If your app relies on route calculations—whether for delivery, transportation, or navigation—you want it to work quickly and accurately. Google has now introduced a new API: the Routes API, an optimized version of the Directions API and Distance Matrix API.
But what does that actually mean? In this blog, we’ll break down why the Routes API is worth considering and what changes when you migrate to this new API.
What Makes the Routes API Better?
1. The New Standard for the Future
Practical Benefits
Google plans to make this API the new standard while gradually phasing out the older Distance Matrix API and Directions API. This means that the older APIs will no longer be supported or updated in the future. They are now officially labeled as “Legacy services”, meaning they will no longer be available for new projects. Because of this, developers are encouraged to switch to the new API as soon as possible.
Financial Benefits
The new APIs introduce volume discounts, which are no longer fully available for the old APIs. This means the more you use the new API, the lower your cost per request will be. In contrast, the old APIs do not offer discounts beyond a certain usage threshold.
So, both practically and financially, the new API offers significant advantages.
2. Calculate More Routes at Once
If you run a delivery service and need to calculate the fastest route for multiple orders at once, the old APIs allowed only a limited number of simultaneous route requests.
With the new Routes API, you can process significantly more addresses at once. Specifically, the Routes: Distance Matrix API can now handle up to 50 waypoints, regardless of how many starting or ending points you have.
Previously, the Distance Matrix API had a limit of 25 starting points and 25 ending points. Now, you can calculate travel times from a single starting point to 49 destinations at once.
3. Faster Response Times
Nobody likes an app that takes too long to load.
The Routes API is faster because it starts sending results immediately, even while it continues calculating the remaining data. This means you can see the first results without having to wait for the entire calculation to complete.
Additionally, you can choose which specific data you need, avoiding unnecessary information retrieval. For example, you can request only travel times or distances, saving both time and money.
4. Smarter Route Calculations
The Routes API doesn’t just calculate the shortest path—it also considers:
- Toll prices, so you know if a route includes additional costs.
- Special routes for motorcycles and scooters, perfect for two-wheeled delivery services. Only available in certain countries.
- More accurate estimated arrival times (ETAs) by analyzing road directions and the side of the road a destination is on.
In short, not only are routes calculated faster, but they are also more accurate.
5. Better Traffic Information
With the new API, you have more control over how you incorporate traffic data:
- Fastest calculations without live traffic data.
- A smart balance between speed and real-time traffic congestion.
- Highly detailed traffic information, similar to what Google Maps itself uses.
This flexibility allows you to optimize your route calculations based on cost, quality, and speed.
What Changes When You Migrate to the New API?
Migrating to the Routes API involves a few key changes:
- Easier to use
You only need to activate one API instead of two. - Faster route calculations
Less waiting time and more efficient data retrieval. - Improved ETA accuracy
Arrival times consider both traffic and non-traffic scenarios. - No more XML, only JSON
A standard format for most modern applications. - Geocoding required
Addresses will no longer be provided with coordinates automatically; you’ll need Geocoding for this. - Practical Advantage
The new Routes API is now the industry standard, replacing the old Distance Matrix API and Directions API, which will no longer be supported. - Financial Advantage
The new APIs offer usage-based discounts, while the old APIs no longer provide these benefits. You can also test the first batch of requests for free, significantly reducing your initial costs. Plus, you receive extra free usage every month, allowing you to test, build, and experiment without extra charges.
Conclusion: Why Choose the New Routes API?
The Routes API is a significant improvement over previous route calculation methods. Here are the key benefits:
✔ Faster and better route calculations: Get results quicker.
✔ More flexibility: Process more addresses and routes at once.
✔ Improved traffic information: Smarter choices for the fastest route.
✔ More features: Includes toll prices and specialized routes for motorcycles.
✔ Better support: The new API will be better supported both financially and practically.
Still using the old Directions API or Distance Matrix API? Now is the time to explore the Routes API and take your app to the next level. Enjoy faster performance, greater flexibility, and lower costs!
Important Tip
It’s best to migrate at the start of a new month to maximize volume discounts.
Interested in the new pricing structure? Check out this page. Ready to get started? Check out the official documentation and learn how to implement the Routes API today!
