Whether you're speedrunning the main story or just looking to shave off minutes during your next replay, mastering the most time-efficient mission routes in GTA 5 can dramatically change your experience. After dozens of playthroughs, testing different approaches and optimizing vehicle choices, here's a rundown of the top 25 mission routes that can help you save serious time in GTA 5. 1. Prologue – Use the Left Exit After the VaultInstead of taking the right exit as instructed, go left and loop around. It’s slightly riskier, but cuts down a few seconds during the getaway. 2. Franklin and Lamar – Pre-Select the Car Closest to the ExitChoosing the Buffalo instead of the red Dominator makes the route smoother, especially during turns in the Vinewood area. 3. Repossession – Take the Back Alley ShortcutAfter retrieving the bike, use the alley behind the dealership to avoid traffic-heavy main roads. 4. Complications – Skip the Garage SceneCrawl through the side of the house faster by hopping over the backyard fence directly instead of sneaking around. 5. Chop – Keep to the Left Side of the TracksThis reduces the chances of getting interrupted by oncoming trains during the dog chase sequence. 6. The Long Stretch – Pre-Position a Faster Car NearbyInstead of using the default van, stash a faster getaway vehicle nearby before triggering the mission. 7. Father/Son – Ram the Boat from the SideDuring the freeway chase, aim to side-swipe the boat instead of chasing directly behind. It helps finish the sequence faster. 8. Friend Request – Skip the Walk Through LifeinvaderQuickly make your way up the stairs without exploring unnecessary rooms, and place the bug in under a minute. 9. Casing the Jewel Store – Scout Using a MotorbikeIt’s easier to weave through traffic, and parking is faster than with a car. 10. Jewel Store Job – Smart Approach + BikesUse the smart method and select bikes with strong handling. The escape route through the storm drain is more manageable this way. 11. Blitz Play – Align the Garbage Truck EarlyPosition the garbage truck just right before you begin the mission. Saves tons of fiddling once the mission starts. 12. Mr. Phillips – Use the Airfield RouteTaking the dirt airstrip path avoids a lot of traffic and police resistance during the chase. 13. Trevor Philips Industries – RPG Before the ConvoySet up in advance with an RPG from the hill for a one-hit takedown. Avoids prolonged shootouts. 14. The Merryweather Heist (Offshore) – Fly LowWhen transporting the submarine, flying low avoids radar detection and triggers fewer patrols. 15. Three’s Company – Elevator SkipUse the rooftop route to avoid the slow elevator section. Parachuting out also saves a few cinematic seconds. 16. Paleto Score – Park Escape Vehicle CloserPosition the vehicle next to the bank before the mission. The getaway becomes a quick hop instead of a sprint. 17. Derailed – Speed Boat HopJumping to the speedboat early and avoiding combat cuts time significantly. Head straight downriver. 18. Monkey Business – Swim Along the DockAvoid sneaking through corridors by swimming directly to the objective using the side dock route. 19. Hang Ten – Use Franklin’s Ability in TrafficDuring the drive to the clubhouse, activate Franklin’s special ability to avoid traffic slowdowns. 20. Surveying the Score – Use Fast-Forward GlitchBy skipping unnecessary dialogue sections using camera zoom-ins, you can save up to a minute.
If you're someone who replays missions for fun or profit, optimizing routes like these can make a huge difference. And if you’re into collecting GTA accounts or want to jump straight into the action with a leveled-up profile, many players turn to services like U4N to buy GTA 5 account options tailored to specific goals — whether it's racing, heists, or collectibles. Just remember, practice makes perfect. Even the best route won’t save you time if you don’t know the turns, enemy placements, or ideal vehicle handling. So test these strategies, find what works best for your playstyle, and enjoy your next fast-track run through Los Santos.
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