Support and practical answers
Help with MapQuest Directions
Use this page to troubleshoot common route-planning questions, choose the right guide, and build a safer habit around online directions.
Start with an exact destination
The quality of a route often depends on the quality of the places entered. Use a complete street address when possible, then check the selected city, state, ZIP code, business name, or landmark. Large campuses, hospitals, airports, parks, shopping centers, and venues may have several entrances, so the most useful destination is sometimes an entrance address or a nearby access road rather than the property name alone.
Before driving, read the first transition, the largest road changes, and the last few turns. That short preview can reveal a divided road, bridge, tunnel, one-way street, toll section, or parking approach that is easy to miss when looking only at a route line.
When a route does not look right
Compare the route’s distance, estimated time, major turns, and route settings. A slightly longer option may be easier to follow or may fit a preference about highways, tolls, terrain, or stops. If the screen and a current road sign disagree, follow the sign and reassess from a safe place. Online directions cannot see every access restriction or predict every change in road conditions.
For weather, construction, wildfire, flooding, event traffic, ferry service, or mountain travel, check the responsible transportation agency or destination before departure. Use hands-free tools only when permitted and safe, and set up the route while parked.
Choose a route-planning guide
Each guide focuses on a different search intent. Use the library below to move from a general directions workflow to a specific planning question.
Common questions
MapQuest directions help FAQ
Why does a route arrive at the wrong entrance?
A city name, business name, or large property can match a broad result instead of the door you need. Enter a complete street address, confirm the city and state, and check the final turns, entrance, parking area, or drop-off point before leaving.
Why can the estimated travel time change?
Travel time is an estimate based on the route information available when it is calculated. Traffic, crashes, weather, construction, events, closures, and the pace of actual driving can change the journey. Recheck important conditions and follow posted signs or official notices.
What should I do when directions do not match a road sign?
Treat the road sign, legal restriction, and safe driving decision as more important than a route prompt. Continue only when it is safe, pull over before changing the route, and use a current official notice or a verified destination contact when access is uncertain.
Which guide should I read first?
Start with MapQuest Directions for a general route workflow. Choose Walking Directions for pedestrian planning, Route Planner or Trip Planner for multiple stops, Gas Calculator or Mileage Calculator for trip estimates, and Printable Map when you need a paper reference.