Google Maps will show gas stations and restaurants along the route

Google gives the Maps service an update with ‘search along the route’. This option makes it easy to search for gas stations, restaurants and coffee shops near a route. For now, the functionality only works in the US.

In the US, Google Maps now shows a ‘Search along route’ bar, AndroidPolice writes. The service provides four standard options with regard to points of interest: searching for gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets and coffee shops. Below that is a search bar that allows entering other terms.

In a search, Google Maps shows where, for example, the gas stations are near your route, with an estimate of the extra time it will take to reach them. At petrol stations, the service also shows what the petrol prices are. For now, the functionality can only be used in the US, when it comes to the Benelux is unknown. The ability to search for points of interest along the route was a much requested feature. This was one of the features that allowed navigation services such as TomTom to distinguish themselves from Google Maps.

In Europe, Google has released Version 9.14 of the Maps app. This update makes it possible to compare estimated arrival times for car, public transport, walking or cycling.