Google Maps Guide: How to Ensure You Get the Fastest Route

For many drivers in India, the primary goal when using maps google is to reach their destination as quickly as possible. However, default settings designed for sustainability can sometimes prioritize fuel savings over speed, which may occasionally hide the quickest path available.

How to Force Google Maps to Show the Fastest Route

While there is no single button labeled "fastest route," a specific setting can cause the app to suggest slower alternatives. To prioritize speed, users should disable the "Prefer fuel-efficient routes" toggle.

As of September 19, 2026, this feature aims to lower trip costs and pollution, but it can result in the app suggesting slightly slower paths than the less efficient options [1]. To turn this off, open the app, tap your profile picture, and go to Settings > Navigation.

To further ensure the app isn't restricting your options, check the following toggles in the same Navigation menu and ensure they are disabled:

• Avoid highways: When active, the app steers you toward local roads, which are generally slower.
• Avoid tolls: This saves money but often adds significant travel time.
• Avoid ferries: In certain coastal or river-heavy regions, ferries can be the quickest crossing.

Improving Navigation Accuracy and Real-Time Updates

The fastest route is dynamic and changes based on live conditions. Google Maps determines ETAs by analyzing historical traffic, current road conditions, speed limits, and live incident reports [1].

To maintain high precision, especially in dense urban centers, these technical adjustments are recommended:

Setting	Action	Purpose
Precise Location	Enable in Privacy/Location Settings	Minimizes the "blue circle" of uncertainty around your position.
Mobile Data	Keep active; disable Airplane mode	Allows the app to reroute you instantly when crashes or closures occur.
Calibration	Move device in a figure-8 pattern	Corrects the direction beam of the blue dot for better orientation.

Balancing Speed and Sustainability

It is important to note that disabling fuel-efficient routing may not always change your journey. The app typically defaults to these routes only when arrival times are very similar. Drivers should weigh the benefit of a slightly faster ETA against the potential for higher fuel costs and environmental impact.