This guide explains how to find a parking spot with Google Maps and take advantage of the latest Maps features. Earlier this year, Google added a “parking difficulty” meter to Google Maps, giving users another tool while they travel. However, the app will now also help you find a place to park.
Google Maps is getting a little better every year. From saving maps offline to sharing your location with friends and family while traveling. Today, Google has expanded the “parking challenge” and added a parking finder feature to 25 more locations.
When you enter a destination, a new easy, medium, or limited icon appears at the bottom of the screen near the estimated travel time. This information comes from “historical parking data” and Google’s “machine learning magic” to help you travel with ease.
This can help you decide if you need to leave earlier for an event or if you need to cross typical parking lots to find more parking spaces. Or if parking is extremely limited, use public transport instead. Here’s how to use Google Maps to help you find a parking spot.
Both of these features Spreading to 25 more citiesbrings the total to nearly 50 popular destinations in the US and worldwide.
How to Find Parking with Google Maps?
Maps can tell you how much parking is available and the busiest times of the day so you know which times to avoid. Then, when you’re on your way to a destination, use it to easily find a parking spot. This feature is only available in the Android version of Google Maps, at least at the moment.
With Google Maps open and sharing travel information, simply swipe up on the white “navigation card” at the bottom of your screen. Here, near the top, you’ll find a new option labeled “Find Parking”. Just tap here and Google Maps will show you a list of parking lots and public areas near your destination.
Then simply tap on the parking spot you are interested in. Again, you will receive information about the available parking levels and the option to confirm where you want to park.
Tap and confirm the selected option and it will instantly be added to your trip navigation. When you park, Google Maps automatically provides walking directions from where you parked to your final and original destination. This is what Google calls “door to door service”.
You can even pre-select a destination and parking spot before hitting the “start navigation” button. We recommend doing this before you actually drive so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Where Can Google Maps Parking Be Used?
Currently, Google offers these features in only 25 major cities in the United States and 25 elsewhere worldwide. However, the company plans to expand it to more locations in the near future. So far available here.
Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas/Fort Worth, DC, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego, Sacramento, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa.
Alicante, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Cologne, Darmstadt, Dusseldorf, London, Madrid, Malaga, Manchester, Milan, Montreal, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Prague, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Sao Paulo, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Toronto , Valencia , Vancouver.
If this feature is available in your city or an upcoming vacation spot, try it today. Stay tuned for more details, we’ll update this list as new locations become available. While you’re here, try these 12 Google Maps Tips and Tricks.
