---
title: departureDate
framework: mapkit
role: symbol
role_heading: Instance Property
path: mapkit/mkdirections/request/departuredate
---

# departureDate

The departure date for the trip.

## Declaration

```swift
var departureDate: Date? { get set }
```

## Discussion

Discussion Specifying a departure date provides the server with extra information that it can use to optimize the returned routes. For example, for a trip that takes place during commute hours, the server might consider alternatives to routes that are typically congested at that time. The use of this property is optional.

## See Also

### Specifying transportation options

- [transportType](mapkit/mkdirections/request/transporttype.md)
- [highwayPreference](mapkit/mkdirections/request/highwaypreference.md)
- [tollPreference](mapkit/mkdirections/request/tollpreference.md)
- [MKDirections.RoutePreference](mapkit/mkdirections/routepreference.md)
- [requestsAlternateRoutes](mapkit/mkdirections/request/requestsalternateroutes.md)
- [arrivalDate](mapkit/mkdirections/request/arrivaldate.md)