Google Maps MCP
π βοΈ π - Google Maps MCP server with 8 tools (geocode, search, directions, elevation), s
What is Google Maps MCP?
Google Maps MCP is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to π βοΈ π - google maps mcp server with 8 tools (geocode, search, directions, elevation), s
π βοΈ π - Google Maps MCP server with 8 tools (geocode, search, directions, elevation), s
This server falls under the APIs category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- search_nearby
- get_place_details
- maps_geocode
- maps_reverse_geocode
- maps_distance_matrix
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
NPM
npx -y @cablate/mcp-google-mapManual Installation
npx -y @cablate/mcp-google-mapConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use Google Maps MCP
The @cablate/mcp-google-map server is a comprehensive Google Maps MCP integration exposing 18 tools (14 atomic plus 4 composite) for geocoding, place search, directions, distance matrix, elevation, timezone, weather, air quality, and static map generation. It is designed for LLM-powered workflows where agents need real-world geographic data β from finding nearby restaurants to planning optimized multi-stop routes. The server supports stdio mode for local AI clients and HTTP server mode for networked deployments.
Prerequisites
- Node.js 16 or higher with npx available
- A Google Maps API key with Maps, Places, Directions, Geocoding, and Elevation APIs enabled (https://console.cloud.google.com/)
- Claude for Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, or another MCP-compatible client
- Optional: Weather and Air Quality APIs enabled for maps_weather and maps_air_quality tools
Create a Google Maps API key
In the Google Cloud Console, create a new project or select an existing one, enable the required APIs (Maps JavaScript API, Places API, Directions API, Geocoding API, Elevation API), and generate an API key under Credentials.
# Enable APIs and get key at:
# https://console.cloud.google.com/apis/credentialsTest the server locally
Run a quick geocode command via npx to confirm the package installs and your API key works before wiring it into an MCP client.
npx -y @cablate/mcp-google-map exec geocode '{"address":"Tokyo Tower"}'Add the server to Claude Desktop configuration
Open ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json and add the google-maps server entry with your API key as an environment variable.
{
"mcpServers": {
"google-maps": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@cablate/mcp-google-map", "--stdio"],
"env": {
"GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
}
}
}
}Restart Claude Desktop
Fully close and reopen Claude for Desktop so it reads the updated configuration and launches the MCP server subprocess.
Optionally limit enabled tools
To reduce model context usage, set GOOGLE_MAPS_ENABLED_TOOLS to a comma-separated list of the specific tools your workflow needs.
"env": {
"GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE",
"GOOGLE_MAPS_ENABLED_TOOLS": "maps_geocode,maps_search_nearby,maps_directions,maps_distance_matrix"
}Google Maps MCP Examples
Client configuration
Complete claude_desktop_config.json entry for the @cablate/mcp-google-map server running in stdio mode.
{
"mcpServers": {
"google-maps": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@cablate/mcp-google-map", "--stdio"],
"env": {
"GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY": "AIzaSyYourKeyHere"
}
}
}
}Prompts to try
Example prompts that leverage the Google Maps tools exposed by this MCP server.
- "What are the GPS coordinates of the Colosseum in Rome?"
- "Find Italian restaurants within 1 km of Times Square, New York"
- "Get step-by-step driving directions from LAX to Santa Monica Pier"
- "How far is it from Chicago to Detroit and what is the estimated drive time?"
- "What is the current air quality index in Beijing?"
- "Plan an optimized sightseeing route visiting the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Sacre-Coeur"Troubleshooting Google Maps MCP
API calls return 'This API project is not authorized to use this API'
Each Google Maps API must be individually enabled in the Google Cloud Console. Visit https://console.cloud.google.com/apis/library and enable the Places API, Directions API, Geocoding API, and Elevation API separately for your project.
Server process starts but no tools are shown in Claude
Verify the args array includes '--stdio'. Without this flag the server starts in HTTP mode and Claude cannot connect via stdio. Check the Claude Desktop logs at ~/Library/Logs/Claude/ for connection errors.
npx takes too long to start or fails with a network error
Run 'npm install -g @cablate/mcp-google-map' to install the package globally, then change the command in your config to 'mcp-google-map' and remove the '-y' arg. This avoids the npx download on every server start.
Frequently Asked Questions about Google Maps MCP
What is Google Maps MCP?
Google Maps MCP is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that π βοΈ π - google maps mcp server with 8 tools (geocode, search, directions, elevation), s It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install Google Maps MCP?
Install via npm with the command: npx -y @cablate/mcp-google-map. Then add the server configuration to your AI client's JSON config file (e.g., claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json).
Which AI clients work with Google Maps MCP?
Google Maps MCP works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is Google Maps MCP free to use?
Yes, Google Maps MCP is open source and available under the MIT License license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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