Google Maps Routes API: Passing the 25 Waypoint Limit

Passing the 25 Waypoint Limit

Google Maps Routes API’s 25-waypoint limit can be bypassed by splitting routes into 10-waypoint segments, avoiding higher pricing tiers. A developer demonstrated this by handling hundreds of waypoints using React and the vis.gl library.

Why This Matters

The Google Maps Routes API enforces a 25-waypoint limit per request, forcing developers to split complex routes into smaller segments. Failing to do so results in rejected requests or higher costs, as pricing tiers jump significantly for 11–25 waypoints. This technical constraint contrasts with idealized models of unlimited routing, requiring careful segmentation to balance cost and scalability.

Key Insights

• “25-waypoint limit, 2025”: Google Maps Routes API restricts intermediate waypoints per request.
• “Sagas over ACID for routing”: Splitting routes into smaller, independent requests avoids API rejection.
• “vis.gl/react-google-maps used by developers”: The library simplifies React integration with Google Maps.

Working Example

// Example: Splitting waypoints into 10-waypoint segments
const splitWaypoints = (waypoints, chunkSize = 10) => {
  const chunks = [];
  for (let i = 0; i < waypoints.length; i += chunkSize) {
    chunks.push(waypoints.slice(i, i + chunkSize));
  }
  return chunks;
};

// Fetch route for each chunk
const fetchRoutes = async (chunks) => {
  const routes = [];
  for (const chunk of chunks) {
    const response = await fetch('https://routes.googleapis.com/paths/v2/paths', {
      method: 'POST',
      headers: {
        'X-Goog-Api-Key': 'YOUR_API_KEY',
        'X-Goog-FieldMask': 'routes.overviewPolyline',
      },
      body: JSON.stringify({
        origin: { latitude: 37.7749, longitude: -122.4194 },
        destination: { latitude: 34.0522, longitude: -118.2437 },
        waypoints: chunk.map(wp => ({ latitude: wp.lat, longitude: wp.lng })),
      }),
    });
    const data = await response.json();
    routes.push(data.routes[0].overviewPolyline);
  }
  return routes;
};

Practical Applications

• Use Case: Logistics apps routing delivery vehicles with hundreds of stops.
• Pitfall: Sending unsplit requests risks API rejection or unexpected cost spikes.

References:

• https://dev.to/dannyhodge/google-maps-routes-api-passing-the-25-waypoint-limit-3m0
• https://mapsplatform.google.com/pricing/#pricing-calculator

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