How to set your usual type of travel in Apple Maps on an iPhone
2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 4 October 2026
Open Settings, tap Apps, then Maps, and under Preferred Type of Travel tap Walking, Transit or Cycling. Driving is selected at first. Maps then uses your choice, when available, to get directions and estimate travel time.
- Device
- iPhone
- Shown on
- iOS 26.5 (iPhone 17)
- App
- Settings
- Path
- Settings › Apps › Maps › Preferred Type of Travel
- Real screenshots
- 4 of 4 steps
- Checked
- October 2026
- Sources
- 1 official, linked below
Apple Maps assumes that you drive. If you mostly walk, cycle or take the train, every route starts with the wrong kind of directions. One setting changes the starting point.
The screenshots show iOS 26.5 on an iPhone 17. On older versions the rows have the same names, with a slightly different look.
Step by step
Open Settings and tap Apps
Apps is near the bottom of the main Settings list.
Tap Maps
The apps are in alphabetical order, so Maps is under M.
Tap your type of travel
Under Preferred Type of Travel there are four choices: Driving, Walking, Transit and Cycling. The tick is on Driving at first. The note below says that this type is used, when available, to get directions and to estimate your travel time.
Check the navigation app
Default Navigation App is the row above. In the picture it says Maps.
Good to know
To go back, tap Driving on the same page.
Drivers can keep routes off toll roads: how to avoid tolls and highways in Apple Maps on an iPhone.
In short: Settings, Apps, Maps, Preferred Type of Travel, tap your choice.
Links checked on 3 October 2026. Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.