Checking Live Traffic Statuses on Google Maps in Three Methods
Google Maps offers a valuable tool for navigating through congested areas and finding the best routes for your commute. This guide will walk you through checking real-time traffic on Google Maps using the mobile app, computer, and traffic widgets.
On the Google Maps Mobile App
- Open the Google Maps app on your iOS or Android device.
- Tap the layers icon (usually a square stacked layers symbol) on the map screen.
- Select the Traffic layer to view live traffic conditions, which appear as colored lines on roads: green for light traffic, orange for moderate, and red for heavy congestion.
While navigating, Google Maps automatically shows real-time traffic and updates your route to avoid delays, including live rerouting when incidents occur.
On a Computer (Web Browser)
- Go to the Google Maps website on your browser.
- Click the layers icon on the bottom left corner of the map.
- Choose Traffic from the list of layers.
- This activates a colored overlay on roads indicating real-time traffic levels similar to the mobile app. You can zoom and pan to see traffic on different routes as you plan your trip.
Using Google Maps Traffic Widgets on Websites or Apps
Developers or website owners can integrate traffic information through Google Maps APIs by embedding maps with the traffic layer on their webpages or apps. For WordPress sites, plugins like WP Maps allow embedding Google Maps with traffic data visible via custom maps or widgets. These require a Google Maps API key.
For mobile apps, developers can use the Google Maps SDK (such as google_maps_flutter for Flutter apps) to embed real-time traffic layers and controls programmatically.
In summary:
- On mobile and desktop, toggle the Traffic layer in Google Maps to see live traffic conditions easily.
- For developers and website owners, embedding Google Maps with traffic data uses APIs and plugins that support the real-time traffic layer display.
- To view traffic conditions on the Google Maps website, search for a location and hover over the "Layers" option at the bottom-left corner of the map.
- iPhone and iPad users can add two Google Maps traffic-related widgets to their home screen: "Know Before You Go" and "See real-time trip info".
This article has been co-authored by Nicole Levine, MFA, a Technology Writer and Editor for the website. Nicole Levine has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. She also teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions.
The article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. To check real-time traffic on Google Maps using the mobile app, search for a location, tap the Layers icon (the overlapping diamonds), and select "Traffic" to see current conditions. To find the most traffic-free route while commuting, search for the destination and tap "Directions" after selecting "Traffic" on Google Maps.
As of the time of writing, the article has been viewed 182,093 times. For Android users, adding the Google Maps Nearby Traffic widget to their home screen provides real-time traffic information.
- For a hassle-free commute, learn how to activate the Traffic layer on Google Maps to view live traffic conditions, whether you're using the mobile app, the computer, or even widgets on your phone's home screen.
- If you're a developer or website owner, explore the possibility of integrating Google Maps APIs to embed maps with real-time traffic layers and controls, enhancing your users' experience by providing them with up-to-date traffic information.
