How to see traffic now on Google Maps

How to see traffic now on Google Maps


Google Maps can be used to check the traffic situation in real time before leaving home; see how to use it to avoid delays

In addition to GPS navigation, you can use the Google Maps to find out what the traffic is like now in any region. The app uses congestion indicators to tell you which roads are the slowest and updates the information automatically.



The live traffic view can also be used on routes planned by Maps: in this case, the GPS navigator includes sections of delays and other community alerts, such as mobile radar or traffic accident.

How to see real-time traffic on Google Maps

via mobile

  1. Open Maps;
  2. Tap the diamond icon in the upper right corner;
  3. Select “Transit”;
  4. See road information.



Change the view to receive colored transit lines (Image: Screenshot/André Magalhães/Canaltech)

Green lines indicate fast movement in the location, orange line indicates moderate traffic, and red line indicates heavy traffic.

For pc

  1. Login google.com/maps;
  2. Hover over the “Levels” icon;
  3. Select “Transit”;


  4. Select traffic view (Image: Screenshot/André Magalhães/Canaltech)
  5. Look at the streets with markers.


  6. See real-time updates on Google Maps (Image: Screenshot/André Magalhães/Canaltech)

Green lines indicate fast movement in the location, orange line indicates moderate traffic, and red line indicates heavy traffic.

How to view traffic now on a planned route

via mobile

  1. Insert the departure and arrival addresses with the search;
  2. Tap “Routes”;
  3. Select “Start”;
  4. Follow navigation with traffic news.


Find out about accidents, works and other warnings along the way (Image: Screenshot/André Magalhães/Canaltech)

For pc

  1. Search for a destination;
  2. Click on “Routes”;
  3. Enter the starting address;
  4. View your route with real-time traffic information.


  5. Use Maps to see congestion along your route (Image: Screenshot/André Magalhães/Canaltech)

How to use the Maps widget to see traffic now

You can also add Google Maps widgets to your mobile screen to receive real-time traffic information in your location. The feature is available for Android and iOS:

  1. Touch and hold on the home screen;
  2. Select the icon to add widgets;
  3. Search maps;
  4. Enter the public transport option.


Widget brings information to the home screen (Image: Screenshot/André Magalhães/Canaltech)

The widget only works properly if Maps always has access to your device’s location, even when the app is closed. If you don’t enable this setting, you’ll need to change it in your device’s settings.

How to hear traffic information with the Google Assistant

Finally, you can still use the Google Assistant to get insights into how traffic is going to home or in a specific region. Just say “Ok Google” and one of these commands:

  • How is the traffic now?;
  • What is the traffic like now at (place name);
  • How long does it take to get to (place name).

If you prefer the Wazethey can too check traffic information on the platform.

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Source: Terra

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