Getting Directions

You can get step-by-step directions for driving, taking public transit, or walking to a destination.

Get directions:

  1. Tap Directions.

  2. Enter starting and ending locations in the Start and End fields. By default, iPhone starts with your current approximate location (if available). Tap Bookmark icon in either field to choose a location in Bookmarks (including your current approximate location and the dropped pin, if available), Recents, or Contacts.

    For example, if a friend’s address is in your contacts list, you can tap Contacts and tap your friend’s name instead of having to type the address.

    To reverse the directions, tap Reverse direction icon.

  3. Tap Route (if you entered locations manually), then select driving (Car icon), public transit (Transit icon), or walking (Walking icon) directions.

    The travel options available depend on the route.

  4. Do one of the following:

    • To view directions one step at a time, tap Start, then tap Right arrow to see the next leg of the trip. Tap Left arrow to go back.

    • To view all the directions in a list, tap Options icon, then tap List. Tap any item in the list to see a map showing that leg of the trip. Tap Route Overview to return to the overview screen.

The map directions screen showing a route. Button across the top are, from left to right: Edit, Driving directions, Public Transit directions (selected), Walking directions, and Start. Beneath the buttons is departure and arrival time information, and to the right of that is a button for setting departure and arrival time, and choosing a schedule for the trip. In the map, a green pin indicates the start of the route and a red pin indicates the destination. A bright blue circle on the screen shows the current location. At the bottom of the screen from left to right are the buttons: Current Location (appears bright blue to indicate GPS is being used), Search, Directions (selected), and Options.

If you’re driving or walking, the approximate distance and travel time appear at the top of the screen. If traffic data is available, the driving time is adjusted accordingly.

If you’re taking public transit, the overview screen shows each leg of the trip and the mode of transportation, including where you need to walk. The top of the screen shows the time of the bus or train at the first stop, the estimated arrival time, and the total fare. Tap Clock icon to set your departure or arrival time, and to choose a schedule for the trip. Tap the icon at a stop to see the departure time for that bus or train, and to get a link to the transit provider’s website or contact info. When you tap Start and step through the route, detailed information about each leg of the trip appears at the top of the screen.

You can also get directions by finding a location on the map, tapping the pin that points to it, tapping Blue dot with right arrow, then tapping Directions To Here or Directions From Here.

Switch start and end points, for reverse directions: 

Tap Reverse direction icon.

If you don’t see Reverse direction icon, tap List, then tap Edit.

See recently viewed directions: 

Tap Bookmark icon in the search field, then tap Recents.