Which Google Maps URLs does Maps to GPX accept?

Directions URLs such as google.com/maps/dir/... and their short-link form (maps.app.goo.gl, goo.gl) are accepted. A single Place link, a My Maps link, and embed HTML are not directions routes and are rejected.

Why is my route in driving mode instead of cycling mode?

Google Routes API only returns a bicycle route where it has cycling data for that area. Where that data is missing, the conversion falls back to driving mode, so the generated line can differ from a route you would ride.

What is the difference between Route and Track output?

Route output stores the line as / and is the format most cycling computers expect for a navigable course. Track output stores it as / , a simple line with no route structure. Turn-by-turn cue points can be added to either format.

Why does my GPX have 0 turn-by-turn cues?

Cues are only added when Google returns per-step navigation instructions for the route. Short routes, routes without cycling data, or routes made of a single straight leg can return no usable instructions, so the cue count stays at 0 even with TBT turned on.

How many waypoints can one route have?

Up to 12 waypoints, including the start and destination. Routes with more stops need to be split into multiple GPX files.

Do I need an account to convert a route?

No. Conversion, the Route/Track/TBT options, and the free route-editing preview at /edit are all available without signing in. An account is only needed for Maps to GPX Pro, which saves routes and lets you re-download an edited GPX later.

Maps to GPX

How to Convert a Google Maps Route to GPX (Step by Step)

Turning a Google Maps directions link into a GPX file for a cycling computer takes six steps: build the route, copy the link, choose Route or Track, pick your options, check the result, and import it.

Maps to GPX is free and needs no account. This guide covers each step with the exact menu names so the URL is accepted on the first try.

1. Build directions in Google Maps

Open Google Maps and tap Directions (the arrow icon), then set a start point and a destination. Add up to 12 waypoints with the + button if you want the route to pass through specific stops — Maps to GPX supports up to 12 waypoints per route.

Select the cycling icon (the bicycle) among the travel mode tabs when it is available for your area. If Google has no cycling data for the region, the route stays in driving mode, and Maps to GPX will fall back to the same driving line later.

2. Copy the route link with Share

Tap Share, then Copy link. On desktop, you can also copy the address bar URL once the route with all stops is visible.

A valid link looks like https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Tokyo+Station/Tokyo+Tower or a short link such as https://maps.app.goo.gl/xxxxxxxx. A single-place link (Place cards), a My Maps link, or embed HTML from the Share > Embed a map tab will be rejected — those do not carry a directions route.

3. Paste the URL into Maps to GPX

Paste the copied link into the input field on the Maps to GPX home page and start the conversion. The tool re-requests directions from Google's Routes API in bicycle mode, and falls back to driving mode only where cycling data is not available for that area.

4. Choose Route or Track, and turn TBT on or off

Pick Route when your cycling computer should show turn cues, since a Route file (<rte>/<rtept>) is built to carry navigation waypoints. Pick Track when you only need a stable line to follow, which some devices render more predictably.

Turn on the turn-by-turn (TBT) option to add cue points built from Google's per-step navigation instructions. Turn on point simplification (keeps every other point) if the route is long and the file needs to stay small for an older device.

Route: best when you want visible turn prompts on the device
Track: best when only the line matters
TBT on: adds cue points with instruction text
Simplify points: halves the point count for long rides

5. Check distance, points, and cue count on the result screen

Before downloading, the result screen shows the total distance, the number of route points, and the number of TBT cues. A real example: Tokyo Station to Tokyo Tower in bicycle mode produced 4.4 km, 78 route points, and 18 TBT cues.

If the cue count is 0 despite TBT being on, the source route did not return supported navigation instructions. If the point count looks too high for your device, go back and enable point simplification, then regenerate.

6. Download the GPX and import it into your device

Download the file, then import it following the steps for your device: Garmin Connect (see the Garmin guide), Wahoo ELEMNT (see the Wahoo guide), or Bryton Active (see the Bryton guide). A general smartphone-app workflow is covered in the smartphone guide.

Signed-in users can also open the route in the free editor at /edit to preview and adjust waypoints before exporting again. Saving edits and re-downloading later require Maps to GPX Pro ($2.99/month).

FAQ

Which Google Maps URLs does Maps to GPX accept?: Directions URLs such as google.com/maps/dir/... and their short-link form (maps.app.goo.gl, goo.gl) are accepted. A single Place link, a My Maps link, and embed HTML are not directions routes and are rejected.
Why is my route in driving mode instead of cycling mode?: Google Routes API only returns a bicycle route where it has cycling data for that area. Where that data is missing, the conversion falls back to driving mode, so the generated line can differ from a route you would ride.
What is the difference between Route and Track output?: Route output stores the line as <rte>/<rtept> and is the format most cycling computers expect for a navigable course. Track output stores it as <trk>/<trkpt>, a simple line with no route structure. Turn-by-turn cue points can be added to either format.
Why does my GPX have 0 turn-by-turn cues?: Cues are only added when Google returns per-step navigation instructions for the route. Short routes, routes without cycling data, or routes made of a single straight leg can return no usable instructions, so the cue count stays at 0 even with TBT turned on.
How many waypoints can one route have?: Up to 12 waypoints, including the start and destination. Routes with more stops need to be split into multiple GPX files.
Do I need an account to convert a route?: No. Conversion, the Route/Track/TBT options, and the free route-editing preview at /edit are all available without signing in. An account is only needed for Maps to GPX Pro, which saves routes and lets you re-download an edited GPX later.

Convert a Google Maps route now