Apple Maps Multi-Stop Route Planner: How to Add Stops

Yes, Apple Maps has a multi-stop route planner built in. You can add up to 14 additional stops to a driving route (15 total including your starting point), and the app will automatically reorder them for the most efficient trip. This guide explains exactly how to add stops, how the feature works, and what its limitations are.

Background: How Apple Maps Routing Evolved

For years, Apple Maps lacked the ability to plan a route with multiple destinations. Users had to create workarounds, like saving a list of places and navigating to each one separately. That changed with the release of iOS 16 in September 2022, which introduced multi-stop routing for driving directions. Before this, the only way to get a multi-stop route was through third-party apps like Google Maps or specialized route planners.

The feature is available on iPhone and iPad running iOS 16 or later, and it also works on Apple CarPlay. It is not available on the Mac version of Apple Maps or on the web version. The feature is designed for driving routes only; you cannot add multiple stops to walking, cycling, or transit directions.

How to Add Stops in Apple Maps (Step-by-Step)

Adding stops is straightforward, but the menu is slightly hidden. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Apple Maps app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Search for your final destination and tap it to bring up its place card.
3. Tap the blue Directions button.
4. Your current location is set as the starting point by default. To change it, tap My Location and select a different start.
5. Now, tap the row that shows Driving (the mode selector) and then tap Add Stop. This button is usually located just below the route options, near the top of the screen.
6. Search for the first stop you want to add. You can also tap Recents or Favorites to pick from those lists.
7. Repeat step 5 and 6 for each additional stop. You can add up to 14 stops.
8. Once you’ve added all your stops, Apple Maps will automatically arrange them in the most efficient order. You can manually change the order by tapping and holding the three-line handle on the right side of a stop and dragging it up or down.
9. When you’re satisfied, tap Go to start navigation.

How the Route Optimization Works

When you add multiple stops, Apple Maps calculates the optimal order for you. It uses the same type of routing algorithm as most navigation apps, which is a variant of the “traveling salesman problem� solution. In plain terms, it tries to find the shortest or fastest route that visits all your stops and ends at your final destination.

You can override this automatic ordering. If you prefer to visit stops in a specific order, just drag them into the order you want. However, note that if you manually reorder stops, Apple Maps will not recalculate the optimal route; it will simply follow your manual order. Also, if you change the starting point after adding stops, the app will re-optimize the route.

Limitations and Common Problems

The multi-stop feature is useful, but it has several notable limitations:

• No walking or transit multi-stop: You can only add multiple stops for driving directions.
• No route sharing: You cannot share the entire multi-stop route with someone else as a single link. You can only share individual stop locations.
• No custom route drawing: You cannot drag the route line to force it through a specific road or avoid a particular area. The app chooses the route based on its own algorithms.
• No offline use: Multi-stop routing requires an internet connection. You cannot pre-load a route with multiple stops for offline use.
• No automatic avoidance of tolls or highways per stop: The route options (avoid tolls, avoid highways) apply to the entire route, not to individual segments.
• Stops are only for driving: If you switch to walking or transit directions, the added stops are removed.

A common problem users encounter is that the “Add Stop� button is not visible. This happens when you haven’t selected a driving route. Make sure the driving mode is selected (the car icon) before you look for the “Add Stop� button. Also, if you are using CarPlay, the button is there but may be harder to spot; look for a row that says “Add Stop� below the destination.

Comparing Apple Maps to Google Maps and Other Apps

Apple Maps’ multi-stop feature is similar to Google Maps, but there are differences:

• Maximum stops: Apple Maps allows up to 15 total points (start + 14 stops). Google Maps allows up to 10 total points (start + 9 stops).
• Route optimization: Both apps automatically reorder stops for efficiency, but Google Maps gives you the option to turn off auto-optimization and just keep your manual order. Apple Maps always reorders unless you manually drag the stops.
• Walking multi-stop: Google Maps allows multiple stops for walking directions (up to 9 stops). Apple Maps does not.
• Desktop support: Google Maps allows multi-stop route planning on desktop. Apple Maps does not have a web-based route planner.

Third-party apps like Roadtrippers and Rever offer more advanced features, such as saving routes, sharing them, and adding points of interest along the way. However, they often require a subscription for full features.

Tips for Using Multi-Stop Routes Effectively

Here are a few practical tips to get the most out of the feature:

• Plan ahead: Add all your stops before you start driving. Adding a stop while navigating is possible (you can tap the route card and select “Add Stopâ€�), but it will recalculate the route, which can be distracting.
• Use Siri: You can say “Hey Siri, add [place] to my routeâ€� while navigating, and it will add the stop without you touching the screen.
• Reorder manually for a reason: If you need to stop at a specific time (like picking up a child at school), drag that stop to the correct position in the list.
• Check the order before you go: The automatic optimization might not always match your preference. Review the order on the route card before tapping “Goâ€�.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add more than 14 stops in Apple Maps?

No, Apple Maps limits you to 14 additional stops, making a total of 15 points including your starting point. If you need more, you’ll have to split the trip into multiple routes or use a different app.

Does Apple Maps multi-stop work for walking or transit?

No, the multi-stop feature is only available for driving directions. If you switch to walking or transit, the stops are removed and you must navigate to each destination separately.

Can I share a multi-stop route with a friend?

No, Apple Maps does not allow you to share a multi-stop route as a single link. You can share individual stops, but the recipient will have to add them manually.

Why is the “Add Stop� button missing?

Make sure you are in driving directions mode. The “Add Stop� button only appears when the driving option is selected. If you’re in walking or transit mode, it won’t be there.

Will Apple Maps automatically reorder my stops?

Yes, when you add stops, Apple Maps automatically arranges them in the most efficient order. You can manually change the order by dragging the stops, but the app will not re-optimize after you do.

Can I use multi-stop routing on CarPlay?

Yes, the feature works on CarPlay. You can add stops from the CarPlay screen, but it’s easier to plan the route on your iPhone before you get in the car.

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