Looking for a different way to get to your destination? Whether you want to avoid traffic, take a faster route, or explore another path entirely, the MapQuest app makes it easy to view and select alternate routes.
Here’s how to find the best route for your needs.
Finding Alternate Routes
Open the MapQuest App
Tap Start MapQuest to begin planning your trip.Enter Your Destination
Type in the address or location you’d like to go to.Review the Route Options
After your destination is entered, MapQuest will display your primary route along with any available alternate routes on the map.Each route will be marked by a time ribbon—a small banner showing the estimated travel time.
These ribbons may vary based on distance, estimated arrival time, or route type (such as highways or local roads).
Select Your Preferred Route
Tap on any time ribbon to choose that route. The selected route will then become active and highlighted on your screen.
Why You Might Not See Alternate Routes
Limited road options: In some cases, especially in rural areas or for short trips, alternate routes may not be available.
Route preferences: If you’ve enabled certain settings like “Avoid Highways” or “Avoid Tolls,” this could limit your available options. You can review or change these under Menu > Settings > Route Preferences.
Helpful Tips
Alternate routes are usually shown before you tap Start—so review them on the map first.
If you’d like to compare routes again, go back to the map screen and reselect a different time ribbon.
The app uses real-time traffic data, so alternate routes may change depending on current conditions.