We all use Google Maps for directions, but when it comes to finding the fastest route, particularly by testing various departure times, its real-time snapshots fall short. That’s where the Google Sheets Travel Formulas add-on, specifically its TRAVELTIME formula, becomes an indispensable tool. Unlike Maps, which gives you one estimate at a time, Travel Formulas empowers you to systematically test, sort, and save travel durations for countless scenarios.
TRAVELTIME Syntax
=TRAVELTIME(origin, destination, mode, departure_time)
origin – The starting location
destination – The ending location
mode – The mode of travel (“driving”, “walking”, “bicycling”, “transit”) [optional, defaults to driving]
departure_time – A datetime in the future for transit/driving in traffic. It is best to use a cell reference formatted to a datetime [optional, defaults to present time]
The TRAVELTIME formula calculates the estimated travel duration between two points. Its real power for optimization lies in its ability to accept a specific departure time. For instance, =TRAVELTIME("Origin Address", "Destination Address", "driving", "2025-06-20 07:00:00") will estimate travel for a 7:00 AM departure on June 20th, 2025.
To find the fastest route, create a column in your Google Sheet with a series of incremental departure times, perhaps every 15 or 30 minutes, spanning your potential travel window. In an adjacent column, apply the TRAVELTIME formula, referencing the departure time cell. For example, if your departure times are in column A, your formula might be =TRAVELTIME("Address A", "Address B", "driving", A2).
Once calculated, simply sort your results by the TRAVELTIME column in ascending order. The lowest value will reveal the departure time that yields the shortest travel duration. This method allows you to visually identify peak congestion periods and discover unexpected lulls in traffic, transforming your commute from a guessing game into a data-driven decision. Experiment with different days of the week too, as traffic patterns vary significantly. With TRAVELTIME, you’re not just getting a route; you’re finding the smartest route.
All Travel Formulas
TRAVELTIME – Returns the trip duration between locations
TRAVELDISTANCE – Finds the trip distance between locations
TRAVELROUTEURL – Returns the link to your route in Google Maps™
TRAVELDIRECTIONS – Provides turn-by-turn directions