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You might already know that Google Maps offers public transport info, which tells you roughly when trains and buses will leave or arrive at certain destinations. This is the tool on this list we use the most, because it’s so useful for helping to plan trips that might see us traveling home late in the evening. You don't want to miss the last train home (Image credit: Shutterstock / CrispyPork) Catch the last train or bus home with Google Maps This feature is currently limited to the US, and not every gas station will post its prices however this tool can give you some peace of mind that you're paying among the lowest available prices for fuel. You can filter the results to see if a station is open, or if it's wheelchair-accessible. Tap the one for Gas, and all the local gas stations will show up on the map, and you’ll also see the price they’re charging for fuel. When you open up the app on your phone, under the search bar you should see quick-search buttons for options like Restaurants, Groceries and Hotels, alongside others. Thankfully, Google Maps can help ensure you pay the best price for your fuel. Something else that all drivers have done is fuel up at a gas station, only to drive past another station 15 minutes later and find that gas is cheaper there. Note that storing a map offline will use up your phone’s storage, so don't download a larger map than you need if you’re short on space. Once selected, tap Download and you’re ready to go – the next time you’re on Wi-Fi, the map will download. Tap the latter option, and by using the same pinch-and-drag controls you use with regular Google Maps you can move around the map, and highlight the area you want to save an offline map of. In this menu you’ll see an option for 'Offline maps' tap it, and you can see any maps you already have downloaded, or choose Select Your Own Map. Open the Google Maps app on your iPhone or Android phone, and tap your profile picture in the top-right corner. It requires a little bit of prep on your part, however. It won’t offer the same live updates about traffic or how busy a destination is, but you’ll be able to get directions and find your way around. If you want to avoid Google Maps burning through your phone’s data – or if you’re traveling abroad and don’t want to pay super-high data-roaming fees – there is a way to use the service offline.
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Where did you park again? (Image credit: Shutterstock / PERO studio) Use Google Maps offline
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