[shyn3]

Click on the ? at the bottom right, then select Return to old Google maps lastly click on the classic yellow ribbon which appears at the top asking to remember your preference.

6 more months of classic maps then they will probably phase it out, sadly.

[dennisgorelik]

Is there a way to switch to classic view permanently?

Every time I start Google Maps again - it starts with crippled version.

Update: I just noticed that after switching to Classic, Google Maps is asking me if I want to remember that choice permanently.

The question is not prominent enough though.

[shyn3]

They do this with every service/option they don't want you to use.

For example, if you enable delay e-mail send in gMail, you get a tiny pop-up to undo your message... I guess you just have to learn to always look at the top middle for Google's hidden/minimally displayed functions.

[brazzy]

THANK YOUUU!!!