How to Import Third-Party Routes to Your Garmin Device

Importing third-party routes to a Garmin device allows users to follow custom navigation paths, whether for training, exploring new areas, or following race organiser-provided routes. Garmin devices support various route formats, including GPX, which can be transferred using Garmin Connect, Strava, Ride with GPS, Komoot, Garmin Share over Bluetooth, or manual USB uploads. This guide outlines the steps for importing routes from many common sources.

Garmin devices primarily support GPX, TCX, and FIT files for route navigation. GPX files are the most common and widely used format for sharing routes, while TCX and FIT files may include additional data. Before importing, users should ensure that their Garmin device is compatible with the chosen file format and that they have the latest software updates installed.

The file can contain richer information than simply a route between two points. It can include elevation information, points of interest, target speed and pacing information, turn-by-turn instructions, and more.

Importing Routes via Garmin Connect
Garmin Connect provides a straightforward way to import third-party routes; here is an overview:

• Visit the Garmin Connect website or open the mobile app.
• Navigate to Training & Planning > Courses.
• Click Import and select a GPX or TCX file from the computer or phone.
• Save the route and sync it with a Garmin device via Bluetooth or USB using Garmin Express.
• Once synced, the route can be accessed on the device under Navigation > Courses.

Automatic Syncing from Strava, Ride with GPS, and Komoot
Garmin Connect supports automatic syncing with third-party platforms. This requires a one-off authorization between Garmin Connect and the other platform.:

• Connect Strava, Ride with GPS, or Komoot to Garmin Connect via the Garmin Connect website.
• Once linked, selected routes from these platforms will automatically appear in Garmin Connect > Training & Planning > Courses.
• To indicate which route to synchronise, you may have to favourite it or star it at its original location. Assuming your Garmin Connect app is open, that is usually sufficient for to to appear on your Garmin device automatically.
• If you delete the original route, it will not usually be deleted from your watch.

Importing Routes from Race Organisers or Other Sources
Many race organisers provide GPX files for event participants. To import these files:

• Download the GPX file from the event website.
• Transfer it to Garmin Connect as before or manually load it via USB:
  • Connect the Garmin device to a computer using a USB cable.
  • Locate the device under File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
  • Copy the GPX file into the NewFiles folder on the Garmin device.
  • Disconnect the device and check for the route under Navigation > Courses.

Device-to-Device Transfer Using Garmin Share
Garmin devices with Bluetooth-sharing capabilities allow users to transfer routes between compatible devices:

• On the source Garmin device, navigate to Navigation > Courses.
• Select the route to share and choose the Share option.
• Enable Bluetooth and follow on-screen prompts to send the route to a nearby Garmin device.
• On the receiving device, accept the transfer and check for the route under Navigation > Courses.

Accessing the Route on a Garmin Device
After importing a route, users can access it on their Garmin device:

• Navigate to Navigation > Courses or Saved Courses.
• Select the imported route and choose Ride, Run, or Start, depending on the activity.
• Adjust routing settings if needed to ensure accurate navigation.

Troubleshooting and Tips

If a route does not appear on the device:

• Ensure the file format is supported and not corrupted. Loading a corrupted GPX file into Strava and then exporting it to another format like TCX might fix the corruption.
• Check that the file was correctly placed in the NewFiles folder (for USB transfer).
• Restart the Garmin device after syncing.
• Confirm that Garmin Connect or Express has completed the sync process.

Take Away

Although often straightforward, many things can go wrong when trying to access, create or share routes. It is challenging to write a comprehensive, succinct guide to this topic.

If you are new to this, we recommend getting familiar with route creation and sharing in Garmin Connect. Have a free linked account with Ride with GPS, Komoot and Strava for when your friends want to share a route with you or vice versa.

Always try to load your route on your watch or bike computer well before the day. Sometimes, long routes from race or hiking organisers can be split into multiple smaller segments, which you might not want.