If you drive for a living or run a business where transportation and logistics play a big role, you know how vital route optimization is. Route planning tools have changed the way we travel and work.
Of course, not every route planner is up to the task of planning complex routes. For that, you need navigation software that can support multiple stops and multiple routes. Luckily, there are several free apps and tools that do just that.
Keep reading to discover our list of the 11 best free driving route planners with multiple or unlimited stops:
By far, the most common route planner app is Google Maps. Virtually everyone uses this tool to get from one place to another, but not many are aware that it’s capable of planning routes with multiple stops.
Google Maps advertises that they’re able to plan routes with up to ten spots. However, there’s a trick you can use to create routes with up to 25 stops. Google Maps’ user-friendly interface and familiarity make it an excellent choice for a wide range of businesses.
Google is so revolutionary when mapping that many other providers have built their tools using Google’s API. So, it’s clear the company is doing something right when it comes to its mapping tool.
In 2023, Google Maps is introducing a few new features, including:
However, there are some limitations. The biggest downside of Google Maps is you can’t optimize the order of your stops. Google will calculate your route in the order you enter your stops. For a truly optimized route, you’ll need to list your stops in the most efficient order, which isn’t always easy to figure out.
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Available on: PC, Mac, iOS, Android
Maptive is the best free route optimizer for professionals of every kind. Maptive offers many advanced options that simpler route optimizers like Google Maps don’t offer, such as:
Maptive offers a free 10-day trial that gives you a chance to try out all of their tools and features for free.
Maptive is easier to use than many tools on this list as it allows you to easily add multiple stops by clicking on the map or by typing in addresses. The Maptive interface is intuitive to use and offers lots of built-in guides.
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Available on: Web-based
If you’re looking for an app with excellent directions and a great user experience, it’s hard to beat Waze. The company was purchased by Google back in 2013, so you might expect it to be reasonably similar to the Maps app. However, Waze offers some innovative features that truly make it unique.
What sets Waze apart is that it collects real-time data from other users. This allows it to provide you with live traffic updates, adjusted routes, and shortcuts. The app also integrates with Spotify, which lets you receive directions while listening to music.
While Waze’s community feature is a nice perk, it’s only effective on routes that other users are traveling. If you’re in a more remote area, you won’t have access to the same amount of real-time data. And if you are on a route with many other users, the number of icons on the screen can block your directions.
There are a few new features that will be coming to Waze in the near future:
The biggest downside of Waze is that you can’t add multiple stops to your route. However, its great directions and fun interface still make it worthy of being included on this list. You can always use it in conjunction with another logistics tool for routes with more than one stop.
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Available on: PC, Mac, iOS, Android
Not to be outdone by Google, Apple came out with its own mapping app included on all iOS devices. It offers many of the same features as Google Maps but does lag behind in a few areas.
Where it excels is its map design. The maps look great, and they include a 3D view and buildings. Apple users will also appreciate that maps and directions are synced between all Apple devices. So, you can instantly move directions from your iPad to your iPhone.
In 2023, Apple Maps is planning exciting updates to its business pages:
The biggest downfall of Apple maps is that it only allows you to add two stops. So, busy delivery drivers likely won’t be able to get much use out of this tool. Users have also complained about inaccurate information, which is a big concern for businesses.
The app is only available on Apple devices, so PC and Android users will have to look elsewhere for their route-planning software.
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Available on: Mac, iOS
HERE WeGo is a free route planner and navigation app that offers a variety of features designed to make travel easier and more convenient.
One of the most useful features of HERE WeGo is its ability to download maps for offline use. This is especially helpful when traveling in areas with limited internet connectivity. Users can download entire cities or regions, and the app will continue to provide directions and other features even without an internet connection.
Similarly to Google Maps, Here WeGo offers turn-by-turn navigation with voice guidance, making it easy to follow directions while driving, cycling, or walking. It includes pretty accurate traffic information, though it lacks the ability to actively modify an assigned route when the app detects that there is congestion on the way.
Because of this and the limited options it offers for route optimization, users may need to manually adjust their route to achieve the most efficient path.
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Available on: PC, Mac, iOS, Android
TruckRouter is a free route-planning tool designed specifically for the trucking industry. If you’re a trucker, fleet manager, or dispatch professional looking for a solution to meet your needs, this is likely the one.
TruckRouter differs from other route optimization apps because it offers truck-specific routes. Trucks aren’t always able to travel everywhere due to height and weight restrictions, and the tool factors that in when it’s creating its routes.
TruckRouter also alerts drivers to low clearances, provides information on toll roads and costs, and offers a trip cost calculator to estimate your expenses.
The only downside is that the tool is web-based, meaning there aren’t downloadable apps for iOS and Android mobile devices.
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Available on: Web-based
SalesRabbit is a lead generation and team management solution for businesses. They also offer a free multi-stop route planner.
This tool features turn-by-turn directions, and multiple stops per route and lets you plot your leads on an interactive map. As you would expect, it works seamlessly with SalesRabbit’s other solutions, so this is ideal for anyone already using their software.
Sales Rabbit’s tool also offers appointment setting services. You can filter your appointments by status, set scheduled reminders, and get directions.
To use this route planner, you’ll need to sign up for Sales Rabbit Lite, which is a free version of their sales management software.
Some new features and updates to look forward to including:
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Available on: iOS, Android
Speedy Route is an excellent route optimizer for delivery routes, salespeople, and anyone who needs to plan complicated trips. There are a few features that make Speed Route superior to many other options.
First, it will automatically reorder your stops to create the quickest and most efficient route possible. It also supports timeboxing, which accommodates situations where you can only arrive at a location before or after a specific time.
After your route is calculated, Speedy Route’s drag and drop feature makes it easy for you to tweak your stops’ order and make adjustments as needed. Once you’re happy with your route, you can export your directions to a spreadsheet.
While there are many great things about this tool, there are a few negatives. The free version only allows you to enter ten stops, and the interface isn’t as sleek as some of the other options. Finally, because it’s a web-based solution, they don’t offer any downloadable apps.
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Available on: Web-based
Circuit provides route optimization software with several advanced features that professionals will love. They offer a free version for those on a tight budget and a paid subscription service ideal for large businesses with more complex needs.
There are many features that make this an excellent tool. First, it allows you to set time constraints on locations if you need to arrive within a certain timeframe. You can also prioritize locations that require you to be there ASAP to ensure they’re first on your route.
Once you set your parameters, Circuit will rearrange your stops based on your parameters to create your optimal route. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play, so you can take your directions with you wherever you go.
Circuit has issued a few new features and updates in 2023, with more on the horizon:
One of the only downsides to Circuit’s free route planner app is that it only lets you add ten stops which likely won’t be enough for many businesses.
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Available on: iOS, Android
Formerly known as Flightmap, Mappr is an impressive online route planner that’s perfect for sales and delivery professionals. What’s unique about this tool is that it optimizes routes based on your vehicle’s size, speed, and volume. This makes it perfect for companies with different vehicle types.
This delivery route planner app is free for up to 200 stops per month per vehicle for two vehicles. While that might seem like a lot, if you’re delivering every business day, it works out to about 18 stops per day split between two vehicles. While not a ton, that’s still more than most apps.
For an extra charge, Mappr integrates with Tookan, a popular delivery management solution. So, if you’re already using that service, this might be a good choice for you.
Flightmap also offers a number of sharing options, including exporting to a spreadsheet, sending your map in an email, or using a sharable link.
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Available on: Web-based
Komoot is a popular route planner and navigation app that’s designed specifically for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and running.
It allows users to plan their route based on their preferred activity and fitness level and offers a variety of map types, including topographical and satellite maps, that people can use to customize their route based on factors like distance, elevation, and surface type.
Though voice guidance and offline maps are paid features, Komoot’s free version offers turn-by-turn navigation that makes it easy to follow directions while on the go while also giving users access to its large database of popular hiking and biking trails, scenic views, and other outdoor attractions.
And for outdoor enthusiasts who want to plan excursions that go beyond day trips, Komoot also allows users to plan multi-day tours, complete with overnight accommodations and points of interest along the way.
Though first-time users will find themselves facing a bit of a learning curve, the app has gained a strong community of users who share their favorite routes, making it easy to discover new places and activities. One of Komoot’s particularly useful and community-oriented features includes tracking activity data, including distance, elevation, and speed, and can sync with other fitness tracking apps like Garmin, Strava, and Apple Health.
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Available on: PC, Mac, iOS, Android
Free route planning tools are great for small businesses on a budget, but you’ll likely realize that you’ll need a more robust solution once you start to grow.
Here are a few drawbacks of free solutions:
If you have a large fleet that makes many stops per day, these limitations will greatly reduce your efficiency. If you have the budget, we highly recommend looking into an affordable paid tool like Maptive.
Maptive is a mapping software platform that includes a sophisticated route planner and optimizer. It’s built using Google Maps API, which gives you access to their industry-leading technology, along with many additional features that the free Google maps tool doesn’t provide.
Here’s why Maptive is the superior choice for route planning:
Sign-up for a free trial of Maptive to start creating better routes for yourself and your team.
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