Google-maps – direct-link only the drive-time data from a map route

bing-mapsgoogle mapsopenstreetmapwaze

Is there way to create a direct link for only the duration data of a driving route?

I'm attempting to use the times for numerous routes simultaneously, to update based on current driving conditions, but I don't know if there's a way to obtain ONLY the drive-time/duration data from a route.

I'm dealing with too many routes to keep looking the individual maps up.

I don't care which source it is, as long as it:

  1. updates for real-world/current driving conditions (as opposed to only "normal" for that time of day)
  2. is free (or CHEAP)

Best Answer

Use Google Sheets with a custom function (GOOGLEMAPS).

There are many precedents on the net but I can't find a specific example of travel time on webapps so I've used this script from Chicago Computer Classes (they have a YouTube video and a link to their script)

The formula in cell C2 is:

  • =GOOGLEMAPS(A2,B2,"hours")

The formula in cell D2 is:

  • =GOOGLEMAPS(A2,B2,"minutes")

Their custom formula provides options for "Minutes" or "Hours". I've shown both options. I also converted this to "Hours: Minutes" using this formula in Column E

Note: there is a quota limit on Google Map Direction query of 1,000/day for free GSuite accounts.

Snapshot

/**
* Get Distance between 2 different addresses.
* @param start_address Address as string Ex. "300 N LaSalles St, Chicago, IL"
* @param end_address Address as string Ex. "900 N LaSalles St, Chicago, IL"
* @param return_type Return type as string Ex. "miles" or "kilometers" or "minutes" or "hours"
* @customfunction
*/

function GOOGLEMAPS(start_address,end_address,return_type) {

  // https://www.chicagocomputerclasses.com/
  // Nov 2017
  // improvements needed
  
  var mapObj = Maps.newDirectionFinder();
  mapObj.setOrigin(start_address);
  mapObj.setDestination(end_address);
  var directions = mapObj.getDirections();
  
  var getTheLeg = directions["routes"][0]["legs"][0];
  
  var meters = getTheLeg["distance"]["value"];
  
  switch(return_type){
    case "miles":
      return meters * 0.000621371;
      break;
    case "minutes":
        // get duration in seconds
        var duration = getTheLeg["duration"]["value"];
        //convert to minutes and return
        return duration / 60;
      break;
    case "hours":
        // get duration in seconds
        var duration = getTheLeg["duration"]["value"];
        //convert to hours and return
        return duration / 60 / 60;
      break;      
    case "kilometers":
      return meters / 1000;
      break;
    default:
      return "Error: Wrong Unit Type";
   }
  
}
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