Google Maps MCP Server
OfficialSearch places, get directions, and geocode addresses with your AI
The official Google Maps MCP server adds location intelligence to your AI assistant using the Google Maps Platform APIs. Search for places, get directions between locations, convert addresses to coordinates (geocoding), and find nearby points of interest. Requires a Google Maps API key with the Places API and Directions API enabled. Useful for apps or workflows that involve location data.
Install Config
Config file: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json· Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"google-maps": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@modelcontextprotocol/server-google-maps"
],
"env": {
"GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY": "your_google_maps_api_key"
}
}
}
}Required environment variables:
GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY— Google Maps Platform API key(e.g. AIzaSy...)
Available Tools (5)
| Tool name | Description |
|---|---|
| maps_geocode | Convert an address to geographic coordinates |
| maps_reverse_geocode | Convert coordinates to an address |
| maps_search_places | Search for places near a location |
| maps_get_directions | Get turn-by-turn directions between two points |
| maps_get_distance_matrix | Calculate travel time and distance between multiple origins and destinations |
Example Prompts
- “What are the best coffee shops near Times Square?”
- “Get directions from San Francisco to Los Angeles”
- “Geocode this address: 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA”
- “How long does it take to drive from London to Edinburgh?”
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Official Anthropic server with Google Maps Platform
- Covers geocoding, places, and directions
Cons
- Requires a Google Maps API key (can incur costs beyond free tier)
- Not useful for applications without location data
Who Is This For?
- ·Developers building location-aware applications
- ·Anyone who needs to process address or location data with AI
When to use: Use when your workflow involves addresses, locations, or place information that you want the AI to process intelligently.
Supported Clients
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