How to see traffic info on Google Maps

Google Maps on iPhone
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

When you know how to see traffic info on Google Maps, you’ll never be late again. There’s nothing more annoying than being stuck in traffic and seeing cars on a different road make their way along carefree. Knowledge is power, so making sure you know where things are snarled up is very important, especially when you’ve got places to be and things to do. 

Google Maps is a great way to get live traffic information before you set out on your journey, and thanks to the mobile versions, you can even stay up to date while on the go. Here’s how to see traffic info on Google Maps for Android, iPhone and on a browser. 

How to see traffic info on Google Maps 

On mobile, make sure that you have downloaded the Google Maps App. Of course when driving, ensure you pay attention to the road and follow all laws of the road. 

Google Maps' traffic system denotes Red roads as the busiest with green roads those offering a clearer route. 

How to see traffic info on Google Maps: Desktop

1. Go to google.com/maps. If you want to check a specific location or area, enter that location or area in the search bar, otherwise just proceed to step 2 to see the traffic in your vicinity.

(Image credit: Google)

2. Click Layers.

(Image credit: Google)

3. Select the Traffic view

(Image credit: Google)

4. You can now view the traffic.

(Image credit: Google)

How to see traffic info on Google Maps: Android

1. Open the Google Maps app.

(Image credit: Future)

2. If you want to check a specific location or area, enter that location or area in the search bar, otherwise just proceed to step 3 to see the traffic in your vicinity.

(Image credit: Google)

3. Tap Layers and then tap Traffic

(Image credit: Google)

4. You can now view the traffic.

(Image credit: Google)

How to see traffic info on Google Maps: iPhone & iPad

1. Open the Google Maps app.

(Image credit: Future)

2. If you want to check a specific location or area, enter that location or area in the search bar, otherwise just proceed to step 3 to see the traffic in your vicinity

(Image credit: Google)

3.  Tap Layers and then tap Traffic.  

(Image credit: Google)

4. You can now view the traffic.

(Image credit: Google)

There you go, Google's traffic information is actually collected from other smartphone users that have their location services turned on so if you don't want to share, turn it off.

If you want to share a location with a friend, however, check out how to share location on Google Maps or to get a closer look at somewhere read how to use Street View on Google Maps. Going offline? Try how to download offline Google Maps.

Andy Sansom
Trainee Writer

Andy is Tom’s Guide’s Trainee Writer, which means that he currently writes about pretty much everything we cover. He has previously worked in copywriting and content writing both freelance and for a leading business magazine. His interests include gaming, music and sports- particularly Formula One, football and badminton. Andy’s degree is in Creative Writing and he enjoys writing his own screenplays and submitting them to competitions in an attempt to justify three years of studying.