Is Google Map Trustworthy to Estimate Travel Time? - Iceland Message Board - Tripadvisor

Is Google Map Trustworthy to Estimate Travel Time?

Tau
Boston...
Level Contributor
307 posts
1 review
Is Google Map Trustworthy to Estimate Travel Time?

Hi,

I'm relying on google map to estimate travel time around the Ring Road + West Fjord. We will be traveling mid August next year.

Is Google's travel time accurate?

Thank!

3 replies to this topic
Canada
Level Contributor
19,882 posts
106 reviews
92 helpful votes
1. Re: Is Google Map Trustworthy to Estimate Travel Time?

It's better than it was but still not totally accurate. Some people are still recommending adding 10 to 20 % on time. Google maps can't account for windy weather , one lane bridges, sheep and tourists slowing down for pictures.

Reykjavik, Iceland
Level Contributor
2,997 posts
52 reviews
67 helpful votes
2. Re: Is Google Map Trustworthy to Estimate Travel Time?

Agreed - Google Maps is now better at estimating travel time, but it does still tend to assume that you will drive at the maximum (90 kph on open road, 80 kph on gravel) whenever possible. In addition to #1 points I would specifically add driving on gravel - it seems that the majority of tourists are quite uncomfortable on this surface and reduce their speed to 40-50 kph (and drive in the middle of the road!). I'd say for tourists add 15% to Google times, and up to 30% on gravel.

For those of you who have not seen this before, this link shows road surfaces :

https://vegasja.vegagerdin.is/eng/

Edited: 14 May 2024, 09:49
Aluva, India
Level Contributor
2,526 posts
77 reviews
41 helpful votes
3. Re: Is Google Map Trustworthy to Estimate Travel Time?

It is fairly accurate and will vary according to the time of day, traffic conditions, and the system cannot take into account delays due to unforseen circumstances. Anyway, it's indicative and helpful in planning the trip.

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