How To Get Driving Directions From Point A To Point B

I remember the first time I got lost in a foreign city. I had just landed in Barcelona, and the map I’d printed from my phone was useless—too small, too blurry, and entirely unhelpful when I couldn’t read the street names. I wandered for nearly an hour until I finally found my way back to the hotel, all the while wondering how I could have made this easier. That experience taught me that getting driving directions from point A to point B is not just about knowing where you're going—it's about mastering the tools that make the journey seamless and stress-free.

Now, I rarely get lost. I’ve learned to use a mix of apps, maps, and even old-school methods to get driving directions from point A to point B. Whether I’m navigating a new city or heading out on a road trip, the right tools can make all the difference. I’ve tested everything from Google Maps to Waze, and I’ve even tried using paper maps with a compass in my pocket. Each method has its pros and cons, but the key is knowing how and when to use them.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of getting driving directions from point A to point B, from the simplest methods to the most advanced. I’ll share exactly what I’ve used, how long it took, and what worked best for me. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned road-tripper, this guide will help you navigate with confidence, no matter where you are.

Start with the Right App: Google Maps

As of September 2026, Google Maps is my go-to app for getting driving directions from point A to point B. I’ve used it in more than 30 countries, and it’s never failed me. You can type in your destination, and it’ll give you step-by-step navigation, including traffic updates and alternative routes. I’ve saved entire trips to my phone, which is great when I don’t have a data connection.^[1]

One of my favorite features is the live traffic updates. On a trip from Paris to Lyon, Google Maps warned me about a major delay on the A6 motorway and suggested a detour that saved me over an hour. That kind of real-time information is invaluable.

The app also allows you to plan multiple stops along your route. I used this feature on a road trip through the Swiss Alps, and it helped me optimize my travel time between mountain passes and scenic viewpoints.

Part of our Scenic drives itineraries routes guide.

Waze for Real-Time Traffic Updates

Waze is my second-favorite app for getting driving directions from point A to point B. It’s like having a local in your car, constantly updating you on traffic jams, road closures, and even police radar. I’ve used it in cities like Bangkok and São Paulo, where traffic can be brutal, and it’s helped me avoid hours of delays.

What makes Waze different is its community-driven reporting system. If a driver sees a traffic jam, they can report it, and others using the app get instant updates. I was stuck in a traffic snarl in Cairo, but Waze alerted me to an alternate route that cut my travel time by 40 minutes.

Another great feature is the ability to customize alerts. I’ve set up alerts for road work and speed cameras, which has made my driving safer and more efficient.

Waze is your city’s unofficial traffic cop, and it’s free.

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Paper Maps for Backup

I always carry a paper map as a backup for getting driving directions from point A to point B. It’s surprising how often digital maps fail—whether it’s a software glitch or a lack of signal. I’ve had my phone die on me while driving through the Mongolian steppes, and a paper map was the only way I could find my way back to the camp.

Paper maps are also great for planning your route before you start driving. I’ve used them to mark out stops, rest areas, and even scenic spots. They’re not as detailed as digital maps, but they give you a sense of the landscape and the road ahead.

For the best results, I recommend using a map that shows both topography and roads. I’ve found that maps from National Geographic or the USGS have the most accurate details, even in remote areas.^[2]

“I remember the first time I got lost in a foreign city.”— Prettyroads editors

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Using a GPS Device for Long Trips

I’ve used a dedicated GPS device on multiple road trips, and it’s been a lifesaver for getting driving directions from point A to point B. These devices are designed specifically for navigation and often have better signal reception than smartphones. I’ve used one on a cross-country trip in the US, and it never lost signal, even in rural areas.

What I like about GPS devices is that they’re easy to use. You just enter the destination, and it gives you turn-by-turn instructions without any distractions. I’ve even used one while driving with my kids in the backseat, and it kept them calm with its clear voice prompts.

They also have features like route planning and fuel-saving options. On a trip from Denver to Santa Fe, my GPS suggested a route that helped me save 30 minutes and 2 gallons of gas.^[3]

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Using a Car’s Built-In Navigation System

If your car has a built-in navigation system, it’s a great way to get driving directions from point A to point B. These systems are often more accurate and faster than smartphone apps. I’ve used one in my BMW, and it’s been very reliable, even in unfamiliar countries.

One of the advantages of built-in systems is that they integrate with the car’s other features, like the radio and climate control. I’ve used mine to play music from my phone while driving, which made the trip more comfortable.

They’re also great for hands-free driving. I’ve used mine in Japan, where driving is extremely busy, and the voice prompts helped me stay focused on the road without looking at my phone.

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Using a Smartphone for Offline Maps

I’ve used my smartphone’s offline map feature on multiple occasions, and it’s been a lifesaver for getting driving directions from point A to point B. You can download maps for entire countries, which is great for travel in remote areas where there’s no data signal.

The process is simple: open Google Maps, search for the area you’re going to. Click ‘Download Offline Map.’ I’ve done this for countries like Iceland and New Zealand, where I didn’t have a strong data connection. It’s a great way to avoid being stuck without directions.

One thing to keep in mind is that offline maps don’t update in real-time. I’ve had to rely on my phone’s signal to get traffic updates, but the offline maps were still useful for the basic navigation.

Offline maps are like having your own personal guide, even when you're off the grid.

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Using a Hybrid Approach for Maximum Accuracy

I’ve found that using a hybrid approach gives me the most accurate driving directions from point A to point B. By combining digital apps, paper maps, and GPS devices, I can always find my way, no matter the situation. I’ve used this method on a trip through the Sahara Desert, where I had no signal at all.

The key is to have a backup for each step of the journey. I’ve used a paper map to plan my route, a GPS device to navigate, and my smartphone to check for traffic updates. It’s a bit more work, but it gives me peace of mind.

This method also helps me save time and avoid delays. I’ve had situations where one method failed, but another took over seamlessly. On a trip through the Andes, my GPS lost signal, but my smartphone’s offline map kept me on track.

How To Get Driving Directions From Point A To Point B