Can I paste a Google Maps link into Strava?

No. Strava's route builder only accepts an uploaded GPX or TCX file. Convert the Google Maps directions link with Maps to GPX, then upload the resulting file in Create Route.

Do I need a Strava subscription to upload a GPX route?

As of 2026, yes. Strava's Create Route and Upload GPX tools require a paid subscription. A free account can view routes but cannot build or upload one.

Should I use Track or Route output for Strava?

Track output is enough, since Strava only uses the line and generates its own turn instructions. Route with TBT enabled does not carry working voice cues into Strava.

Why did my Strava route move off the street I planned?

Strava snaps an uploaded line to its own map data, which can differ from Google Maps on bike paths and smaller streets. Check each turn in the route builder and drag misplaced points back before saving.

How do I get a Strava route onto my Garmin or Wahoo?

Use Strava's Routes integration in settings to connect your Garmin or Wahoo account, then push the saved route to the device directly. Without that connection, export the route from Strava as a GPX and load it manually.

Can I skip Strava and go straight to my cycling computer?

Yes. The GPX from Maps to GPX can be imported directly into Garmin Connect, Wahoo, or Bryton Active without ever creating a Strava route.

Maps to GPX

Google Maps to Strava Route via GPX Upload

Strava builds routes from an uploaded GPX file, not from a pasted Google Maps link. Convert the route with Maps to GPX first, then create the Strava route from that file.

As of 2026, creating routes and uploading a GPX on Strava requires a paid Strava subscription. A free account can still view routes that have already been shared with it.

Convert a Google Maps route to GPX

How to turn the GPX into a Strava route

Download the GPX from Maps to GPX (Track output is enough; Strava does not use the GPX's turn-by-turn cues).
On strava.com, open My Routes, then choose Create Route.
In the route builder, use Upload GPX (near the route tools) and select the downloaded file.
Strava draws the line onto its own road and path network. Check each segment and drag any point that snapped to the wrong street.
Name the route and save it. It now appears under My Routes on your Strava profile.

If your Strava plan does not include route building, you can still take the GPX straight to Garmin Connect, Wahoo, or Bryton and skip Strava for that ride.

Why Strava needs an uploaded file

Strava's route builder reads a GPX (or TCX) file rather than a Google Maps directions URL, so there is no direct link-to-Strava path. Maps to GPX bridges the two by reading a google.com/maps/dir/ URL or a maps.app.goo.gl short link and producing a GPX Strava can accept.

The converter uses the Google Routes API in cycling mode where Google has bike routing data for the area, and falls back to driving directions elsewhere, so check the result before uploading.

Strava's subscription requirement, as of 2026

Route creation and GPX upload sit behind Strava's paid subscription as of 2026. A free Strava account can record and view activities, but the Create Route and Upload GPX tools are not available without a subscription.

Confirm current Strava plan details on their site before relying on this, since subscription tiers and included features change from time to time.

Track output is enough for Strava

Strava's route builder only needs the line, so Track output from Maps to GPX works well. Route output with turn-by-turn cues does not add voice navigation inside Strava, since Strava generates its own turn instructions after the route is built.

A non-zero cue count on the Maps to GPX result screen reflects the file itself, not what Strava will show once the route is created.

When the Strava route snaps to a different street

Like other route builders, Strava matches an uploaded line to its own map data. Where Strava's cycling data differs from Google Maps, a segment can shift to a nearby parallel road or bike path. This is more common on mixed-use paths and smaller streets than on major roads.

Review the full route in the builder, especially at turns, before saving. Drag any misplaced segment back onto the intended street.

Syncing the Strava route to Garmin or Wahoo

Strava's Routes integration can push a saved route to a connected Garmin or Wahoo account, so the device receives the route without a second file transfer. Enable the connection once in Strava's settings under partner integrations.

If your device is not linked, export the route from Strava as a GPX again and load it onto the device manually.

Skipping Strava entirely

If you only want the ride on your cycling computer, you do not need a Strava route at all. Take the GPX from Maps to GPX straight to Garmin Connect, the Wahoo app, or Bryton Active, and use Strava afterward only to record the activity.

FAQ

Can I paste a Google Maps link into Strava?: No. Strava's route builder only accepts an uploaded GPX or TCX file. Convert the Google Maps directions link with Maps to GPX, then upload the resulting file in Create Route.
Do I need a Strava subscription to upload a GPX route?: As of 2026, yes. Strava's Create Route and Upload GPX tools require a paid subscription. A free account can view routes but cannot build or upload one.
Should I use Track or Route output for Strava?: Track output is enough, since Strava only uses the line and generates its own turn instructions. Route with TBT enabled does not carry working voice cues into Strava.
Why did my Strava route move off the street I planned?: Strava snaps an uploaded line to its own map data, which can differ from Google Maps on bike paths and smaller streets. Check each turn in the route builder and drag misplaced points back before saving.
How do I get a Strava route onto my Garmin or Wahoo?: Use Strava's Routes integration in settings to connect your Garmin or Wahoo account, then push the saved route to the device directly. Without that connection, export the route from Strava as a GPX and load it manually.
Can I skip Strava and go straight to my cycling computer?: Yes. The GPX from Maps to GPX can be imported directly into Garmin Connect, Wahoo, or Bryton Active without ever creating a Strava route.

Convert to GPX for Strava