Traffic, Transit, and Bicycling Layers

The Traffic, Transit, and Bicycling layers modify the base map layer to display current traffic conditions, local transit networks, or bicycling route information. These layers are available in select regions.

Traffic Layer

The Maps JavaScript API allows you to add real-time traffic information (where supported) to your maps using the TrafficLayer object. Traffic information is refreshed frequently, but not instantly. Rapid consecutive requests for the same area are unlikely to yield different results.

TypeScript

function initMap(): void {
  const map = new google.maps.Map(
    document.getElementById("map") as HTMLElement,
    {
      zoom: 13,
      center: { lat: 34.04924594193164, lng: -118.24104309082031 },
    }
  );

  const trafficLayer = new google.maps.TrafficLayer();

  trafficLayer.setMap(map);
}

declare global {
  interface Window {
    initMap: () => void;
  }
}
window.initMap = initMap;
index.ts

JavaScript

function initMap() {
  const map = new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById("map"), {
    zoom: 13,
    center: { lat: 34.04924594193164, lng: -118.24104309082031 },
  });
  const trafficLayer = new google.maps.TrafficLayer();

  trafficLayer.setMap(map);
}

window.initMap = initMap;
index.js
View example

Try Sample

Transit Layer

The Maps JavaScript API allows you to display the public transit network of a city on your map using the TransitLayer object. When the Transit Layer is enabled, and the map is centered on a city that supports transit information, the map will display major transit lines as thick, colored lines. The color of the line is set based upon information from the transit line operator. Enabling the Transit Layer will alter the style of the base map to better emphasize transit routes.

If you’re a public agency that oversees public transportation for your city and would like your data to be included, please visit the Google Transit Partner Program site to learn more.

The following example shows the Transit layer enabled on a map of London, UK:

TypeScript

function initMap(): void {
  const map = new google.maps.Map(
    document.getElementById("map") as HTMLElement,
    {
      zoom: 13,
      center: { lat: 51.501904, lng: -0.115871 },
    }
  );

  const transitLayer = new google.maps.TransitLayer();

  transitLayer.setMap(map);
}

declare global {
  interface Window {
    initMap: () => void;
  }
}
window.initMap = initMap;
index.ts

JavaScript

function initMap() {
  const map = new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById("map"), {
    zoom: 13,
    center: { lat: 51.501904, lng: -0.115871 },
  });
  const transitLayer = new google.maps.TransitLayer();

  transitLayer.setMap(map);
}

window.initMap = initMap;
index.js
View example

Try Sample

Bicycling Layer

The Maps JavaScript API allows you to add bicycle information to your maps using the BicyclingLayer object. The BicyclingLayer renders a layer of bike paths, suggested bike routes and other overlays specific to bicycling usage on top of the given map. Additionally, the layer alters the style of the base map itself to emphasize streets supporting bicycle routes and de-emphasize streets inappropriate for bicycles.

The following example shows the Bicycle layer enabled on a map of Cambridge, MA:

TypeScript

function initMap(): void {
  const map = new google.maps.Map(
    document.getElementById("map") as HTMLElement,
    {
      zoom: 14,
      center: { lat: 42.3726399, lng: -71.1096528 },
    }
  );

  const bikeLayer = new google.maps.BicyclingLayer();

  bikeLayer.setMap(map);
}

declare global {
  interface Window {
    initMap: () => void;
  }
}
window.initMap = initMap;
index.ts

JavaScript

function initMap() {
  const map = new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById("map"), {
    zoom: 14,
    center: { lat: 42.3726399, lng: -71.1096528 },
  });
  const bikeLayer = new google.maps.BicyclingLayer();

  bikeLayer.setMap(map);
}

window.initMap = initMap;
index.js
View example

Try Sample

Dark green routes indicated dedicated bicycle routes. Light green routes indicate streets with dedicated “bike lanes.” Dashed routes indicate streets or paths otherwise recommended for bicycle usage.