Never Be Late Again: Mastering Map Apps’ Arrival Time Feature (A Guide for the Chronologically Challenged)

You know that friend who’s always “just five minutes away” but shows up 30 minutes later? Well, I used to be that friend.

The one who’d arrive at doctor’s appointments breathing heavily, hair disheveled, muttering excuses about unexpected traffic.

My grandkids even started telling me events started 30 minutes earlier than they actually did. (Yes, I finally caught on when I showed up “right on time” to find an empty restaurant and very confused staff.)

But then I discovered something magical: the Arrival Time feature in map apps.

It’s like having a psychic navigator in your pocket, minus the crystal ball and mysterious hand gestures.

Now, instead of playing the “guess when to leave” game, I actually show up on time. Sometimes even early! (My family is still adjusting to this new reality.)

Understanding the Magic Behind the Maps

The Arrival Time feature (available in GoogleGoogle is a multinational technology company known for its internet-related products and services, i... More Maps and Apple Maps) is like having a GPSThe Global Positioning System (GPS) is a technology that uses satellites in space to find your locat... More version of your high school drill sergeant, only friendlier. Instead of yelling at you to hurry up, it calculates the perfect time to leave based on:

• Your destination.
• The time you need to arrive.
• Traffic patterns (yes, even that construction zone you forgot about).

It’s smart enough to use historical traffic data to anticipate jams, delays, or the occasional detour.

For example, if you’re headed to your grandson’s soccer game at 2 PM, Google Maps will factor in the usual Saturday traffic and tell you when to hit the road—no guesswork required.

It’s great for appointments, flights, or even just meeting friends for lunch. (Who wants to be the one holding up the soup order?)

Let’s jump into how to use this helpful feature (whether you prefer Apple or Google):

How to Use Google Maps’ Arrival Time Feature

(Note: Tech companies love rearranging things. If the instructions below aren’t exact, the tech fairies have probably moved things around. Try searching for the setting on your device. If that doesn’t work, ask a trusted friend or family member for help, or do a quick web search for instructions using your device model and software version.)

Let’s break this down into simple steps. And don’t worry – if I could figure this out, you definitely can!

1. Open Google Maps on your phone (that colorful “G” iconAn icon is a small graphical symbol used to represent an object, action, or concept in a digital int... More)
2. Type in where you want to go (like your grandkid’s piano recital)
3. Tap the blue “Directions” button
4. Click the three little dots in the top right (they look like an ellipsis)
5. Select “Set depart or arrive time”
6. Switch to the “Arrive” tab
7. Put in when you need to be there
8. Tap “Done”

Voilà! The appAn app (short for application) is a program that helps you do specific tasks on your smartphone, tab... More will tell you exactly when to leave.

Setting Up Reminders in Google Maps (So You Don’t Forget to Leave)

Now, here’s the really good part. If you have an iPhone, Google Maps can actually remind you when it’s time to go. It’s like having a helpful neighbor tapping on your window, but less creepy.

Here’s how:

1. Follow steps 1-3 from above
2. Tap those three dots again
3. Choose “Set a reminder to leave”
4. Put in your arrival time
5. Hit “Set Reminder”

(AndroidAndroid, developed by Google, is a versatile and user-friendly operating system that powers billions... More users, I’m sorry to say you’ll need to set your own reminder for now. But hey, you’re probably better at remembering things than I am anyway!)

Apple Maps: Another Way to Perfect Your Timing

If you’re using an iPhone and prefer Apple Maps (that white icon with the colorful roads), you’ve got arrival time features, too!

How to Use Apple Maps’ Arrival Time Feature

Here’s your step-by-step:

1. Open Apple Maps on your iPhone
2. Type in where you want to go
3. Tap the blue “Directions” button
4. Before hitting “GO,” look for “Leaving Now”
5. Tap “Leaving Now” to open time options
6. Select “Arrive By”
7. Choose your desired arrival time
8. Tap “Done”

Apple Maps will then work its magic and tell you exactly when to leave.

Tips for Apple Maps Users

1. The “Share ETA” feature can automatically let family know when you’ll arrive. No more “Are you there yet?” calls!
2. If you’re planning a trip for tomorrow or next week, you can set the date too. Perfect for planning ahead – like when you need to arrive at your grandson’s baseball game before he actually gets up to bat.
3. Apple Maps shows multiple route options with different arrival times. It’s like having a menu of timing choices, but instead of “rare, medium, or well-done,” it’s “highway, side streets, or scenic route.”

Pro Tips from a Reformed Late Arriver

Inspired to start a new life of on-time arrivals and stress-free trips? Great!

Here are some additional tips (good for Google and Apple) to help you become the most punctual person you know 😉

1. Update Your Apps: Outdated apps can miss features or cause errors. Keep your Google Maps and Apple Maps up to date.
2. Allow Notifications: Make sure notifications are enabled so you don’t miss those helpful reminders.
3. Build in Buffer Time: Add a few extra minutes to your departure. Whether it’s an uncooperative shoelace or an unexpected chat with a neighbor, life happens.
4. Check the Route Ahead of Time: Take a quick look at your route for potential detours or closures. Better safe than late!
5. Adjust for Time Zones: If you’re crossing into a different time zone, double-check that your arrival time aligns with local time.

These small tweaks can make a big difference in ensuring your trips are smooth and stress-free.

Become “That Punctual Friend”

Being on time isn’t just about punctuality – it’s about respect for others and peace of mind for yourself.

With these features, you can say goodbye to the stress of running late and hello to being “that punctual friend.”

Whether you’re Team Google Maps or Team Apple Maps, you’ve now got the tools to always be on time.

Remember: Being fashionably late is out of fashion. Being comfortably on time is the new trend. And trust me, your blood pressure will thank you.

P.S. If you’re reading this article 15 minutes after you were supposed to leave, well… there’s always next time! Now open that map app, and let’s get you back on schedule.