How to Embed Google Maps Driving Directions in WordPress
A static map shows where you are. A directions map shows visitors how to get there. To embed Google Maps directions in WordPress you need one shortcode and no API key. Quick Maps draws the full driving route between two places, complete with the turn-by-turn panel and the travel time.
Use from and to
Add a from and a to attribute with the start and end locations. Quick Maps draws the route and the directions panel automatically:
[quick-maps from="Orlando, FL" to="Miami, FL"][/quick-maps]Here is that route, rendered live:
Why embed Google Maps directions in WordPress
A pin tells someone where you are. It does not tell them how far away that is, or how long the drive takes, which is usually the question they actually have.
A directions map answers both before anyone leaves your page. For a shop or a clinic that is the difference between a visitor guessing and a visitor arriving. Google’s own Maps URLs documentation covers the parameters behind this, though the shortcode handles them for you.
Directions to your business
The most common use is a “how to find us” map. Set to to your address and leave from empty, or set a common starting point like the nearest airport or downtown:
[quick-maps from="Orlando International Airport" to="123 Main St, Orlando, FL"][/quick-maps]Size it to fit
Directions maps show a side panel, so they often look best a little taller. Use the height attribute to give the route room to breathe:
[quick-maps from="Boston, MA" to="New York, NY" height="500px"][/quick-maps]Travel modes and what to expect
The route defaults to driving, which suits most “how to find us” pages. However, the map still behaves like Google Maps once it loads, so a visitor can switch to walking or transit inside the embed without leaving your site.
Two things worth knowing. First, the travel time shown is Google’s current estimate, so it moves with traffic exactly as it would on maps.google.com. Second, the panel needs horizontal room, so on narrow layouts the route reads better with a taller map than a wider one.
Want a plain location map instead? See how to add a Google Map to WordPress. To change how the map looks, read the guide to satellite, terrain, and zoom.