Set up the Routes API

AI-generated Key Takeaways

• Google Maps Platform secures its products by requiring API keys for authentication and billing purposes.

• API keys can be created and managed through the Google Cloud Console or the Cloud SDK.

• It's crucial to restrict API keys to specific applications and IP addresses for enhanced security.

• You need to include your API key in every Routes API request, preferably using HTTPS.

European Economic Area (EEA) developers

If your billing address is in the European Economic Area, effective on 8 July 2025, the Google Maps Platform EEA Terms of Service will apply to your use of the Services. Functionality varies by region. Learn more.

This document describes the prerequisites for using the Routes API, how to enable it, and then how to make an authenticated request.

1. Prerequisites Ensure that you meet the prerequisites.

2. Enable the API Enable the API in your Google Cloud project.

3. Make your first request Configure an API key or OAuth to make an authenticated API request.

Enable the API

Before you can use Routes API, you must use the Google Cloud console or the gcloud command to enable it in your Google Cloud project.

Note: After you enable an API you might have to wait a few minutes before you can make a request to it.

To enable the API:

Console

1. Open the product page in the Google Cloud console:

   Enable the Routes API

2. Click the Enable button.

   Note: If the API is already enabled, you see the Manage button instead of Enable.

gcloud

gcloud services enable \
    --project "PROJECT" \
    "routes.googleapis.com"

Read more about the Google Cloud SDK , Cloud SDK installation , and the following commands:

• gcloud services enable
• gcloud services disable