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Google Maps to GPX: How to Convert Saved Places for GPS Devices

Convert Google Maps to GPX for Garmin, OsmAnd, and hiking apps. Step-by-step guide to export saved places with coordinates for offline GPS navigation.

February 3, 2026

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8 min read

Need to convert Google Maps to GPX? Whether you want your saved places on a Garmin GPS, in OsmAnd for offline hiking, or on any device that reads GPX files, this guide shows you how.

The challenge: Google doesn't offer a direct "export to GPX" option, and the data you can download is missing coordinates. This guide covers the complete process - from Google Takeout export to working GPX file ready for your GPS device.

Quick Answer: Google Maps to GPX in 3 Steps

  1. Export from Google Takeout - Download your saved places as CSV (takeout.google.com → select "Saved")
  2. Add coordinates - Use Takeout Tools to geocode your places and convert to GPX
  3. Transfer to your device - Copy the GPX file to your Garmin, phone app, or GPS software

The rest of this guide explains each step in detail, plus tips for specific devices.

What is GPX?

GPX (GPS Exchange Format) is an XML-based standard for GPS data. It was designed specifically for exchanging location data between GPS devices, software, and web services. A GPX file can contain:

  • Waypoints: Individual points of interest (what your saved places become)
  • Tracks: Recorded paths showing where you've traveled
  • Routes: Planned paths between waypoints

For saved places export, you're primarily working with waypoints - each saved place becomes a waypoint with a name, coordinates, and optional description.

Here's what a simple GPX file looks like:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<gpx version="1.1" creator="Takeout Tools">
  <wpt lat="48.8584" lon="2.2945">
    <name>Eiffel Tower</name>
    <desc>Must visit at sunset</desc>
  </wpt>
  <wpt lat="40.7484" lon="-73.9857">
    <name>Empire State Building</name>
    <desc>Observation deck</desc>
  </wpt>
</gpx>

Why Choose GPX?

Universal GPS compatibility: GPX works with virtually every GPS device and navigation app - Garmin, Magellan, TomTom, OsmAnd, Organic Maps, Gaia GPS, Locus Map, and dozens more.

Offline use: Once your places are in a GPX file on your device, you don't need cell service or internet access. Perfect for hiking, traveling abroad, or anywhere with spotty coverage.

Durability: Your saved places exist as a file you control, not locked in Google's ecosystem. If Google changes their interface or discontinues a feature, your GPX files still work.

Sharing: GPX files are easy to share with hiking partners, travel companions, or anyone with a GPS-capable device.

Looking for a different format? If you need your places for web mapping or data analysis rather than GPS devices, check out our GeoJSON guide or CSV with coordinates guide.

The Missing Coordinates Problem

Google Takeout exports your saved places as CSV files with names, addresses, and Google Maps URLs - but no latitude or longitude coordinates. GPX files require coordinates for each waypoint, so you need to geocode your places before converting to GPX.

How to Convert Google Maps to GPX (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Download from Google Takeout

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

The "Saved" folder contains CSV files for each of your lists.

Step 2: Geocode and Convert

The CSV files need coordinates before they can become GPX. A geocoding service like Takeout Tools handles this automatically: upload your CSV files, select GPX as the output format, and download the result.

If you prefer command-line tools, GPSBabel can convert various formats to GPX, but you'll still need to geocode the addresses first using an API or manual lookup.

Step 3: Transfer to Your Device

How you load GPX files depends on your device:

Garmin handheld GPS:

  1. Connect via USB
  2. Copy GPX files to the Garmin/GPX folder
  3. Disconnect - waypoints appear automatically

OsmAnd (Android/iOS):

  1. Transfer GPX file to your device
  2. Menu → My Places → Favorites → Import
  3. Select your GPX file

Organic Maps:

  1. Open the GPX file directly (it will prompt to open in Organic Maps)
  2. Or: Bookmarks → Import from file

Gaia GPS:

  1. Menu → Import
  2. Select GPX file from device storage

Garmin cycling computers (Edge series):

  1. Connect via USB
  2. Copy to the NewFiles folder
  3. Device imports automatically on disconnect

What's Included in Your GPX Export

After conversion, each saved place becomes a GPX waypoint containing:

  • Coordinates: Latitude and longitude
  • Name: The place name from Google Maps
  • Description: Your notes, if any
  • Type/Symbol: Can be set based on the original Google Maps list

Your list organization (Starred, Want to go, custom lists) can be preserved either as separate GPX files or as waypoint types within a single file.

Pro Tips

  1. Export lists separately. If you have distinct categories (restaurants, trailheads, hotels), keep them as separate GPX files. This makes it easier to load only what you need and reduces clutter on your GPS device.

  2. Shorten names for GPS devices. Older Garmin handhelds truncate waypoint names. If your place names are long, consider abbreviating them before export.

  3. Verify key waypoints. Geocoding is usually accurate, but double-check important locations (like the trailhead for a hike) before relying on them in the field.

  4. Keep backup copies. Store your GPX files in cloud storage or on your computer. GPS devices can be lost, broken, or wiped.

  5. Update periodically. If you actively add places to Google Maps, re-export every few months to keep your GPS device current.

  6. Test before you go. Load your GPX file and spot-check a few locations on your device before heading out on a trip.

Importing Into Specific Apps

OsmAnd Detailed Steps

  1. Transfer the GPX file to your phone (email attachment, cloud storage, USB)
  2. Open OsmAnd
  3. Go to Menu → My Places → Tracks
  4. Tap the + button → Select your GPX file
  5. Choose to import as Favorites for waypoints
  6. Waypoints appear on your map with the favorite icon

For detailed OsmAnd-specific instructions, see our Google Maps to OsmAnd guide.

Garmin Connect (for watches and newer devices)

  1. Log into Garmin Connect web or app
  2. Go to Training → Courses/Waypoints
  3. Import GPX file
  4. Sync to your device

AllTrails

  1. Go to your profile → Custom Maps
  2. Upload GPX file
  3. Waypoints become points on your personal map

What About Google Maps Routes to GPX?

This guide focuses on saved places (starred locations, lists). If you want to convert a Google Maps route (driving directions) to GPX, that's a different process:

  • For planned routes: Use a tool like Maps to GPX to convert a Google Maps directions URL to GPX
  • For recorded routes: Your Google Timeline data can be exported, but it's in a different format than GPX

Saved places become GPX waypoints (individual points). Routes become GPX tracks (connected lines). Most GPS devices and apps handle both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Google Maps lists be preserved?

The list structure can be preserved in several ways: as separate GPX files per list, as waypoint categories/types, or as folder structures within the GPX. How it's handled depends on your export tool.

Can I edit the GPX file manually?

Yes, GPX is plain text XML. You can open it in any text editor to rename waypoints, delete entries, or add new ones. Just maintain the XML structure.

What's the difference between waypoints, tracks, and routes?

Waypoints are individual points (like your saved places). Tracks are recorded paths showing where you've been (like your timeline). Routes are planned paths for navigation. For saved places export, you're working with waypoints.

Why don't my waypoints show up on my Garmin?

Common issues:

  • File in wrong folder (should be Garmin/GPX)
  • File too large (some devices have limits)
  • Invalid GPX structure
  • Device needs restart after adding files

How many waypoints can GPS devices handle?

It varies by device. Most modern Garmin handhelds support thousands of waypoints. Older devices may have limits of 500-1000. If you have a very large collection, split into multiple files.

Can I get turn-by-turn navigation to my waypoints?

Yes, on devices and apps that support it. Navigate to a waypoint and the device will route you there. However, GPX waypoints are just destinations - they don't include routing instructions themselves.

Export to GPX

Convert saved places for GPS devices and hiking apps

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