How to Export a GPX File from Garmin Connect

A custom GPS route transformed into a framed Raceline poster

Quick answer: in Garmin Connect on the web, open Activities, choose the activity, select the settings gear, and click Export to GPX.

Garmin offers several export formats. The right one depends on whether you need the route itself or the full training record.

Export a Garmin activity as GPX

  1. Sign in to Garmin Connect in a desktop or mobile web browser.
  2. Open Activities, then All Activities.
  3. Select the run, ride, hike, or other outdoor activity.
  4. Open the settings gear in the upper-right corner.
  5. Choose Export to GPX and save the file.

These steps follow Garmin’s official data export instructions.

When to use Export Original instead

GPX is ideal when you primarily need the path. Export Original usually downloads the FIT file recorded by the Garmin device and can retain richer workout and sensor data. Use it when heart rate, power, cadence, laps, or workout instructions matter.

TCX is another useful exchange format for training platforms. For route-based artwork, GPX is normally sufficient. See GPX vs FIT vs TCX for a direct comparison.

Why is my Garmin GPX empty?

  • Indoor activities often contain no GPS coordinates, so they cannot create a meaningful route.
  • Very long activities can produce incomplete or empty GPX/TCX exports. Garmin recommends using the original FIT file in that situation.
  • Wait until the activity has fully synced from the device before exporting.
  • If another service rejects the file, check its size and point-count limits rather than changing the extension.

Garmin documents the long-activity limitation in its empty GPX/TCX guidance. Its manual import documentation lists limits of 25 MB for GPX/TCX and fewer than 99,999 data points.

Privacy check before upload

Review the map for private locations. A route file can disclose where you live, work, train, or travel. Share only the activity needed for the task and keep the original file privately stored.

Create a poster from your Garmin route

Open the Raceline custom route poster, continue to the editor, and upload your route. You can preview the exact map composition before approving the print.