Google Maps MCP Server
An MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that gives Claude and other MCP clients access to the Google Maps Platform: geocoding, place search, place details, directions, distance matrix, and elevation.
Tools
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
maps_geocode |
Convert an address or place name into coordinates |
maps_reverse_geocode |
Convert coordinates into a human-readable address |
maps_search_places |
Free-text place search (restaurants, businesses, landmarks), with optional location bias |
maps_place_details |
Full details for a place: phone, website, hours, rating, reviews |
maps_directions |
Turn-by-turn directions (driving, walking, bicycling, transit) |
maps_distance_matrix |
Travel time and distance between multiple origins and destinations |
maps_elevation |
Elevation in meters for one or more coordinates |
Prerequisites
- Node.js 18+
- A Google Maps API key — create one in the Google Cloud Console:
- Create (or select) a project
- Enable these APIs: Geocoding API, Places API, Directions API, Distance Matrix API, Elevation API
- Create an API key under Credentials
Installation
git clone https://github.com/Mannycon1/Google-Maps-Mcp.git
cd Google-Maps-Mcp
npm install
npm run build
Usage with Claude Desktop
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json (Claude Desktop → Settings → Developer → Edit Config):
{
"mcpServers": {
"google-maps": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/absolute/path/to/Google-Maps-Mcp/dist/index.js"],
"env": {
"GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
}
}
}
}
Restart Claude Desktop and the Google Maps tools will appear.
Usage with Claude Code
claude mcp add google-maps \
--env GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY=YOUR_API_KEY_HERE \
-- node /absolute/path/to/Google-Maps-Mcp/dist/index.js
Testing manually
The server speaks JSON-RPC over stdio:
GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY=YOUR_KEY node dist/index.js
Then paste an MCP initialize request to interact with it, or use the MCP Inspector:
GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY=YOUR_KEY npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector node dist/index.js
Security notes
- Never commit your API key. Pass it via the
GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEYenvironment variable (the.envpattern is gitignored). - Consider restricting your API key to only the Maps APIs listed above.
License
MIT
