Google Maps Platform API
The most comprehensive maps, geocoding, and routing platform
Freemium
✓ Verified
🇺🇸 United States
Google Maps Platform is the world’s most widely used mapping API suite, covering Maps (dynamic + static), Geocoding, Reverse Geocoding, Directions, Distance Matrix, Street View, Places Search, Time Zone, and Elevation. The $200/month free credit covers significant usage for most small apps. Beyond the free tier, pricing is request-based. Deep coverage globally, real-time traffic data, and the most up-to-date Points of Interest database. Google Maps is unavailable in China — developers targeting Chinese users should use Baidu Maps or Gaode (Amap) API instead.
API Details
Auth Method
API Key
Pricing Model
Freemium
Free Tier
Yes — $200/month free credit
Rate Limit
Quota-based per API
Format
REST / JSON / JavaScript SDK
Versioning
Date-based
SLA / Uptime
99.9%
Compliance
ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR
Geographic Restrictions
Global (not available in China)
Last Verified
2026-02-20
Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
Google Maps Platform gives $200/month in free credits (enough for ~28,000 map loads or ~40,000 geocoding requests). After that: Maps Static API is $2 per 1,000 requests; Geocoding is $5 per 1,000; Directions is $10 per 1,000; Places Nearby Search is $32 per 1,000. Billing requires a credit card even for the free tier.
Yes. Google requires a billing account with a valid credit card to access the Maps Platform APIs, even to use the $200 free monthly credit. You will only be charged if you exceed the free tier. This is a common friction point u2014 for development without billing setup, MapLibre with OpenStreetMap data is a free alternative.
Maps Embed API (iframe embed) is free and unlimited but offers minimal customisation. The Maps JavaScript API gives full control over styling, layers, and interactions but counts against your monthly quota. For simple map displays on a website, the Embed API is sufficient. For custom applications with dynamic data, use the JavaScript API.
No. Google Maps Platform terms of service prohibit caching, storing, or downloading map data for offline use. For offline mapping, use open-source alternatives like Mapbox GL JS with downloaded tile sets, or OpenStreetMap with self-hosted tiles. Google Maps is designed as an online service with dynamic data.