How to Check Traffic on Google Maps: The Ultimate Guide to Getting the Most Out of Its Features

Nowadays, traveling by car in the city or on the highway means constantly being alert to traffic. Planning a trip has completely transformed: from carrying a map in the passenger seat, we've moved on to consulting our mobile phone with Google Maps, which has become an almost essential tool for anyone who needs to travel, whether on short urban trips or long interstate journeys. The ability to check traffic in real time and anticipate traffic jams or incidents is essential to save time and avoid unforeseen events..

But did you know that Google Maps not only tells you what the traffic is like right now, but can also predict future traffic jams, warn you about speed cameras and accidents, and even suggest the most environmentally friendly or efficient route for your vehicle? The application has evolved a lot in recent years, increasing its functions to provide a complete navigation experience to the user, both before and during the trip.In this article, we break down all these options, explain how to use them on any device, and explain how Google Maps' traffic system actually works.

How does Google Maps get traffic information?

Where does Google Maps get the data to show live traffic?

In fact, the app uses a combination of several sources to provide real-time information and make its predictions:

• Anonymous user data: Every time you open Google Maps with location services turned on, your device sends anonymous information about your location and speed. If many users travel along the same stretch at low speed, Google interprets it as a traffic jam..
• Traffic history and patternsGoogle has been collecting historical information on traffic flows virtually all over the world for over fifteen years. Know what times there are usually traffic jams in each area, and use Artificial Intelligence to analyze these patterns and predict future traffic.
• Official information and third-party data: The application also draws on data sent by government agencies and public bodies: speed limits, tolls, restricted lanes, road closures, roadworks, reported incidents, etc.
• Reports and user participation: Drivers themselves can submit real-time reports of accidents, stopped vehicles, obstacles, ice, or any other incidents, which greatly helps fine-tune the current status of the route.

Thanks to all this information cross-referenced and processed by machine learning algorithms, Google Maps achieves a degree of accuracy of up to 97% in its predictions.So, every time you calculate a route or simply look up an area on the map, the app shows you reliable and up-to-date information about the traffic you're likely to encounter.

Viewing and activating traffic on Google Maps

Checking real-time traffic on Google Maps is very simple and does not require installing anything additional., whether from your mobile phone, tablet, or computer. The procedure is very similar on all major platforms (Android, iOS and web), although there may be slight differences in menu placement depending on the version.

How to activate the traffic layer

The trick is to use the map layersTo activate traffic display, you must do the following:

• Open Google Maps on your device (mobile, tablet or web).
• Look for the layers icon (usually they appear overlapping squares) in the upper or lower right corner, depending on the version.
• Click or tap the icon and select "Traffic" in the “Map Details” section.
• The map will update showing a color overlay on roads, which indicates the traffic status in real time:
  • Green: smooth circulation, without problems.
  • Orange: Moderate traffic, some traffic jams.
  • RED: major traffic jam or hold-ups.
  • Dark red or garnet: very dense traffic, almost stopped.
  • BLUE: Only appears when using the “Directions” feature to indicate that the route is clear.

The color legend usually appears at the bottom of the map. for greater clarity, and you can switch between the live traffic view and the typical traffic view (forecast by day and time, very useful for planning trips).

Displaying traffic without a route and during navigation

You don't need to calculate a specific route to see general traffic in an area: You can open Google Maps and activate the traffic layer at any time.However, if you set a specific route (with origin and destination), the app will show you more detailed and personalized information, such as recommended stops, speed cameras, or incidents along that route.

Notably You can combine the traffic layer with others (public transport, cycling, terrain, air quality, etc.) to get a more comprehensive view of the mobility situation in your area. You can also switch between the default map type and satellite view, depending on your preferences.

Checking traffic from different devices

Google Maps is present in almost every environment, and traffic information is available in both mobile devices (Android, iOS) as in the Web navigator or even in car navigation systems, such as Android Auto.

From your mobile or tablet

En Android, Google Maps usually comes pre-installed, while in iPhone o iPad You can download it for free. Once inside, just tap the layers icon and select "Traffic." You can see the situation in your area or anywhere on the map. If you're interested in a specific route, you can plot it and the app will show you problematic sections and There estimated arrival date, taking into account current conditions.

Plus, you can save common routes (for example, from home to work) and quickly check them to see if there are any traffic jams or hold-ups on that particular day. The option to save routes is very useful for users who usually make the same trips every day..

From your computer's browser

In the web version, simply access https://maps.google.com, search for the area you are interested in or calculate a route and activate the traffic layer in the corresponding menu. You don't need to install anything or be logged in., although if you have it you will be able to access your history and saved routes.

The "Layers" menu may appear on the left side, depending on the interface. Traffic information tends to be displayed in the upper left corner, and selecting "Traffic" will show you both the current situation and, if you prefer, an hourly forecast of road conditions on other days and times (typical traffic), which is very helpful when planning your trips.

From Android Auto

For those who use Android Auto In the car, the traffic display on Google Maps is almost identical to that on the mobile phone, but adapted to the vehicle's screen. Simply activate the corresponding option in the settings menu to display real-time traffic status while driving. The colors and Symbols are the same, so it is very intuitive, and you can also use commands voice to check incidents or request alternative routes while driving.

Other key Google Maps features related to traffic

View traffic on specific routes and multiple stops

A very powerful feature is the ability to view traffic on a custom routeSimply enter your origin and destination, and the app will calculate the best route, taking into account traffic jams and hold-ups. The map will show sections with different colors (green, orange, red, maroon) depending on the density of cars in each section and will suggest alternative routes if the main one is congested.

Additionally, you can add intermediate stops to know how they will affect the total trip timeThis is especially useful for those traveling long distances and wishing to pass through certain cities or points of interest, as the app will adjust the route to minimize traffic on each segment.

Routes can be saved in "Saved Trips" for later reference, allowing you to quickly access all the relevant traffic information for that particular trip.

Best time to travel and predicts traffic jams

Google Maps It not only shows you the current traffic status, but also predicts what it will be like ahead.When calculating a route, you can see an hourly graph of typical traffic levels for that day, thanks to its historical traffic flow database. This allows you to choose the best time to depart and avoid typical traffic jams (e.g., rush hour, match days, events, etc.). Even if you plan a trip for future days, you can check how traffic typically develops on that route and adjust your plans.

On your mobile device, you can set your "Departure Time" or "Arrival Time" to get time and traffic estimates for that time. On your browser, you can use the "Arrive Before" option to set your arrival time and identify the best time to leave, which is very useful for long trips or important journeys.

Radars, accidents and incidents on the road

Another very useful function is Check accidents, roadworks, outages and even the location of radars on your routes, both before and during your trip. When planning or starting your trip, Google Maps displays each type of incident on the map with visual symbols:

• Accidents: red icon with a car.
• Art Works: orange symbol of person with shovel.
• Closed routes: no entry sign, red.
• Other incidents: there is an exclamation point in orange.
• Radar: They appear in blue or orange depending on whether they are mobile or fixed.

You can tap the icons for additional details. You can also activate audible warnings about speed cameras while browsing. This way, you can anticipate any unexpected road incidents and avoid fines. Users also contribute by sending notifications of new incidents, keeping the information always up-to-date.

Configuring these speed camera and incident warnings is simple and allows options such as playing the voice over Bluetooth, during calls, or only providing audio warnings. This allows you to stay focused on the road without having to constantly check your phone.

How Google Maps predicts traffic

Traffic prediction on Google Maps is the result of the combination of real-time data and historical dataThis is where artificial intelligence comes into play. The app knows:

• Number of traffic lights between two points
• Type of road (highway, secondary road, urban street, etc.)
• Accident history and habitual retentions
• Speed ​​limits, tolls, restrictions and roadworks
• Frequent stopping or braking of cars

La IA Google processes millions of data simultaneously, crossing what happens at that moment with what usually happens in that area at that time and taking into account the weather, events (concerts, marathons, matches, etc.) or specific incidents that may disrupt traffic.

For example, if it detects that many users are currently traveling at 50 km/h on a street with a speed limit of 20 km/h, it interprets this as a traffic jam. Furthermore, if it knows that there are often problems on that road at that time due to a school or market, it automatically adjusts its forecasts and offers alternative routes.