How do you import a GPX file into Google Maps?

You can download many GPX files online with nice cycling and walking routes. You can open these files in different apps. In this blog we give you a step-by-step plan to import a GPX route to Google Maps.

What is a GPX file?

GPX (in full: GPS Exchange Format) is a digital coding language for geographic data. With a GPX file you can share and view routes on GPS devices (such as GPS watches and bicycle computers), but also on apps such as Google Maps.

Import GPX into Google Maps

The easiest way to add a GPX file to Google Maps is to use a PC or laptop. Sign in to your Google account and then go to My Maps . At the top left of the screen you will see a red button with the text '+Create new card'. If you click on this, you will see the screen below. 

1. Import route

   At the top left you can give the route a name by clicking on the words 'Untitled map'. If necessary, add a short description. Then click on the blue word 'Import'. You will then be given the choice to insert a GPX route from the hard drive or from Google Drive.
   

2. Click on 'browse'

   Click on 'Browse' if the GPX file is on the hard drive of your PC or laptop. Go to the folder where you saved the file and open it.

3. Route has been imported, adjust route if necessary

   You have now imported the route into Google Maps. You can adjust the route if necessary, for example by adding a catering location or attraction.

Google Maps does not open a GPX file

Google Maps uses its own coding language by default: KML. When importing a GPX file, the data is automatically converted. However, this does not always go well. Even if you have completed the steps above, it may happen that your route is not displayed or not fully displayed in Google Maps. In that case, it can help to convert your GPX file to KML. You can find several free converter sites by entering 'GPX KML converter' into your search engine. Has your GPX file been converted to the KML format? Then you import it in the same way as a GPX file.

It may happen that when opening a GPX route you receive the following message at the bottom of your screen: 'This GPX file cannot be imported because it is larger than the 5MB limit'. In that case, you can choose to make the GPX file smaller, for example by removing stopovers or other information from your route. There are various apps available for this, such as gpx.studio and RouteConverter .

GPX navigation in Google Maps

Has your route been successfully saved in My Maps? Then you can also open it on your smartphone. Log into the Google Maps app and click the 'Saved' icon. At the bottom of the list of saved locations is the 'Maps' tab. If you click on this, you will find the route that you imported into Google Maps. Please note: if you have imported the route as a GPX file, Google Maps no spoken navigation instructions. Of course you can view the map and follow the route visually.

Check our blog for more route tips

Are you looking for cycling routes in a specific region? Then read our blog with tips about apps that offer ready-made cycling routes. We have also written an article about how to create and adjust your own (cycling) routes in Google Maps .