How to Transfer Google Maps Saved Places to Garmin GPS: Complete Guide

Garmin GPS devices are built for reliability - they work without cell service, last for days on a charge, and survive conditions that would destroy a smartphone. If you've spent years saving places in Google Maps and want them available on your Garmin for hiking, road trips, or off-grid adventures, you'll need to export and convert them first.

This guide walks through getting your Google Maps saved places onto any Garmin GPS device.

Why Transfer to Garmin?

• True offline navigation: No cell signal needed, ever
• Battery longevity: Dedicated GPS units last days, not hours
• Rugged reliability: Built for harsh outdoor conditions
• Dedicated purpose: No notifications, no distractions
• Backup navigation: Works when your phone doesn't

The Challenge

Google Maps and Garmin don't talk to each other directly. When you export from Google Takeout, you get CSV files with place names and addresses - but no coordinates. Garmin devices need GPX files with latitude and longitude for each waypoint. You'll need to geocode your places and convert the format before they'll work on your Garmin.

What You'll Need

• Google account with saved places
• Garmin GPS device (handheld or automotive)
• USB cable for your Garmin
• Computer (Windows or Mac)
• Optionally: Garmin BaseCamp software

Step-by-Step Process

1. Export from Google Takeout

1. Go to Google Takeout
2. Click "Deselect all"
3. Scroll down and select only "Saved"
4. Click "Next step" → "Create export"
5. Wait for the email, download, and unzip

You'll find CSV files in the "Saved" folder - one for each of your lists.

2. Add Coordinates and Convert to GPX

The CSV files need geocoding (adding coordinates) and format conversion. A service like Takeout Tools handles both: upload your CSV files, select GPX as the output format, and download the result.

If you prefer to do it yourself, you'll need to geocode each address using a geocoding API (Google, Nominatim, or Mapbox), then construct valid GPX XML. For most people, this isn't worth the effort for a one-time export.

3. Transfer to Your Garmin

The transfer method depends on your device type:

Handheld devices (Oregon, Montana, eTrex, GPSMAP):

1. Connect via USB
2. Device appears as a removable drive
3. Navigate to the Garmin/GPX/ folder
4. Copy your GPX file into this folder
5. Safely eject
6. Find waypoints in Waypoint Manager or Where To? → Waypoints

If the GPX folder doesn't exist, create it.

Automotive devices (DriveSmart, RV, Dezl):

1. Connect via USB
2. Select "Mass Storage Mode" if prompted
3. Navigate to Garmin/GPX/ (or just GPX/ on some models)
4. Copy your GPX file
5. Safely eject
6. Access via Where To? → Saved or Favorites

Using Garmin BaseCamp:

For more control, use Garmin's free desktop software:

1. Download Garmin BaseCamp
2. File → Import → select your GPX
3. Waypoints appear in the Library
4. Connect your Garmin via USB
5. Drag waypoints to your device in the sidebar

BaseCamp lets you preview, organize, and edit waypoints before transferring.

Device Compatibility

For wearables (Fenix, Instinct), upload your GPX to Garmin Connect web, then sync to your watch.

Troubleshooting

Waypoints don't appear:

• Check the file is in Garmin/GPX/ (not just Garmin/)
• Restart the device after transferring
• Verify file has .gpx extension (not .gpx.txt)

Wrong locations:

• Ambiguous place names can geocode to wrong locations
• Verify important waypoints in BaseCamp before relying on them

Device not recognized:

• Try a different USB cable (data cable, not charge-only)
• Select "Mass Storage Mode" on automotive units
• Update firmware via Garmin Express

Too many waypoints:

• Older units have limits (500-2000 typically)
• Split into multiple GPX files by category
• Prioritize your most important places

File appears corrupted:

• Re-download from the geocoding service
• Open in a text editor to verify it contains waypoint data

Pro Tips

1. Export lists separately. Create one GPX per Google Maps list to keep waypoints organized on your Garmin.

2. Shorten names. Older Garmin handhelds truncate long names. Edit before export if needed.

3. Use BaseCamp for verification. Preview and adjust waypoint positions before transferring - much easier than editing on the device.

4. Keep backups. Store GPX files on your computer. Easy to re-transfer if you reset your device.

5. Check waypoint limits. Verify your model's capacity before bulk importing hundreds of places.

6. Test before trips. Load a few waypoints and verify they appear correctly before depending on them in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer directly from Google Maps to Garmin?

No. Google Maps exports don't include coordinates, which Garmin requires. You need to geocode first, then export as GPX.

What format does Garmin need?

GPX (GPS Exchange Format). It's the universal standard for GPS devices and works with all Garmin units.

Will my notes transfer?

Yes. Place names become waypoint names, and notes are preserved in the description field. View them in BaseCamp or on your device.

How many waypoints can my Garmin hold?

Varies by model. Modern handhelds support 2,000-10,000 waypoints. Automotive units typically 1,000-2,500. Check your manual for specifics.

Can I use Garmin Connect instead of USB?

For most GPS units, USB transfer is required. Wearables (Fenix, Forerunner) can receive waypoints via Garmin Connect - upload your GPX there and sync.

Do my Google Maps lists stay organized?

If you export each list as a separate GPX file, yes. Import them separately to keep categories distinct on your Garmin.

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Export for Garmin

Convert saved places to Garmin-ready GPX

Try Takeout Tools →

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Free Tools

Already have a GPX file? Use our free browser-based tools:

• GPX Validator - Check your GPX file for errors and data quality issues
• KML to GPX Converter - Convert Google Earth KML files to GPX
• GeoJSON to GPX Converter - Convert GeoJSON files to GPX

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See Other Export Guides

• How to Export Google Maps Saved Places as GPX
• How to Export Google Maps Saved Places as KML
• How to Transfer Saved Places to OsmAnd
• Export Google Maps Saved Places (All Formats)