Google Maps and estimated drive times in Austin - are they accurate? (Comanche: estimate)

[sojourner77]

When searching for the time that it takes to get from point A to Point B in Austin, Google Maps tells you how long it takes along any chosen route, at any time of day.


Is Google Maps a reliable estimate of travel time in Austin?


In GENERAL TERMS; Yes or No?

[cBach]

I actually found google to be reliable in its time predictions. However, it is not good in finding alternatives.

For instance, I have the need to go downtown during rush hour from time to time and the 620/2222 intersection is backed up, yet it routinely recommends that, when using the Comanche Trail bypass would be faster.

So yes you can rely on the time estimates but it's up to you to take an alternate route.

[COCUE]

I use it multiple times a week to make sure I get to work before any in person meetings and have found it to be pretty accurate.

[Westerner92]

I'm in agreement with the others. It's never been off by more than a couple minutes for me. Google spends a lot of effort making sure Austin has very accurate mapping compared to other cities since it does so much work here.

[GreenPlastic]

Honestly, it's sort of creepy how accurate Google Maps is. Use it all the time within the city and also when driving to other cities. I've really questioned the estimate at the start of the trip many times, but they are usually accurate within a couple of minutes.

[CptnRn]

It is accurate at that moment, but drive times change during the day, and become very long during rush hours.