Set up the Routes API

Page Summary

• 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 steps needed to start using the Routes API.

1. Account and billing 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.

Prerequisites

This procedure guides you through setting up a Google Cloud Account and Google Cloud project with billing enabled. You should also be familiar with how you are charged for using the Routes API.

1. Review billing and cost for usage at Routes API Usage and Billing.

2. Verify that you have a Google Cloud Account.

   Sign in to the Google Cloud console
   Note: If you are a new user and don't have a Google Cloud Account, meaning you cannot sign in to the console, see Getting started with Google Maps Platform.

3. Verify that you have a Google Cloud project with billing enabled.

   Go to the Billing page
   Note: If you are a new user and don't have a Google Cloud project, see Getting started with Google Maps Platform.
1. Select your project to open the Billing page.

2. On the Billing page:

   • If billing is already enabled for the selected project, and you only have a single billing account, then the Billing page opens.
   • If you have multiple billing accounts, select Go to linked billing account to see the details about the billing account associated with the project.
   • If a billing account exists but is not associated with the project, you are prompted to link a billing account with the project.
   • If no billing account exists, or you want to create a new billing a account, select Manage Billing Accounts to create a new billing account. For more information, see Create a new self-serve Cloud Billing account.