title: Do I need an API Key for Maps Distance Matrix API?
body: <p>Do I have to use an API key when using Distance Matrix API?</p>
  
  <p>Google Documentation states that the key should be included in every request, but I see I can get the duration and distance values without including a key.</p>
  
  <pre><code>https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/distancematrix/json?units=imperial&amp;origins=Washington,DC&amp;destinations=New+York+City,NY
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>But I do need to use a key when I need the <code>duration_in_traffic</code> variable.</p>
  
  <pre><code>https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/distancematrix/json?units=imperial&amp;origins=Washington,DC&amp;destinations=New+York+City,NY&amp;departure_time=1531583990&amp;key=API_KEY
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>These are the price stated by Google for basic and advanced, <a href="https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/distance-matrix/usage-and-billing#distance-matrix" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/distance-matrix/usage-and-billing#distance-matrix</a></p>
  
  <p>And I am wondering if I should use my API key or not when sending basic requests as I will have to pay if I use an API Key.</p>