The Directions API is a service that calculates directions between locations using an HTTP request. It is also available as part of the client-side Maps JavaScript API, or for server-side use with the Java Client, Python Client, Go Client and Node.js Client for Google Maps Services.
With the Directions API, you can:
- Search for directions for several modes of transportation, including transit, driving, walking or cycling.
- Return multi-part directions using a series of waypoints.
- Specify origins, destinations, and waypoints as text strings (e.g. "Chicago, IL" or "Darwin, NT, Australia"), or as latitude/longitude coordinates, or as place IDs.
The API returns the most efficient routes when calculating directions. Travel time is the primary factor optimized, but the API may also take into account other factors such as distance, number of turns and many more when deciding which route is the most efficient.
Note: This service is not designed to respond in real time to user input. For dynamic directions calculations (for example, within a user interface element), consult the documentation for the Maps JavaScript API Directions Service.
This service is also available as part of the client-side Maps JavaScript API, or for server-side use with the Java Client, Python Client, Go Client and Node.js Client for Google Maps Services.
