Fast, Leisurely, or Lively: Yandex Maps Introduces Walking Routes Tailored to Different Situations

Yandex Maps users across Russia can now choose walking routes based on their preferences and the situation at hand. Alongside the fastest route, the app can suggest alternative options tailored to different scenarios — whether users want to walk along lively streets or take a more scenic route through parks and local landmarks.

To receive personalized route options, users simply select a starting point and destination. Yandex Maps then determines whether a route can pass through parks, follow primarily busy streets, or avoid stairs. Based on these characteristics, the app may offer options such as:

• Leisurely — routes passing through parks, waterfronts, and local landmarks;
• Lively — routes that prioritize busy streets and avoid courtyards or isolated areas, making them especially useful when navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods;
• Easier — routes with fewer steep climbs;
• With Ramps — routes where stairways along the way are equipped with ramps.

Where available, users may also see options such as Fewer Stairs or No Stairs routes. These options can be particularly useful for people traveling with strollers or luggage. In some locations, Yandex Maps will additionally suggest an Optimal route that combines the benefits of fast, lively and leisurely routes. Each option is clearly labeled so users can immediately understand its key characteristics and choose the route that best fits their situation.

Ruslan Ledovsky,
Head of Navigation at Yandex Maps

When choosing a walking route, speed is not always the deciding factor. In the evening, people may prefer a lively street, on weekends, a route through a park,  and while traveling, a path that passes the city's main attractions. This update is an important step toward navigation that not only finds the fastest way, but also understands context and adapts to different situations.

The route selection system is powered by artificial intelligence. When a destination is entered, Yandex Maps analyzes the surrounding urban environment, including parks and green spaces, elevation changes, stairs, street types, and building density. Based on these characteristics, the service determines which route options are most relevant for a particular journey and presents them to the user.

Images are available on Yandex Disk.

About Yandex Maps

Yandex Maps is a city navigation app that helps users discover places and build routes by car, public transport, bicycle, or on foot. The service also provides live public transport tracking and up-to-date schedules for buses, trams, and trolleybuses. In addition, users can book appointments at beauty salons and complete other everyday tasks directly within the app. Yandex Maps' mobile app and web version are used by 95 million people every month.