Google Now Tells You How Long It’ll Take to Park in 25 Cities

The popular navigation app is known and trusted for its spot-on accuracy predicting arrival times, but until now that door-to-door ETA didn't factor in how long it would take to park. In areas where spots are scarce, drivers may spend 15 or 20 minutes circling to block trying to find a vacant space. Google Maps uses using historical data to rate the level of difficulty as either "Easy," "Medium," or "Limited" next to an icon at the bottom of the screen. Using that information, users may plan on adding a cushion to their travel time.

This feature may help you plan your schedule, but it doesn't make it any less brutal finding a space. BMW is introducing parking search technology that shows you vacant on-street parking spots and nearby lots, and also lets you reserve a space in some lots ahead of time.

Google Maps' new feature is available in the following 25 cities in the U.S.: San Francisco, Seattle, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Diego, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington, DC, Cleveland, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Houston, Phoenix, Portland and Sacramento.