---
title: "traceroute"
category: "Networking and remote access"
tagline: "Show the routers your packets pass through on the way to a host."
source: "pacman"
package: "traceroute"
command: "traceroute"
website: "https://traceroute.sourceforge.net/"
---

## What it is

traceroute lists each router between your computer and a destination, with how long each one takes to answer. It runs once and prints the route, which makes it handy for scripts and for pasting into support requests.

```
traceroute example.com
```

## Why it's here

- **See the route.** Find where traffic stops or slows down.
- **Familiar.** Network guides and support staff often ask for its output.

## On CoreDesktop

traceroute is installed from pacman. Type `traceroute` in a terminal; for a continuously updating view, use [mtr](/software/mtr/). `update` keeps traceroute current with the pacman packages.