The Directions API overview

The Directions API is a web service that uses an HTTP request to return JSON or XML-formatted directions between locations. You can receive directions for several modes of transportation, such as transit, driving, walking, or cycling.

For direction calculations that respond in real time to user input (for example, within a user interface element), you can use the Directions API or, if you're using the Maps JavaScript API, use the Directions service. For server-side use, you can use Java Client, Python Client, Go Client and Node.js Client for Google Maps Services.

Getting started

  • Try out the Directions API by completing the quickstart:

  • Start developing with the Directions API by setting up your Google Cloud project:

    Set up in Cloud Console
  • For a list of all parameters when building your Directions API HTTP request:
  • Getting directions