 9: Start Navigation
Once you've adjusted your route settings, tap the back arrow in the top left corner to return to the map. Then, tap the "Start" button at the bottom-right corner of the screen. Google Maps will begin guiding you on a toll-free route to your destination.
How to Avoid Tolls Using Google Maps on Desktop
If you prefer to plan your route ahead of time from a computer, you can easily avoid tolls using Google Maps on your desktop. Here's how:
Step 1: Go to Google Maps
Open your web browser and go to google.com/maps. This will take you straight to Google Maps on your desktop.
Step 2: Enter Your Destination
In the search bar at the top, type in the address or place you’re heading to. When it shows up in the dropdown, click on it to select it.
Step 3: Click "Directions"
Now, look for the “Directions” button on the left side of your screen, just under your destination. Clicking this will open the route-planning tool.
Step 4: Add Your Starting Point
Google Maps will ask for your starting point. If you’re using your current location, leave it as is (Google Maps will automatically use it). Alternatively, type in a different starting address if needed.
Step 5: Open the "Route Options"
On the left sidebar, beneath the suggested routes, you’ll see a link that says “Options.” Click on this to open up the route customization options.
Step 6: Check the “Avoid Tolls” Box
In the “Route options” section, you’ll find a checkbox labeled “Avoid Tolls.” Check this box to let Google Maps know you want a route that avoids toll roads.
Step 7: Review Your Route
After selecting the “Avoid Tolls” option, Google Maps will update the suggested routes and show you the best toll-free path to your destination.
Step 8: Save and Get Your Directions
Once you’re done, click the “Close” button in the options menu to save your settings. Google Maps will now display your updated route, free from tolls!
Always Keep the Avoid Tolls Toggle On
If you want Google Maps to automatically give driving directions without toll roads without you having to adjust the settings each time, follow these easy steps to set up toll-free routes by default:
Step 1: Open the Google Maps App
Launch the Google Maps app on your phone. Once it’s open, look to the top right corner of your screen and tap on your profile icon.
Step 2: Select "Settings"
In the menu that appears after tapping your profile icon, find and select the "Settings" option. This will take you to a screen where you can customize how Google Maps behaves.
Step 3: Go to “Navigation Settings”
In the Settings menu, scroll down until you see "Navigation Settings". Tap on it to access options that specifically control how Google Maps navigates for you.
Step 4: Tap on “Route Options”
In the Navigation Settings, look for "Route Options" and tap on it. This will open a set of preferences that let you fine-tune how Google Maps handles your route planning.
Step 5: Turn on ‘Avoid Tolls’
Here’s the key step: You’ll see a toggle next to "Avoid Tolls". Turn this toggle on to ensure that Google Maps automatically avoids toll roads whenever you get directions.
Step 6: Enjoy Toll-Free Routes
Once you’ve activated this setting, Google Maps will automatically prioritize toll-free routes for your future trips. You won’t have to worry about toggling the option each time—you’re all set for toll-free driving!
Why Set Toll-Free Routes as Default?
This simple setting ensures that your trips are always free of toll roads, saving you time and money. It’s one less thing to worry about, making your navigation experience smoother and more cost-effective. Happy travels!
Benefits of the Avoid Tolls Option on Google Maps
For gig workers and anyone who spends a lot of time on the road, avoiding tolls can substantially impact your time and wallet. Here's why turning off toll roads in Google Maps is a smart choice:
1. Save Money
Tolls can add up quickly, especially on longer trips or when driving frequently. Avoiding toll roads can help you keep more of your earnings in your pocket. Over time, this small adjustment can lead to significant savings, particularly if you’re driving as part of a gig or delivery job where every dollar counts.
2. Avoid Traffic Jams
Toll booths often lead to congestion, especially during peak hours or holiday travel times. Long queues can clog these areas, wasting time and adding to your stress level.
3. Discover Scenic Routes
The routes that avoid toll roads often take you through charming back roads, picturesque small towns, or scenic highways. While you may take a longer path, you’ll be treated to new experiences, views, and locations you might not otherwise have noticed. It's a great way to turn mundane drives into enjoyable road trips.
4. Improve Driving Efficiency
Avoiding toll roads may let you end up on routes with fewer traffic lights or areas requiring you to slow down. This can improve your overall driving efficiency, helping you maintain a steady pace without frequent disruptions. It’s also easier on your vehicle’s engine and brakes when you’re not constantly stopping or accelerating.
Challenges of the Avoid Tolls Option on Google Maps
While avoiding tolls can save you money, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are some of the key challenges you might face when opting for toll-free routes:
1. Longer Driving Times
Toll roads are often designed to offer faster, more direct routes. They can bypass heavily congested areas or city traffic, allowing for a smoother, quicker journey. Avoiding toll roads may take you to less direct routes, dealing with more intersections, or passing through slower areas. This can result in a more extended trip, especially during peak hours when traffic is at its worst. It’s important to weigh whether the extra time spent driving is worth the money saved.
2. Rougher Roads
Although toll roads tend to be well-maintained highways, toll-free routes often lead through less-traveled back roads or rural areas. These roads may not receive the same level of upkeep, and you might encounter rough, uneven surfaces, potholes, or debris. Driving on these roads can make your trip less comfortable and, over time, potentially cause more wear and tear on your vehicle and more visits to mechanics for car maintenance.
3. More Complex Navigation
Toll-free routes are often more winding and involve additional turns or detours. This can complicate your journey, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or route. Google Maps might suggest more intricate routes that require greater attention, leading to a higher chance of making wrong turns or losing your way. This can be particularly stressful if you’re on a tight schedule or need to make deliveries quickly.
4. Limited Route Options
Avoiding toll roads may not always be an option in some regions, mainly rural or less-developed areas. There may be very few alternative routes or the available routes may be impractical. If you're in a remote area, Google Maps may have a limited selection of toll-free options, which could mean that avoiding tolls is not feasible. You may be forced to take a toll road if it’s the only viable route to your destination.
5. Increased Fuel Consumption
Toll-free routes may not always offer the same steady traffic flow as toll roads. You may encounter frequent stops, stoplights, intersections, or winding paths, all of which can increase fuel consumption. If you’re driving longer distances, these extra fuel costs could end up negating the savings from avoiding tolls. It’s essential to consider how much extra fuel you may use on a toll-free route, especially if you're driving a fuel-inefficient vehicle.
6. Less Predictable Travel Times
Toll roads typically offer more predictable travel times thanks to their direct routes and minimal traffic disruptions. However, when you choose to avoid tolls, you may find that your travel time can vary significantly depending on traffic patterns, road conditions, and other unpredictable factors. For example, back roads might have seasonal weather conditions like ice or rain that can slow you down unexpectedly.
7. Higher Stress Levels
Driving on less familiar routes, especially those that involve complicated directions, can increase stress. Constantly checking your navigation for directions, making frequent lane changes, or negotiating winding roads can be mentally taxing. If you're already on a tight schedule or dealing with high-pressure deliveries, this extra stress can take a toll on your focus and overall well-being.
How About Alternative Routes?
Sometimes, the route Google Maps suggests isn't what you'd prefer, and you want a better option. Here’s how you can find alternative routes on Google Maps.
Approach A: Exploring Route Options
Step 1: Open Google Maps
Open the Google Maps app on your phone.
Step 2: Set Your Starting Point
To start from your current location, tap the "From" search bar and select "Your Location." Make sure your Google Maps can access your location. If it can’t, go to your phone’s settings and turn on ‘Location access’ under "Privacy." If you're starting from a different place, type the address in the search bar and pick the correct location from the suggestions.
Step 3: Enter Your Destination
In the "To" search bar, type the name or address of your destination. Google Maps will give you suggestions that you can select from.
Step 4: Customize Your Route
Tap the "Options" button under the "To" field. You can choose to avoid highways or tolls by turning on the sliders for those options. Google Maps will update the routes based on your preferences.
Approach B: Selecting a Different Route
Step 1: Open Google Maps and Enter Your Destination
Just like in the first method, enter your destination in Google Maps.
Step 2: Tap on "Directions"
Once your destination is set, tap the "Directions" button to see the route options.
Step 3: Choose Your Preferred Route
Google Maps recommends a blue route, while other alternatives are shown in gray. If you prefer one of the grayed-out routes, click on it, and it will turn blue. You may also notice a route marked with a green leaf. This means it's the most fuel-efficient option!
Step 4: Start Your Journey
Once you've picked your route, tap ‘Start’ to begin your drive and follow the new route.
Drive Smart, Save More
Toll roads can be a convenient shortcut, but they aren't always the best option for your wallet. With Google Maps, you can easily take control of your route by choosing alternatives that help you save money. If you want to avoid tolls or simply explore cheaper and more scenic routes, Google Maps gives you the flexibility to make decisions that fit your needs and budget.
However, we all know that sometimes, road expenses can be unavoidable. From tolls to maintenance, unexpected costs can pile up quickly. You can rely on Giggle Finance to cover these surprise expenses! We understand that you need fast, reliable support to cover your vehicle-related expenses and keep you moving forward, no matter what.
With a Giggle Finance cash advance, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a financial solution for when you need it most. Here's how we can help:
- Cover Toll
Taking a toll road is the fastest way to reach your destination. If you find yourself on one of these roads, don't worry about the cost—Giggle Finance can help you cover those toll expenses when they’re unavoidable, so you're not left scrambling for cash. - Pay for Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs
Keeping your car or truck in top shape is key to staying on the road safely. From routine maintenance to car upgrades, Giggle Finance provides the funds you need to keep your vehicle running smoothly and avoid costly delays. - Handle Emergency Expenses Without the Stress
Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and those unplanned expenses can hit harder than expected. Giggle Finance makes it easy to cover the unexpected without credit requirements, hidden fees, or lengthy wait times. - Get Instant Access to Funds
Don’t wait days for approval. With Giggle Finance, you get instant access to cash you can use to address your road expenses without delay.
When you're on the go, the last thing you need is a financial setback. Don’t let tolls, car repairs, or emergencies hold you back. With Giggle Finance, you can get the support you need when you need it to keep your journey moving forward smoothly.
Apply for a Giggle Finance cash advance today and drive with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should You Turn On Avoid Tolls?
Deciding whether to avoid tolls depends on your situation. If you’re on a tight schedule, toll roads can save time, but a toll-free route may be the better choice if you're looking to cut costs. Consider factors like traffic conditions, fuel costs, and road quality before deciding. Many gig workers find that avoiding tolls helps maximize their earnings—just make sure the alternative routes work for you.
Does Google Maps Show Toll Prices?
Yes! Google Maps now displays toll prices in select countries, including the U.S., India, Japan, Indonesia, and others. This feature allows gig workers to make more informed route decisions, balancing time, cost, and convenience.
To check toll amounts before your trip:
- Open Google Maps and enter your destination.
- Select Your Route from the suggested options.
Another option is to tap the toll icon (the one that looks like a coin) at the bottom left of the screen and above the “Start” button to see how much the fee is. Unfortunately, this is only available on mobile, and no Desktop version yet.
Disclaimer: Giggle Finance provides Revenue-Based Financing programs for business purposes only. Any mention of any loan product(s), consumer product(s), or other forms of financing is solely for marketing and educational content purposes and to help distinguish Giggle Finance’s product from other comparable financing options available in the market.