Navigating Offline Maps During Car Rental

Learn all about avoiding additional costs and how to use offline maps during your rental. Figure out:

• Which offline maps to use
• The pros and cons of online maps
• How to hire a GPS for your car rental

Long gone are the days of stopping by the roadside to check a physical map. Technological advancements have made navigating unfamiliar locations easier, with GPS and handheld mapping services saving the day. This article offers helpful tips on how to use offline maps during your car rental, as well as how to remain safe while doing so.

Making use of offline maps during car rental

Whether you’re travelling abroad or exploring an unfamiliar location, it’s possible that you’ll find yourself without an internet connection, and in turn, your trusted navigational tools. Thankfully, many mapping services now offer offline maps that are downloaded prior to travel to help you during your journey. We’ve got a list of offline map options for your next trip:

1. Google Maps

Google Maps helps over one billion people per month get from A to B. One of Google Maps' latest features is offline routes that you can download before you travel. To download offline routes, search for your destination or directions. Once you’ve selected your chosen route, click the ‘three dots’ icon and click download. Once downloaded, you’ll be able to access any saved routes via settings > privacy center > offline maps.

2. Here We Go

Here We Go is a navigational app available that allows users to download maps and use them offline. To use this offline function, visit the ‘Download Maps’ section and head to ‘Your Maps’. From here, you’ll be able to choose maps by continent, region or city. Here We Go doesn’t offer offline maps in China, Japan or Korea. For all offline functionality to be available, you must ensure all map layers have cached and downloaded completely beforehand.

3. Citymapper

One navigational app that often goes under the radar is Citymapper – an app that is constantly expanding its repertoire of cities and destinations available. Like Google Maps and Here We Go, offline maps can be saved via Citymapper by clicking the ‘star’ icon on your chosen route. Citymapper is great for those exploring new cities on foot, and has the bonus function of providing public transportation timetables that still feature during offline use.

Understanding the pros and cons of offline maps

Hiring a GPS for your rental car

If you’d prefer not to download offline maps in advance of a journey, you can always rent a GPS or Satellite Navigation (Sat Nav) from the rental company. Many modern vehicles offer built-in GPS systems, enabling you to input your destination and receive voice prompt directions, lane guidance, and real-time speed camera alerts. This is particularly useful if driving alone and unable to consult your cell phone. Some rental companies may provide this service for free, while some may require a small charge.

Maintaining safety during your car rental

As annoying as it can be to stop every five minutes to check directions, it’s still 100% safer and law-abiding than checking your maps at the wheel. As obvious as it may seem, checking maps while driving can distract your attention from the road, creating an unsafe situation for yourself, your passengers, and other road users.

Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of our company.