Place links vs directions links
A place link drops a pin and shows the address or business, with details and photos where the map has them. A directions link starts a route from wherever the person is right now, using the travel mode you pick.
Use place links on websites and profiles, where people want to see where you are. Use directions links in event reminders and booking confirmations, when people are about to leave.
Address or coordinates?
An address is easy, but the map app searches for it and shows the closest match. That's usually right, but new buildings, rural spots and large venues can end up with the pin in the wrong place.
Coordinates point to one exact spot. To get them in Google Maps, press and hold the place on a phone, or right-click it on a computer. Paste them here as latitude, longitude, like 37.7955, -122.3937.
How the links are built
These links use the URL formats Google, Apple and Waze publish for sharing: google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query= for places, google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination= for directions, maps.apple.com/?q= for Apple Maps and waze.com/ul for Waze. The address is percent-encoded so commas and spaces survive.
Nothing is looked up or sent anywhere. The links are built in your browser, and the map app does the searching when someone opens one.
Where to use map links
Map links help anywhere people need to find you:
- Your contact page and footer, as a Get directions button.
- Event invites and calendar entries, so guests can tap and go.
- Booking confirmations and reminder emails.
- Printed flyers, signs and tickets, as a QR code.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a link to a location on Google Maps?
Use google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query= followed by the address or coordinates. Type your address above and the tool builds it.
How do I make a directions link?
Use the Google Maps directions link from the tool. It opens a route to your place from wherever the person is, by the travel mode you choose.
Do Apple Maps links work on Android?
They open in a browser instead of an app, which works but isn't as smooth. For a mixed audience, Google Maps links are the safer choice.
How do I find the coordinates of a place?
In Google Maps, press and hold the spot on a phone, or right-click it on a computer. The coordinates appear and you can copy them.