Open a GPX file in Google Earth
Google Earth Pro (the free desktop app) opens GPX directly. Google Earth on the web doesn’t accept GPX — give it a KML or KMZ instead. Either way you get the track over 3D terrain.
Reviewed on 2026-09-27 using official help where available.
AcceptsGPX (Earth Pro desktop); KML/KMZ, GeoJSON, GLB, zipped Shapefile, CSV (Earth on the web)
Free tierGoogle Earth (web and Pro desktop) is free.
Steps
- Desktop — open Google Earth Pro. Install the free Google Earth Pro desktop app and open it.
- Open the GPX. Use File → Open and select your .gpx (set the file-type filter to show GPS files if it’s hidden), or drag the file onto the globe.
- Web — export KML first. For Google Earth on the web, export KML or KMZ from the GPX viewer’s Download menu.
- Import the KML on the web. At earth.google.com, click “New” → “Import file to map project” → “Upload from device”, and select the file.
Quirks & limits
- Google Earth on the web imports KML/KMZ, GeoJSON, GLB, zipped Shapefiles and CSV/Sheets — not GPX. Use Earth Pro for a direct GPX import, or convert first.
- Earth Pro’s Tools → GPS menu is for pulling data off a connected GPS device, not for opening a .gpx file.
- Google Earth is great for exploring terrain in 3D, but it isn’t a route-navigation tool.
Sources
See the route before you upload it
Not sure the file is the right one? Drop it into the viewer first — you'll see the full track on a map with distance, elevation and speed. Nothing is uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google Earth open GPX files?
Google Earth Pro (desktop) opens GPX directly via File → Open. Google Earth on the web doesn’t — convert the GPX to KML or KMZ first.
How do I view a GPX in Google Earth on the web?
Export the GPX as KML (e.g. in gpxviewer.app), then at earth.google.com choose New → Import file to map project → Upload from device.