I Use This Google Maps Feature to Always Reach My Destinations on Time

I’ll admit that I’m not always the most punctual person, and I used to stress about arriving late to important events. But that all changed when I discovered Google Maps’ Arrival Time feature, which helps me leave at the right time, ensuring I reach my destinations on time every time.

How Google Maps’ Arrival Time Feature Guarantees Timely Departures

The option to set arrival time in Google Maps helps me plan my trips more accurately. It tells me exactly when to leave to reach my destination on time.

First, let’s understand how this feature works. When I input my destination and the time I need to arrive, Google Maps calculates the best route and provides an estimated departure time based on distance and time of day. However, it’s not just a generic estimate—Google Maps also considers historical traffic patterns, factoring in typical congestion for that specific route at that specific time.

For example, if I have an important meeting at 9 AM on a Monday, I don’t have to guess when I should leave. I simply enter that time and date into Google Maps, which calculates the optimal departure time. I find this feature particularly useful for appointments, meetings, or flights where punctuality is crucial.

Here’s how you can use Google Maps to determine when to leave based on your arrival time:

1. In the Google Maps app on your phone.
2. Find your destination using the search box.
3. Tap the Directions button to get the route options and select your mode of travel.
4. Tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner and select Set depart or arrive time.
5. Switch to the Arrive tab and enter the date and time you want to reach your destination.
6. Once you’ve set your arrival time, hit Done.

And that’s it! Google Maps will now calculate the trip duration based on traffic history and your mode of transportation. It will also tell you the best time to leave to ensure you arrive on time.

How I Get Google Maps to Remind Me When It’s Time to Leave

To ensure I always reach my destinations on time, Google Maps also includes a reminder option that sends a notification on my phone when it’s time to leave. This little feature has saved me more than once from running late. It’s like having a helpful assistant nudging me to get moving at just the right time.

Here’s how you can set up Google Maps to send a reminder when it’s time to leave:

1. Open Google Maps on your phone and search for your destination like you’d normally do.
2. Tap the Directions button in the bottom left corner.
3. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner and select the Set a reminder to leave option.
4. In the Arrive tab, set the date and time to specify when you need to reach your destination.
5. Tap the Set Reminder button.

Once you do this, Google Maps will alert you when it’s time to head out.

At the time of writing, the option to set reminders is only available in Google Maps for iOS, not Android. So, if you’re using an Android device, you’d have to note Google Maps’ suggested departure time and manually set a reminder on your phone to leave at the right time.

By taking the guesswork out of when to leave, Google Maps lets me confidently plan trips and ensures I arrive on time. So, the next time you need to be somewhere on time, let Google Maps guide you there with precision!