Want Google Maps to tell you the best time to leave? Here’s how to use the hidden planning feature

Google Maps offers a built-in feature that helps users determine the ideal time to leave for a destination by analysing current traffic conditions alongside historical travel data. The tool is designed to help commuters avoid congestion, save travel time, and plan journeys more efficiently.

The feature works by forecasting traffic patterns for specific routes based on the selected date and time. This allows users to estimate how road conditions may change before starting a trip, making it especially useful for airport travel, office commutes, or long-distance journeys.

To access the feature, users need to enter their destination in Google Maps and select the “Directions” option. After choosing their preferred travel mode, such as driving or public transport, they can tap the three-dot menu located in the top-right corner of the screen.

From there, users can select the “Set depart or arrive time” option and enter the desired departure or arrival time along with the travel date. Google Maps then predicts traffic conditions and suggests the best time to leave to reach the destination on schedule.

The feature is available on both Android and iPhone versions of the Google Maps app and combines live traffic information with historical data collected from previous traffic patterns.

Apart from convenience, the tool can also help reduce fuel consumption and unnecessary delays caused by stop-and-go traffic. By helping drivers avoid peak congestion hours, the feature may contribute to lower vehicle emissions and reduced travel stress.

For regular commuters, the predictive planning system can also assist in identifying faster travel windows throughout the week, particularly on routes where traffic conditions change significantly depending on the time of day.

As navigation apps continue integrating smarter traffic forecasting systems, features like Google Maps’ departure planning tool are becoming increasingly useful for daily travel and urban mobility management.

How to use Google Maps’ ‘best time to leave’ feature

• Open Google Maps
• Enter your destination
• Tap “Directions”
• Choose your travel mode
• Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner
• Select “Set depart or arrive time”
• Enter your preferred date and time
• View Google Maps’ traffic prediction and suggested departure timing