Adding travel time to Google maps

[wtmtnhiker]

I use google maps allot while towing. Looking at the estimated time of the trip I'm wondering if you routinely add time to the Google estimate. I normally allow an extra hour for a trip that maps says will take 5 hrs or so. Interested to hear what others do.

[Hammerboy]

Love Google maps, been using it for navigation for at least 5-6 years now. I still have a couple Garmins still on the shelf collecting dust. I like the live traffic, suggested detours when there is construction or accidents etc. Time seems accurate when driving solo but I also figure 50mph towing as well.

Dan

[doxiemom11]

We use x-ways only when necessary so go thru small towns. We figure an average of 45 miles per hour and that figure also allows for a brief breaks to walk around a bit ( 10 min) and a half hour lunch period. Many US highways are divided 4 lane with a lot less traffic, so that's our choice when possible.

[SpeakEasy]

I'm also a 50MPH average kind of guy. Almost always works well to give a fairly accurate eta.

Google maps eta drives me nuts. Even though I know they are way off, it still drives me nuts that they say I'm going to get there at such-and-such a time. At times when I've not been towing I've experimented to see if it is even possible to meet their eta expectations by driving the speed limit. Couldn't do it. I suspect that their eta is calculated by using data from other drivers, whom we all know mostly exceed the speed limit all the time. I don't think you can meet google maps eta without speeding.

-Speak

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

50ish mph average, not matter what the mapping software or GPS says.

Over 7 years full-timing, 46 states, that's about right.

[profdant139]

I'm also a "50 mph" person. That number includes gas stops but not meal stops. After many years of experience, we have determined that 50 is a real-world number -- a 400 mile trip really takes 8 hours.

[GizmosMom]

I still use my Microsoft Streets and Trips 2011 version to plan. Then I compare it what Google Maps says. I often need to add a destination to Google.
MS S&T lets me set my speed at the slowest and also lets me add in rest breaks.

[Mike134]

BarabooBob wrote:
I also add a lot of time to Googles time. I agree with gbopp, 50 mph average, so I just count on 2 hours per hundred miles. Not much thinking involved.

X2!! arrival time using this method has always been within 15 mins on 300-400 mile trips.

[mleekamp]

Though I use a Garmin dash mount GPS, I do use Google maps when planning my route. (Note: I don't have a smartphone hence the Garmin). I actively look for gas stops that are easy in/out, other stops, etc. To answer your question, if Google says 5 hours (your example) on an A to B route (meaning: no big stops other than maybe gas), I will add 1 to 1.5 hours of time.

Keep in mind Google figures time based on speedlimits and other factors, and it does not consider RV speeds...so yes, i do add time.

[1320Fastback]

I use Google Maps mainly to get a idea of traffic in front of us while traveling. What ever the mileage is says to the destination I just divide by 50 and disregard their estimate arrival time.

[wildtoad]

I never use Google maps for anything. I live on a highly traveled main road, in a small town, just of I77. If I ask Google to find my house it can’t do it. Apple Maps does, Garmin does, just not Google. So if it can’t find me, I’m not using it.

But then again I don’t use anything owned by Google other than perhaps Utube to find out how to do something.

[wtmtnhiker]

BarabooBob wrote:
I also add a lot of time to Googles time. I agree with gbopp, 50 mph average, so I just count on 2 hours per hundred miles. Not much thinking involved.

I'm going to use this.

[dedmiston]

50 mph is accurate for us and it makes the math easy to do in your head.

[4runnerguy]

From what I can tell, in many places Google Maps uses the actual speed limit in their calculations. I find the projected travel times are not something I can achieved in the western states, as I just won't tow at 80 MPH in Utah for instance. But in states where the speed limit is say 65 MPH, I am closer to what Google Maps projects. But on longer days (300+ miles) I always add an hour or so. Maybe lunch, a gasoline stop, and three or four bathroom breaks! 😉

[DrewE]

I've found the Google maps estimates to be not too far off for me in my motorhome, for just driving time (not including fuel stops, lunch stops, detours when trying to get back on the route after a fuel or lunch stop, and such like)--at least close enough for rough planning purposes. Driving a motorhome isn't exactly like towing, of course. I do tend to cruise around the speed limit most of the time, at least here in the Northeast where we don't have super high limits.