Bing Maps
A Web Mapping service provided as a part of Microsoft's Bing suite of search engines and part of Microsoft's online mapping services. The consumer website is distinct from the retiring Bing Maps for Enterprise developer platform.
You can have Bing Maps show your current location, or with the search box to find almost any place in the World. You can use it to get directions, find traffic details, and simply view the maps. You can use the browser-based map on computers and mobile devices; a dedicated Bing Maps navigation app is not required.
Using the Map
Open any web browser on your computer, and go to Bing Maps.
By using the plus and minus buttons in the top right corner of the map to zoom in and out so that you can have a better perspective of the location. Click and drag the map to center your view. You can also view the world, a country, or a city just by zooming in and out of the map. You can see everything from major roads and highways to buildings and streets. If a location control is available, select it and grant browser permission to center the map near your current position. The control placement may vary.
Searching another location
Use the search box on the top of the page to find a specific location. A list of possible results will drop down. Click on the location you want. The map will automatically center to the location.
Identify a destination
Click the Directions link under the search box, and the "Direction Panel" will drop down. Input the address of your destination in the field provided.
Choose Mode of Transportation
Bing Maps can also provide directions based on a mode of transportation. You can travel by foot, ride a bus or public vehicle, or drive. Click the respective icons above the fields to select. Click the car icon for driving directions, the bus icon for public commute, and the pedestrian icon for walking directions.
Show Directions
By clicking the “Go” button, a blue line will be drawn on the map to connect your starting location and destination. Turn by turn directions will also appear towards the bottom part of the "Directions Panel".
Traffic Details
Click the “Traffic” button at the top of the toolbar and the streets will be color coded based on the traffic situation. You will see four different levels of traffic through the colors: 1) Green for light traffic, 2) Yellow for light-to-moderate traffic, 3) Orange for moderate-to-heavy traffic, and 4) Red for heavy traffic. Green lines generally indicate lighter traffic, but delays can still occur. If you see red lines, your travel could be slow as traffic will be heavy. There will also be warning signs on areas with possible traffic disruptions, such as scheduled constructions, accidents, road blocks, and others.
Your Current Location
Select the current-location control, if available, and allow location access in your browser. If the position is inaccurate, review your device location settings and online privacy preferences.
Or Search for a Different Location
Use the search box on the top of the page and type in the location you want. A shortlist of possible results will drop down. Click the location you want, and the map will automatically center to the location you’ve set.
Adjust the map
Use your mouse to move the map around, use the zoom in or out buttons in the top right corner of the maps to compose it.
Bing Maps on Your Website
You can share a location by linking to its Bing Maps page. Interactive website maps require a supported mapping solution and may have separate usage terms. For a new developer integration, review Microsoft's Azure Maps platform rather than following older Bing Maps for Enterprise tutorials. See our website support resources for general website help.
Share Your Map View
Open Bing Maps, search for the destination, and use the available sharing option or copy the location URL from your browser. Test the link before publishing it. Older instructions mentioning an “Embed in a Webpage” field, a “Customize and preview” dialog, or a “Generate code” button may no longer apply.
For developers: Microsoft retired free/basic Bing Maps for Enterprise access on June 30, 2025. Existing paid enterprise services are scheduled to retire June 30, 2028. This does not mean the public Bing Maps website has the same retirement date.
Bing Maps Tips and Best Practices
- Search with a full street address, city and postal code when a place name is ambiguous.
- Compare available routes and check traffic before setting off; travel times are estimates.
- Switch between road and aerial views to better understand unfamiliar areas.
- Confirm business hours and road closures with the business or local authority.
- Remember that Streetside and aerial imagery may be older than the current streetscape.
- Limit location permissions when you do not need them. See our guide to protecting online privacy.
Bing Maps vs. Google Maps
Both services help people find places and plan journeys, but availability varies by location and device. For more choices, see our alternatives to Google Maps.
| Feature | Bing Maps | Google Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Web-based place searches | Yes | Yes |
| Driving and walking routes | Yes, where supported | Yes, where supported |
| Traffic information | In supported areas | In supported areas |
| Street-level views | Streetside, limited coverage | Street View, coverage varies |
| Dedicated mobile navigation app | No standalone Bing Maps app | Google Maps app |
| Developer mapping services | Azure Maps recommended for new Microsoft integrations | Google Maps Platform |
Common Bing Maps Problems and Solutions
| Problem | What to try |
|---|---|
| Map will not load | Check your connection, reload the page and test without conflicting browser extensions. |
| Location is wrong | Check browser and device location permissions, or search for the address manually. |
| Traffic layer is missing | Check whether traffic data is available for that region. |
| Directions cannot be found | Verify both addresses and try another supported travel mode. |
| Streetside is unavailable | Street-level imagery may not cover that location. |
| Old map embed no longer works | Replace it with a tested map link or a currently supported mapping integration. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Bing Maps
Is Bing Maps free to use?
The public Bing Maps website can be used for everyday map searches and directions without a separate subscription. Commercial mapping APIs and integrations have different licensing and service terms.
Can I use Bing Maps without installing an app?
Yes. Open Bing Maps in a web browser on your computer or mobile device. For other mapping choices, see our Google Maps alternatives guide.
Does Bing Maps show traffic conditions?
Bing Maps provides traffic information in supported regions. Coverage, incidents and estimated travel times may vary, so confirm important closures with local sources.
What is Bing Maps Streetside?
Streetside displays street-level imagery for certain locations. Not every street is covered, and the photographs may not show recent changes.
Can I put Bing Maps on my website?
You can link visitors to a Bing Maps location. For an interactive embedded map, use a currently supported integration and check its licensing. General website guidance is available from RSH Web Support.
Why does Bing Maps show the wrong location?
Location estimates depend on your browser, device settings and available positioning data. Check permission settings or enter your address manually. Read our online privacy tips before enabling location sharing.
Is Bing Maps being discontinued?
The public Bing Maps website is separate from Bing Maps for Enterprise. Microsoft ended free/basic enterprise service access in June 2025 and plans to retire paid enterprise APIs and SDKs on June 30, 2028, recommending Azure Maps for developers.
Where can I learn more about map search and safer browsing?
Explore our Bing search tips, safe browsing guide, and blog article index.
Places of Interest
When using Bing's "Bird's Eye View"
Explore these locations where imagery is available. Map imagery and older shortened links may change over time.
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
Grand Canyon National Park located in northwestern Arizona
The Strip Las Vegas, NV
The Pantheon A former Roman temple, now a church, in Rome, Italy
Graceland Memphis, TN
Yellowknife, Canada The capital of the Northwest Territories in Canada
Cahors, France The capital of the Lot region in southwest France
Iwata, Japan, located in Shizuoka prefecture of Japan
New York Stadium New York
Crystal Cove State Park Newport Beach, California
Orange County Airport California
Clearwater Harbor Florida
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Dallas, Texas
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