How to plan your public transport journey using Google Maps

Why not plan your public transport journey with directions and accurate timetable data on Google Maps.

I love Google Maps! I use it almost everyday, and it’s like having a GPS in my pocket.

Many of our clients use Google Maps, along with Tram Tracker (Tram Timetable) and PTV (Train Timetable) to plan their public transport journey. Now you can do it all through Google Maps.

Here’s how:

1) Open Google Maps

2) Tap into the Search area, and type your destination

3) It will automatically pick up your starting point as your current location (You will need to have location services turned on for this to work)

4) Tap the little car icon (bottom right) You’ll see a map overview (Picture on the left)

5) Tap the Train icon (where it says 11 min)

And you’ll get… Up to date public transport information. You can choose to travel by train or tram

I chose Train, as it was the fastest route. By choosing Train, I got my directions to the Forum… where I saw a show at the Comedy Festival!

So next time you need to travel on Public Transport, try planning your journey through Google Maps!

Do you use Google Maps? Please share your experiences or any tips below.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com

24 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 18 Apr 2021
    8:55 pm
I dont really use public transport but I often use google maps when I have to drive to locations Im not familiar with. Its never let me down.

- - mom81879 said
  - 23 Apr 2017
    10:46 am
A really good idea. I have very rarely used public transport so I wouldn’t need this. Google maps is good for car trips too tho

- - mom94125 said
  - 02 Sep 2016
    4:30 pm
oh this is clever! so handy especially for those who live in the city. Great article

- - Melissa89 said
  - 29 Jul 2016
    11:40 am
I use google maps so often. I love how it shows you traffic as well

- - mom71820 said
  - 06 Jul 2016
    11:34 am
Wow, Google seems to do it all. Thanks!

- - mom19782016 said
  - 09 Jun 2016
    12:50 pm
Google maps is amazing – how did we get around growing up??!!

- - sharna_booth_weinrowski said
  - 31 May 2016
    8:30 pm
I have only started using the app now!
I never knew it existed!

- - rachelvk said
  - 12 May 2016
    12:05 pm
I always use the PTV journey planner; it’s a fantastic website.

- - mom101628 said
  - 03 May 2016
    4:18 pm
I like to check out my travel plan with the PTV site – they are rarely wrong, but don’t always update other people’s sites, only their own.

- - mom134803 said
  - 01 May 2016
    4:06 am
I can’t remember traveling with public transport here and in my car I use a Tomtom

- - mom93821 said
  - 30 Apr 2016
    11:58 pm
Yep – a big thanks to google maps!

- - mom113991 said
  - 30 Apr 2016
    10:04 pm
this is a great idea, i just noticed i could do this yesterday when i looked at google maps for directions….so helpful when you never usually use public transport

- - pakeko said
  - 29 Apr 2016
    9:44 pm
Never thought of using it for public transport what a great idea

- - mom81879 said
  - 23 Apr 2016
    8:57 pm
I have used Google maps, not for public transport tho. I’ve very very rarely used public transport. My first time I was 20 something and had to ask how to let the bus driver to stop :/

- - mom62624 said
  - 18 Apr 2016
    5:36 am
I haven’t had much experience with Google Maps but it looks and sounds great, very convenient!.

- - mum4107 said
  - 17 Apr 2016
    10:27 pm
Looks handy. I font use public transport. I use where is to find where I need to go

- - Threelos said
  - 17 Apr 2016
    10:15 pm
In in Sydney and I use it sometimes, but I Prefer to use the Sydney Trains trip planner.

- - mom74640 said
  - 17 Apr 2016
    8:42 pm
Like it

- - june11 said
  - 17 Apr 2016
    8:15 pm
I am surprised they never mentioned buses at all. Surely they have some over there. Presumably these can be obtained for every state and territory.

- - BellaB said
  - 17 Apr 2016
    2:06 pm
You do have to be careful, as when it’s wrong, it’s WRONG.