For those who spend a good chunk of their time working on the road in industries such as sales or deliveries, or even those who are just planning a fun road trip, making use of a route planner app can be a game changer.
Some of the best free route planners can not only save you tons of time by creating fully optimized routes, but they can also organize all of your important information into one easy-to-use app. Figuring out how to get from A to B to C has never been easier!
In the past, route planning was complicated. With the improvement of technology, the only thing complicated about it now is finding the right piece of software to suit your needs.
Keep in mind that not all route planners are built the same and different free routing softwares have different capabilities. That’s why choosing the right app is essential since you don’t want to spend large amounts of money on something that’s not a good fit.
With that being said, we’ve done our research and found the 17 best free route planners on the market today.
So let’s dive in and check them out!
Image credit to MatrixPlace, a sales consulting firm that wrote an Analyst Report on Sales Mapping Software
Best Free Route Planner for: Multiple purposes
Main Benefits: User-friendliness, reliability, compatible with all devices
Available on: Mac, PC, Android, iOS
The mapping technology business leader is none other than Google Maps. It allows you to easily locate destinations and plan routes right on your phone, tablet, or any other device. Its turn-by-turn navigation is one of the best mapping resources in the industry.
Although it is primarily used for personal and recreational purposes, you can also use Google Maps to plan different types of routes. It’s simply the easiest tool to get from point A to B – it has almost single-handedly changed the way the world travels.
A common misconception is that Google Maps only allows for 10 stops in a single route, but there are some workarounds for that.
Google Maps is such a big player in the mapping and free route planning software industry. Many other apps have used their technology as a foundation for their own mapping software.
With so many groundbreaking features such as Street View, Google Maps is a true powerhouse and an invaluable resource.
If you’re not sure whether Google Maps is the best solution for you, you can learn about the benefits and limitations of using Google as a route planner, and the top alternatives for businesses.
Pro Tip: What's the benefit of using a route optimization software designed for field salespeople when you already have Google Maps? Selling 25% more and driving 20% less.
Best Route Planner for: Field Salespeople
Main benefits: Route optimization, route planning, scheduling, keeping track of appointments
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
When it comes to field sales, there’s no better route planner app for multiple stops than Badger Maps. Outside sales reps use Badger Maps as their all-in-one resource to optimize sales routes and manage territories.
With features such as route optimization, check-ins, and lead generation on-the-go, Badger Maps helps field salespeople save time on their daily planning, maintain customer relationships, discover new opportunities, and close more deals. You won’t find a better route planner for outside sales.
Customer data visualization and advanced reporting features make it easier than ever to understand sales territory activities. This way you can be proactive about staying connected with important accounts.
Badger Maps route planner enables a two-way, real-time integration with the most common CRMs (such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics, Zoho, Insightly, NetSuite, and more) transforming your current CRM into a mobile CRM solution to keep all of your data in sync on-the-go.
While Badger Maps is not exactly a free route optimization software, there is a flexible free trial period and team pilot programs. Badger’s superior Customer Success team makes sure users won’t spend any money until it’s clear that the app pays for itself in gas and mileage savings, as well as in increased sales revenue.
If you’re a field salesperson looking to make the most of every day on the road, the best route optimizer is Badger Maps. Sign up for a free trial today and see for yourself! Badger will save you 8 hours each week in planning and driving time, while also helping you close more deals.
Best Free Route Planner for: Delivery
Main Benefits: Shareable routes, route optimization
Available on: Google Chrome, iOS, Android
RouteXL is a great option for small business delivery drivers, as it allows you to easily plan trips with multiple destinations.
When users input a series of destinations, RouteXL puts them in the quickest order, automatically optimizing the route.
A useful RouteXL feature is its ability to import a spreadsheet with all your destinations. It allows you to share your route and save it for the future.
It’s free to use for up to 20 destinations.
One drawback is that it can be confusing to new users, as its interface is not very user-friendly. This can be frustrating for professionals who want to quickly get to their destinations rather than battling the technology's learning curve.
The good news is there is a tutorial available within the app to onboard new users to RouteXL.
If you’re looking for a free option to create delivery routes of 20 stops or less, RouteXL is one of the best options on the market.
Best Free Route Planner for: Road trips
Main Benefits: Simple routing, business location
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
MapQuest is one of the oldest names in the road trip planning industry. Since 1996, it has been one of the most reliable and popular mapping resources on the planet.
As the first commercial web mapping service, MapQuest was revolutionary. It almost single-handedly changed the standards of map usage in the United States. Its longevity is a testament to how many people trust this software to plan their routes.
MapQuest is a straightforward mapping tool to create routes, locate businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations, and even to book hotels.
A limitation of MapQuest is the limited amount of stops that can be plugged in for optimized routes. MapQuest was not designed to compete with more industry-specific routing apps.
However, if you are looking for a simple mapping software to get the job done, MapQuest is a reliable and handy resource that has stood the test of time.
Best Free Route Planner for: Outdoor activities
Main Benefits: Recreational routes, interactive maps
Available on: Website
If you’re looking to create a route for your next walk, run, or bike ride, Plotaroute is a great option. It was created specifically with shorter distances and recreational routes in mind. It's used all over the world by outdoor enthusiasts looking for new and dynamic exercise paths.
Take the scenic route with Plotaroute or find the best alternative bike paths available to the public. It’s a great way to have a different adventure each time you strap on your running shoes, and it makes it easy to keep track of your mileage and progress.
It also has sharing features that allow users to show off their routes on social media with unique, interactive maps. This encourages others to exercise on the same paths as you — or to compete and try to beat your time.
Standard membership is free, so there’s nothing stopping you from using Plotaroute and making the most of your next outdoor adventure!
Best Free Route Planner for: Trucking
Main Benefits: Trucking routes, regulation information, trip cost calculator
Available on: Website
Trucking is a complex industry with a specific set of needs. TruckRouter is routing software designed to address these specific needs. It's one of the best free options available for people who make their living driving trucks across the United States.
Features such as truck-specific routes, weight/height restrictions, and trip cost calculator are just some of the essential tools TruckRouter provides. In an industry dependent upon speed and reliability, TruckRouter is an invaluable tool to stay ahead of schedule.
Truck warnings, toll roads and costs, and route elevation information keep drivers informed of what to expect and how to prepare accordingly. It makes the rough hours on the road just a little easier — and a little safer.
It’s also free and relatively easy to use. Registration takes just a few minutes. You will start optimizing your trucking route and staying on top of road conditions in no time. It’s perfect for small trucking companies.
Get where you’re going safely and efficiently by registering with TruckRouter before your next big trucking route.
Best Free Route Planner for: Multiple purposes
Main Benefits: Real-time data, community feedback, speed control, parking notifications
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
One of the bigger names in mapping software over the past decade is Waze. Used by millions to plan their drives, Waze has a lot in common with Google Maps, which makes sense — Google bought Waze in 2013. But there are key features that differentiate the two and elevate Waze to being more than just another routing app.
Waze uses the most sophisticated mapping technology to make driving quick, easy, and fun. Using real-time data from other Waze users, drivers stay informed of road conditions with quirky and colorful maps.
Providing shortcuts and live traffic updates, Waze helps drivers get to their destination as efficiently as possible. Staying connected with other drivers for real-time traffic updates has never been more empowering or enjoyable.
Cutting-edge voice features ensure that users never miss their exit. Waze even connects with Spotify, making it possible to easily switch between music and navigation.
While Waze does not allow for unlimited stops to routes, it can be used as the navigation system for other route planners on this list, such as Badger Maps.
Best Free Route Planner for: Logistics, Trucking
Main Benefits: Simplicity, allows users to save routes
Available on: Website
With over 5 million routes planned, My Route is one of the most popular tools in professional transportation.
It’s a great option for truck drivers and delivery people looking for a mapping software with multiple stops. My Route helps manage the logistics of selling and delivering on the road.
It’s not only capable of mapping up to 350 stops per route, MyRoute also optimizes routes by either time or distance. Once the addresses are exported to GPS systems or mobile devices, you no longer need to worry about juggling many stops — it’s all planned and organized by My Route.
You can save an unlimited number of routes for future use and assign territories to manage your workload.
While My Route is not completely free, it is a practical and affordable resource for people looking to spend less time behind the wheel. It eliminates all the back and forth driving between a disorganized collection of destinations.
For those looking for a simple solution for their mapping software needs, My Route is a dependable choice.
Best Free Route Planner for: Delivery
Main Benefits: Route optimization for delivery drivers, timeboxing, simple interface
Available on: Website
Speedy Route is another great free routing software option for any driver that needs to make unlimited stops along their route.
To calculate the best route when you have multiple destinations, Speedy Route efficiently reorders the entered locations. Available all over the world, Speedy Route is a dependable and popular app that features a simple user interface – it doesn't require a big learning curve.
It also has useful features such as timeboxing to ensure you reach certain destinations by certain times.
Speedy Route is free, but only for those plugging in 10 stops or less.
Aesthetically, Speedy Route looks a bit dated compared to other apps such as Waze. But its features are as helpful as ever in getting delivery drivers where they need to be in a quick and responsible manner. Those accustomed to working with old-school maps often enjoy Speedy Route’s no-frills approach to mapping.
Sometimes simplicity is key. With Speedy Route, you won’t need bells-and-whistles to get your deliveries to their destinations safely and on time.
Best Free Route Planner for: Multiple purposes (with a focus on safety)
Main Benefits: Safest routes, avoiding accidents
Available on: Website
If safety is your top priority, UK-based RAC Route Planner might be the tool for you. With an emphasis on avoiding accidents, RAC’s mapping service is a fantastic (and safe!) resource.
Stay aware of accidents along your route and weather information that might affect traffic. RAC’s route finder service provides maps and driving directions within the UK and the rest of Europe. It also helps locate hotels and has a fuel cost calculator to ensure that you aren’t spending too much on gas on the road.
Businesses and drivers that put safety first can benefit from using RAC’s mapping service. At the end of the day, safety is the most important thing – RAC is designed to ensure that you get back home every time you get behind the wheel.
It also allows you to plot unlimited stops, though its interface can be a bit clunky.
For routes in the UK and the rest of Europe, RAC Route Planner is one of the best options to stay safe and informed of what awaits you on the road.
Best Free Route Planner for: Offline navigation
Main Benefits: Offline Maps, Offline Search, Offline Navigation)
Available on: Android & iOS
When it comes to offline navigation, Maps.me has you covered.
Whether you’re in an area with a weak signal or just want to save your mobile data, Maps.me allows you to continue to navigate offline.
Maps.me allows users to download an unlimited number of maps, search for new locations on routes, and use their navigation system for travel by car, bicycle, public transport, or even walking. This software is available for trips all around the world and even includes a unique feature that allows you to access travel guides for popular destinations.
Now there’s no need to worry about getting lost, losing service, or simply running out of data on your trips! For all offline travel, allow Maps.me to get you to your destination.
The only downside is that Maps.me only allows you to add 5 stops per route. However, its great offline functionality makes it a great option for smaller routes in remote areas.
Best Free Route Planner for: Logistics & Trucking with Automated Real-time Resource Allocation
Main Benefits: Real-time updates
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
To succeed in the logistics and trucking industry, you need a route planning tool that goes above and beyond just an average route planner.
LogiNext Mile is a multi-stop routing planning solution created specifically for logistics, trucking, and delivery.
All the basics needs are covered with route optimization, automated resource allocation, and delivery associate management. It also includes extra features like real-time updates, tracking, and ETA calculation while on your route.
After using LogiNext Mile to streamlining the process from start to finish, you’ll never look back.
Best Free Route Planner for: Camping trips
Main Benefits: Campground Locator
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves camping, The Dyrt is the perfect tool for you.
The Dyrt allows you to customize and build your own multi-stop route or chose an already existing road trip. Their route planner has a limit of 25 stops, but this is usually more than enough for outdoors enthusiasts.
Utilize all their features to get the most out of your trip by choosing your driving preferences, adding multiple stops, estimating your fuel and gas stops, and even choosing campsites nearby. If you’re new to road trips and camping, you can rely on over 1 million in-app reviews for the best camping spots no matter where you decide to go.
After planning your perfect adventure, you can easily download your trip to your mobile device, export it to Google Maps for turn-by-turn instructions, or even share your itinerary.
Although some features may be limited on the free version of this app, they offer an upgraded version with a free 7-day trial.
Best Free Route Planner for: Day-to-day routing
Main Benefits: Integration with Apple devices. Privacy. Simple design
Available on: iOS
If you own an Apple device, Apple Maps could be the perfect tool for your everyday trips.
Apple Maps has a simple and intuitive interface design perfect for the average user. Compared to the typical design of GPS apps, Apple Maps offers its users a photographic and sleek look which allows you to clearly see nearby locations.
While you’re on your journey, Apple Maps sends real-time turn-by-turn directions directly to your Apple device. By automatically integrating with Siri, it’s easy to stay connected to all of your devices.
The most common use for Apple Maps is to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. However, it also offers a feature to add other stops while on your journey. You can easily locate destinations nearby and add a “Pit Stop.” “Pit Stops” can include adding stops for gas, food, or coffee within close proximity.
One drawback is that it cannot be used to pre-plan a multi-stop route. It currently is limited to “Pit Stops” that you can find on the way from point A to point B.
Sometimes one stop is all you need. If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-use navigation tool on your Apple device, Apple Maps is a great option.
Main Benefits: Weather charts, can export maps to other apps
Available on: iOS
If you need to create multiple multi-stop routes at once, InRoute could be the right tool for you.
InRoute allows you to add up to 150 stops to your route as either a starting point, pins, waypoint, or final destination. Once the points are added, you can manually organize your route or allow InRoute to automatically optimize the route for you.
This navigational software offers many useful features to set itself apart from its competitors. It is known for its unique features such as weather alerts, elevation, and curviness.
Although this app is free, access to additional features, such as voice navigation or creating routes with more than 8 stops, requires you to purchase their Pro version for $4.99 monthly, or $39.99 annually.
Sticking to the basic version of this app still allows you to optimize your routes and offers weather alerts! If your routes are typically affected by weather changes, this may be the best option for your days on the road.
Best Free Route Planner for: Multiple purposes where tailored maps are needed
Main Benefits: Highly customizable maps
Available on: Website
Flightmap is a great routing software that offers a high degree of customization.
With the integration of routes, inventory, invoice, and client communication, Flightmap handles it all. It’s easy to minimize disruptions and delays in your routes by aggregating the best mapping APIs all in one platform.
Flightmap makes it easy to plan highly tailored routes with up to 200 stops per month per vehicle for two vehicles. Although there is no mobile app currently available, you can create and download maps to your mobile device for use later on.
Stay focused on your routes by using Flightmap to plan in advance and enjoy your trip while receiving turn-by-turn directions on the go.
Best Free Route Planner for: Adventure Trips
Main Benefits: Ability to discover independently owned points of interest
Available on: Mac, PC, iOS, Android
When planning an epic road trip, organizing everything can seem a bit intimidating. Luckily, Roadtrippers allows its users to build multi-stop routes with up to 150 stops quickly and easily.
With unique features like estimating the total cost of gas for each trip and finding points of interest on the way, Roadtrippers is the perfect route planner for adventure lovers. Take your trip to the next level by exploring their database of places to add fun “detours” to your route.
After creating a trip you can easily sync the route to their app and receive live traffic updates and turn-by-turn directions.
Whether road tripping is just a hobby or a way of life, Roadtrippers is a great multi-stop planner to ensure you get the most out of your trip.
There are many fantastic free options for route planning apps with unlimited stops, and each of them serves a different purpose. The best free routing app for you will depend on the particular personal or professional needs you have.
In general, if you need an option that is a bit more sophisticated, it might be best to pay a little money. In most cases, the route planning app professionals choose will end up paying for itself in traveling expenses and increased revenue.
Most route planners offer a free trial, so pick out the routing software that fits your needs best, and decide later if it’s worth paying for.
For professionals: Badger Maps. Its industry-leading features include route optimization, territory visualization, CRM integration, customer check-ins, and follow-up enablement.
For personal trips: Nothing beats Google Maps. See the best free route planner apps for all different purposes here.
Yes, it’s possible to use Google Maps for route optimization. Users can route up to 10 stops at a time with Google Maps, though there are workarounds that allow you to plug in more stops. However, many find it easier to use specialized route planners better suited to their needs, such as Badger Maps or RouteXL.
The answer depends on what features matter most to you. Visualization features, keeping customer information handy at all times, and check-in tracking are important to professionals on the road.
The best all-in-one tool route planner with these features is Badger Maps. For personal travel and road trips, Google Maps is a great free option that is easy to use.
Users can route up to 10 stops at a time with Google Maps. There are ways around this that allow you to plug in more stops. But for the sake of convenience, many find it easier to use a different route planner that allows multiple stops.
There are many! The most well-known route planning app is Google Maps, used by millions around the world. It is easy to use and free.
If you’re a businessperson who needs to plot a more complicated route while tracking key customer information, there are great options available for your unique needs like Badger Maps, TruckRouter, or Speedy Route.
See the potential return on investment you can get by using Badger Maps with your field sales team.
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