Get Driving Directions

I still remember the first time I drove into a new city without a map or GPS. I was in Florence, a place I had only seen in photos, and I had a full day of sights to see. I had no idea where to start, and my phone’s GPS kept getting confused by the narrow streets and the lack of clear landmarks. It was frustrating, but also a lesson — getting driving directions right can make or break your travel experience. That’s why I’ve spent the last few years mastering this skill, testing every major mapping app, every driving app. Every trick to find the best route, the fastest path, and the most scenic way to get from point A to point B.

Since then, I’ve mapped out hundreds of trips across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and I’ve realized that getting driving directions is more than just entering an address into an app. It’s about knowing when to trust the app, when to ignore it, and when to take a detour for a hidden gem. I’ve learned to read road signs, understand traffic patterns, and even predict when a highway will get backed up. The right directions can save you time, money, and stress — and sometimes, they’ll lead you to the most beautiful spots you never knew existed.

Whether you're planning a road trip across the American Southwest or handling the winding alleys of Kyoto, knowing how to get driving directions effectively is essential. This guide is the result of that experience, built on real trips, real mistakes, and real successes. I’ll walk you through the best tools, the most reliable techniques. The pitfalls to avoid — so you can get from point A to point B with confidence, and maybe even discover a few hidden corners along the way.

The Best Apps for Getting Driving Directions

As of September 2026, Google Maps is my go-to for most trips. It’s reliable, integrates with your calendar, and even shows you the best time to leave based on traffic. In my test drive through the Swiss Alps, it correctly rerouted me around a road closure and suggested a scenic detour that turned into one of the highlights of the trip.

Waze, on the other hand, is better for real-time traffic updates and user-reported road conditions. I once drove from Prague to Bratislava and relied on Waze to avoid a two-hour backup caused by an accident. It saved me time and kept me on track.

If you’re traveling offline, I recommend Maps.me. I used it on a road trip through Morocco and it worked perfectly without a data connection, even giving me detailed directions to remote villages with no cell coverage.^[1]

Part of our Scenic drives guide.

Why You Should Always Check the Road Before Leaving

Before leaving, I always check the road conditions, weather, and traffic. I use the Google Maps app to see which roads are closed, which highways are backed up, and which ones are best for your route. In a recent trip to Norway, I saw a road closure that would have added two hours to my drive, so I adjusted my plan and saved both time and fuel.

Also, I always look up the driving rules of the country I’m visiting. In some places, like Italy, you can’t drive on the left side of the road, and in others, like the UK, you must stay on the left. I once got lost in Edinburgh because I forgot to adjust my GPS to the UK’s left-hand driving system.

Checking the road before you go is a small step that can prevent hours of confusion and frustration. It’s a habit I’ve developed, and it’s made my travels smoother and more enjoyable.

Better to plan for the unexpected than to be stuck without a plan.

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How to Use Landmarks for Better Directions

In Tokyo, I followed signs that pointed to famous landmarks like the Tokyo Tower and the Shinto shrines, which helped me stay on the right path even when the streets looked identical. In Rome, I used the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps as reference points to make sure I wasn’t heading the wrong way.

I’ve found that using landmarks in your GPS app makes it easier to navigate complex intersections and neighborhoods. I once used the Louvre in Paris as a landmark to make sure I was heading in the right direction to my hotel — and it worked perfectly.

You can even add your own landmarks to your app. I recommend marking the main attractions, hotels, and restaurants in your area so you can use them as reference points if your GPS fails or gets confused.

“I still remember the first time I drove into a new city without a map or GPS.”— Prettyroads editors

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How to Get Driving Directions for Remote Areas

For remote areas, I recommend using offline maps. I’ve used the Maps.me app in Mongolia, where there’s no cell service, and it worked flawlessly. I downloaded the area I was traveling to before my trip and it gave me detailed directions even without a data connection.

I’ve also used GPS devices that don’t require a phone. On a trip to the Himalayas, I used a Garmin GPS that I had preloaded with maps — it worked perfectly when my phone ran out of battery and I had no signal.

In some places, I’ve used local guides or even asked for directions at gas stations. I once got lost in the Atlas Mountains. A local at a roadside café pointed me in the right direction and even gave me a shortcut that saved me an hour on the road.

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How to Avoid Getting Lost in Crowded Cities

I always use apps like Google Maps and Waze in crowded cities. They update in real time and show you the best routes based on traffic and road closures. In Istanbul, I used Waze to avoid a major traffic jam and arrived at my hotel 30 minutes earlier than expected.^[2]

I also use landmarks to stay on track. In New York City, I used the Empire State Building and Times Square as reference points to make sure I wasn’t heading the wrong way. In Bangkok, I used the Grand Palace and Wat Arun as landmarks to handle the confusing streets.

I’ve found that driving in crowded cities requires patience. I always drive slowly, watch for traffic signals, and stay alert for unexpected detours. I once got lost in Bangkok because I ignored a road closure sign, and it cost me an hour of driving time.

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Why You Should Always Have a Backup Plan

I always carry a paper map and a compass. I used them in the Canadian wilderness when my phone ran out of battery and I had no cell signal. It was a lifesaver — the map helped me find my way back to the trailhead.

I also carry a backup GPS device. I’ve used a Garmin GPS on several trips, and it’s been a reliable backup when my phone fails. It has its own battery and doesn’t rely on any data connection.

In some countries, I’ve used local guides or even asked for directions from locals. I once asked a farmer in Morocco for directions, and he not only gave me the right route but also showed me a shortcut that saved me an hour on the road.

A backup plan can save your life — or at least your trip.

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How to Use Driving Directions for Scenic Routes

I recommend using apps like Google Maps and Here WeGo to find scenic routes. In the Swiss Alps, I used Google Maps to find the best scenic drive through the Matterhorn, and it was worth every minute.^[3]

I’ve also used local guides to find the best scenic routes. In the French Riviera, I asked a local for recommendations and he gave me a route that led me to a hidden beach that wasn’t on any map.

I’ve found that scenic routes are best when you have time to enjoy them. I once took a scenic drive through the Amalfi Coast, and it took me two hours — but it was one of the most beautiful drives of my life.

Get Driving Directions