Google Maps MCP Server

Overview

The Google Maps MCP Server provides access to Google Maps API functionality, allowing AI assistants to work with location data, search for places, calculate routes, and more.

Prerequisites

Before using this MCP, you'll need to obtain a Google Maps API key:

1. Go to the Google Cloud Console
2. Create a new project or select an existing one
3. Enable the necessary Google Maps APIs (Places API, Directions API, Geocoding API, etc.)
4. Create an API key in the Credentials section
5. Make sure to restrict your API key to only the services you need

Installation

You can install and use the Google Maps MCP with different AI assistant platforms:

Claude Desktop

Add the following configuration to your claude_desktop_config.json file:

Using NPX:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-maps": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-google-maps"],
      "env": {
        "GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY": "<YOUR_API_KEY>"
      }
    }
  }
}

Using Docker:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-maps": {
      "command": "docker",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "-e",
        "GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY",
        "mcp/google-maps"
      ],
      "env": {
        "GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY": "<YOUR_API_KEY>"
      }
    }
  }
}

VS Code

For VS Code, you can use the one-click install buttons available in the repository or manually add the configuration:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + P and type Preferences: Open User Settings (JSON)
2. Add the following configuration:

{
  "mcp": {
    "inputs": [
      {
        "type": "promptString",
        "id": "maps_api_key",
        "description": "Google Maps API Key",
        "password": true
      }
    ],
    "servers": {
      "google-maps": {
        "command": "npx",
        "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-google-maps"],
        "env": {
          "GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY": "${input:maps_api_key}"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

Alternatively, you can create a .vscode/mcp.json file in your workspace with the same configuration (without the mcp key).

Usage Examples

Once installed, you can use the Google Maps MCP to perform various location-based tasks:

1. Find coordinates for an address: "What are the coordinates for the Empire State Building?"

2. Get directions between locations: "What's the fastest route from Central Park to Times Square?"

3. Search for nearby places: "Find coffee shops near the Eiffel Tower."

4. Get detailed information about a place: "Tell me about the opening hours and reviews for the Louvre Museum."

5. Calculate travel distances and times: "How long would it take to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco?"

The AI assistant will use the appropriate Google Maps API tools to provide accurate and helpful responses to these queries.