Where to find Tesla charging locations on a map
Tesla's own navigation system is the fastest way to locate a charging station. Open the Tesla app on your phone or use the touchscreen in your vehicle, tap the charging icon, and the map will show every Supercharger and Wall Connector location within range. The app displays real-time availability — how many stalls are open, whether they're occupied, and average wait times during peak hours.
If you don't own a Tesla yet or prefer a web browser, visit tesla.com/findus and select "Charging" from the menu. The interactive map shows the same network and lets you filter by location type, connector speed, and amenities like restrooms or food nearby. You can also search by address or city to see what's available before you travel.
Third-party apps like PlugShare and A Better Route Planner also map Tesla Superchargers alongside other networks, which is useful if you're comparing charging options or planning a long trip that might use multiple networks. These apps often include user reviews and photos of the actual stations.
Key Takeaways
- The Tesla app and tesla.com/findus show real-time availability, wait times, and which stalls are currently in use.
- Superchargers are Tesla's fast network for highway travel; Wall Connectors are slower but work at homes, workplaces, and some public locations.
- You can filter by location type, amenities, and connector speed to find the station that fits your trip.
- Third-party apps like PlugShare let you compare Tesla Superchargers with other charging networks on a single map.
Understanding the difference between Superchargers and Wall Connectors
Tesla operates two main charging networks, and the map distinguishes between them. Superchargers are the high-speed stations you see along highways and in city centers. They add roughly 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your vehicle model and battery size. Superchargers are designed for travel and quick top-ups, not all-day parking.
Wall Connectors
Some locations have both types at the same site, especially in urban areas. The map color-codes them or labels them separately so you know what speed to expect before you arrive.
How to read the map and filter by your needs
When you open the Tesla map, each charging location appears as a pin. Tap or click any pin to see details: the address, number of stalls, connector types available, and whether the station is currently open. The app also shows the distance from your current location and estimated drive time.
Use the filter menu to narrow results. You can search by connector type (Supercharger, Wall Connector, or both), filter by amenities (restrooms, restaurants, shopping), and sort by distance or availability. If you're planning a road trip, you can also set a destination and the map will highlight charging stations along your route.
The color of each pin indicates status: green means stalls are available, yellow or orange means some are in use but spots remain, and red means the station is at capacity. This changes in real time, so if a station shows red, check back in a few minutes — turnover at busy Superchargers can be quick.
Planning a long trip using the charging map
For road trips, start by entering your destination into the Tesla navigation system or the web map. The system automatically calculates your route and shows which Superchargers you'll pass or need to visit. It estimates charging time at each stop and total trip duration, accounting for the fact that you won't need to charge to full at every station.
The map highlights stations that are currently open and shows real-time wait times. If a Supercharger on your route is busy, the system suggests nearby alternatives or recommends stopping at a less-crowded location slightly off your path. You can also manually add stops by tapping stations on the map and adding them to your route.
Before you leave, check the map for any stations undergoing maintenance. Tesla marks these as closed or unavailable, and the navigation system will route around them. If you're traveling during peak times (holidays, weekends), plan to charge during off-peak hours when possible — the map's wait-time data helps you time your stops.
What to do if a charging station is closed or full
If your nearest Supercharger is closed for maintenance, the map will show it as unavailable and suggest the next-closest option. Maintenance windows vary — some last a few hours, others several days. You can check the Tesla app periodically to see when it reopens, or use the web map to find an alternative station within reasonable distance.
If a station is at capacity (all stalls occupied), you have two options. First, wait — the app shows average wait times, and many drivers charge just enough to reach the next station, so turnover is usually fast. Second, navigate to a nearby Supercharger that has availability. The map updates every few minutes, so refresh it to see the current status.
For long trips, building in a buffer helps. If your route depends on one specific Supercharger and it's closed, you could be stranded. Instead, plan a route with multiple charging options so you can detour if needed. The navigation system does this automatically, but you can also manually check the map before you leave.
Using third-party apps to compare charging networks
PlugShare and A Better Route Planner overlay Tesla Superchargers on maps alongside other networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. This is useful if you own a Tesla but want to see all your options, or if you're comparing networks before deciding where to charge. Both apps show real-time availability and user reviews.
PlugShare includes photos and comments from other drivers, so you can see what a station actually looks like and whether it's well-maintained. A Better Route Planner is designed specifically for trip planning and calculates the fastest route accounting for charging time and network availability. Both are free to read and use.
If you're planning a long trip and want to avoid surprises, cross-reference the Tesla map with one of these apps. They sometimes show different availability data (because they update at different intervals), so checking both gives you the most current picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see charging station availability without owning a Tesla?
Yes. Visit tesla.com/findus on any web browser and use the interactive map to view all Supercharger and Wall Connector locations, real-time availability, and wait times. You don't need a Tesla account or app. Third-party apps like PlugShare also show Tesla stations without requiring ownership.
Do I need to pay extra to use the charging map?
No. The Tesla app and web map are free. You pay only for the electricity you charge, and pricing varies by location and time of day. Some Wall Connectors at workplaces or hotels may be free, while Superchargers charge per kilowatt-hour or per minute depending on the location.
How often does the map update availability information?
The Tesla app updates in real time, refreshing every few minutes. The web map also updates frequently but may lag slightly behind the app. If you're checking before you leave, refresh the page to see the most current status.
Can I reserve a charging stall in advance?
Tesla does not offer advance reservations for Superchargers or Wall Connectors. Stalls are first-come, first-served. However, the app shows real-time availability and wait times, so you can choose when and where to charge based on current conditions.
What if the map shows a station but I can't find it when I arrive?
This is rare but can happen if a station is under maintenance or recently closed. Check the Tesla app again once you arrive — it may have updated since you left. If the station is genuinely missing or inaccessible, contact Tesla support through the app to report it. In the meantime, the app will have already suggested the nearest alternative.