Google Maps has just introduced a new feature that I have been patiently awaiting for several years now — Route planning with typical traffic conditions!

Route planning allows you to plot a course between two points and not just with current traffic but with typical traffic for various times during the week and day. Previously, you could only see current traffic conditions, which was not very helpful if you were trying to plan your trip to the airport a week in advance.

I was very excited to receive an email from the Google team indicating that they had incorporated this new feature after receiving my feedback — after I pleaded for route planning with typical traffic. There’s the long awaited email on the right.

It is now easier than ever to plan ahead for directions and the new Depart at or Arrive by options give you choice in how you want to plan.

It is possible that the feature hasn’t been rolled out to all users yet because I haven’t heard anything about it elsewhere but if you have it you can give it a whirl by clicking here. It is certainly an incredible edition to what is already an amazing service! I already live by Google Maps but now it is perfected 🙂

Here are the basic steps to use the feature:

1. Open Google Maps on your computer.
2. Hover your cursor over the search box, then click Directions.
3. Click points on the map or type the address or place name.
4. Click driving or transit .
5. Click Leave now. A drop-down menu will appear.
6. To change your travel dates or times, select Depart at or Arrive by.
7. The best route to your destination, given the day and time, is blue on the map and is the first card shown.