How do I get JSON from google directions api using jQuery?

Question

Answer 1

You cannot use ajax to access googles maps api. It will give you an unknown error response but in reality its an "access denied" due to CORS. The below code will give you valid data for the route between brooklyn and queens, driving, in metrics

        var directionsService = new google.maps.DirectionsService();
        var directionsRequest = {
            origin: "brooklyn",
            destination: "queens",
            travelMode: google.maps.DirectionsTravelMode.DRIVING,
            unitSystem: google.maps.UnitSystem.METRIC
        };
        directionsService.route(directionsRequest, function (response, status) {
            if (status == google.maps.DirectionsStatus.OK) {                    
            //do work with response data
            }
            else
                //Error has occured
        })

reference: http://www.sitepoint.com/find-a-route-using-the-geolocation-and-the-google-maps-api/