Manual route planning has always been challenging, whether for delivery or field service professionals, individual contractors, or road trippers. The reason is that it’s time-consuming, error-prone, and unable to handle complex scenarios. While implementing advanced route planning software can help, only some individuals or businesses may find it affordable, especially those with budget constraints. This is where free route planners come in handy for those planning multi-stop routes without an upfront investment. However, determining the best free route planner with so many options available on the market may take time and effort. If you are stuck with making the final choice, this blog is for you. In this guide, we’ve hand-picked the top 10 free route planners after testing them based on ease of use, multi-stop route planning capabilities, real-time tracking, and route quality to help you find the one that suits your needs. Plan faster routes and cut down on detours and expenses with Upper. Try Upper Table of Contents 10 Best Picks for Free Route Planners in 2024 Are There Limitations to Free Route Planners? 5 Benefits of Professional Route Planning Software FAQs Choose the Right Free Route Planner as per Your Need After thorough testing, here are our top 10 picks: Google Maps: Best for basic navigation Upper: Ideal for individual drivers and small businesses Waze: Perfect for short road trips Apple Maps: Top choice for Apple users MapQuest: Great for trip planning MyRouteOnline: Excellent for logistics and field operations RouteXL: Suited for small businesses TruckRouter: Best for long-haul truck drivers Plotaroute: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts Speedy Route: Great for delivery drivers and salespeople Ready to find the right route planner for your needs? Let’s dive in and explore these options in detail. 10 Best Picks for Free Route Planners in 2024 1. Google Maps: Best Free Route Planner App for Basic Navigation Aspect Details Pricing Free Stop Limit Up to ten stops per route Route optimization Not provided Platform Available on the Web, Android, and iOS Route quality Efficient routes lack automatic optimization for multiple stops, unlike different route planners offering advanced multi-stop optimization. Users can manually arrange stops for the best route. Google Maps is the go-to choice for a multi-stop free route planner. This app is not just for finding your way; it’s great for planning trips with multiple stops, like road trips or deliveries. Using Google Maps’ route planner, you can easily add up to 10 stops to your route. It also helps you avoid traffic with real-time updates to reach your destination faster. Google Maps route planner works offline, so you can download the maps you need before your trip and navigate them even without the Internet. Additional features that we loved include: Voice navigation for turn-by-turn guidance Street view for virtual exploration of destinations Public transit information for multi-modal trip planning Customizable route options (avoid tolls/highways) Moreover, Google has recently integrated AI-powered features into Google Maps for added convenience. However, while Google Maps is excellent for finding the fastest route between two points and basic multi-stop planning, it doesn’t automatically optimize routes, necessitating manual rearrangement. 💡✨If you prefer using Google Maps but wish to streamline finding the best route without manual intervention, our Upper Google Maps Route Optimization Extension comes in handy. It enables you to: Determine the optimal order of your stops on Google Maps to maximize efficiency. Calculate the shortest overall trip, reducing travel time and operational expenses. Ensure the shortest routes in the least time, maximizing productivity. How do I get unlimited stops on Google Maps? Technically, you can’t. However, for complex deliveries with many stops, Google My Maps lets you create multiple maps or routes simultaneously for different vehicles. We’ve created a detailed guide on planning deliveries with Google My Maps, including how to create custom routes on Google Maps for your convenience. Pros: Traffic-based routing Detailed business information, reviews, and opening hours Receive accurate ETAs based on current traffic Automatic re-routing suggestions Cons: Only up to 10 stops in a route Absent automated route optimization Limited customization options for delivery route planning 2. Upper: Best for Individual Drivers and Small Businesses Aspect Details Pricing Free plan available (Paid plan starts at $4.99 per week) Stop Limit Free up to 20 stops (Can plan unlimited stops with paid app) Route optimization Advanced Optimize multiple routes Yes (You can create unlimited routes) Platform Available on iOS and Android Route quality With Upper’s advanced routing algorithms, enjoy routes optimized up to 18% more efficiently, covering shorter distances and saving on fuel costs. When it comes to finding a reliable multi-stop route planner, Upper is a superior choice. We provide a free route planner to plan and optimize up to 20 stops quickly and efficiently. Upper’s route optimization software has an easy-to-use interface that helps optimize routes quickly, reducing planning time while improving efficiency. It lets you input addresses manually or import them directly from a spreadsheet. You can click “Advanced Settings,” which includes avoiding highways, tolls, and ferries to customize your trip preferences. Once you’ve set your preferences, hit ‘Optimize Route’ and let our system design the most efficient itinerary for your multiple stops. Try Upper’s free route planner to plan routes for up to 20 stops. To get even more features and unlimited stops, try Upper Route Planner, which is perfect for small businesses, solo drivers, or individual contractors. Key offerings of Upper Route Planner: Optimize quickly: With our best route planning tool, you can optimize your routes in just 5 minutes, saving time and fuel. Adapt on the go: Encounter traffic jams or last-minute changes? Re-optimize your route -considering real-time data to avoid delays. Enhance efficiency: Use our analytics to gain insights and make smarter decisions to boost your profits. You can import addresses in bulk and enjoy unlimited routes. To experience the convenience and efficiency of our route planner app, you can download it from the App Store or Google Play Store. We offer flexible pricing options, including weekly, monthly, and yearly subscriptions, ensuring you can choose the best plan. P.S. If you’re managing a team of drivers or a fleet, our platform also offers “Upper Crew,” specifically designed for streamlining operations and optimizing routes for multiple vehicles. Pros Intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface Quickly upload multiple addresses from a spreadsheet Provide customers with precise delivery times Easily reoptimize routes for last-minute changes 24/7 customer support 24/7 customer support Cons No support for barcode scanning Requires a stable internet connection for optimal route planning Fast Route Planning: From Hours to Minutes Stop wasting time manually mapping routes with Upper. Optimize your entire route in just 5 minutes. Try for Free 3. Waze: Best Free Route Planner for Short Road Trips Aspect Details Pricing Free plan available (Paid plan starts at $4.99 per week) Stop Limit Up to 2 stops on a route, in addition to the final destination Route optimization Yes Optimize multiple routes No, Waze does not support organizing multiple routes Platform Available on the Web, Android, and iOS Route quality Waze provides the most efficient route by leveraging real-time traffic data and community-generated alerts for precise route suggestions. Waze offers an interactive map that visualizes routes in real time, adjusting as necessary based on live updates from its community of drivers. Waze stands out from other route planner apps as it relies on real-time updates from its community of users. This makes your daily commute not just directions but a shared experience. Waze gets you from A to B and optimizes your route based on live traffic, police alerts, and construction updates. Waze, a powerful mapping software, now part of Google, brings extra perks like custom voices and special routes for carpooling. We love how Waze learns your preferences over time. It remembers your favorite routes and provides personalized suggestions for a smoother commute. Perfect for car and motorcycle users, using Waze adds a social touch to your commute. If you are interested in making the most out of Waze, check out our guide on How to Use Waze Route Planner. Pros: Personalized route recommendations based on your commuting patterns Earn points and achievements as you contribute to the community Dynamic rerouting options keep you on the fastest path Cons: Less effectiveness in rural areas with fewer users Allows for adding only a single destination The inclusion of ads within the app may pose a distraction Waze is not tailored for delivery business use, lacking features like GPS tracking 4. Apple Maps Aspect Details Pricing Free Stop Limit 14 stops Route optimization Yes Organize multiple routes No Platform Available on iOS and Mac Route quality Apple Maps delivers dependable route suggestions, using real-time traffic updates for accurate navigation. Apple Maps is a navigation app by Apple Inc. It stands out as a user-friendly and efficient free route planner. It specifically caters to the needs of iOS users and allows them to create a multi-stop Apple Maps itinerary. What makes Apple Maps special? It’s the seamless integration into Apple devices. It provides iOS users with turn-by-turn directions, real-time data relating to traffic updates, and efficient route-planning capabilities. What impressed us most was Apple Maps’ clean interface. One of the things we appreciate most about Apple Maps is its clean interface and suite of features. Additionally, the latest iOS 17 update brings exciting features to Apple Maps, including: Offline maps are downloaded for navigation in areas with limited connectivity. Real-time information on electric vehicle charging station availability with customizable filters. Detailed 3D landmarks, road markings, and elevation levels for major cities. Over 2,000 curated guides from publishers like AllTrails and Lonely Planet So, Apple Maps is worth considering for iOS users searching for a reliable route planner. Want to get more from Apple Maps? Check out our guide on How to use Apple Maps Route Planner Pros: Provides real-time traffic information Integration with Siri enables hands-free navigation Access information about local businesses, points of interest, and services along the route Cons: Only 15 stops are available along a single route Exclusively available on Apple devices, limiting accessibility Lacks advanced route planning features like proof of delivery Want More Than Apple Maps? Try Upper for enhanced route planning, multi-stop management, and advanced features like automated scheduling and in-app navigation. Get Started 5. MapQuest: Best Free Route Planner for Trip Planning Aspect Details Pricing Free Stop Limit Supports up to 26 stops Route optimization Yes Plan multiple routes No Platform Available on the Web, Android, iOS, and Android Route quality MapQuest delivers reliable routes for shorter trips and city navigation. However, it may suggest longer routes or doesn’t work well in rural areas. MapQuest has been a pioneering online mapping service since 1996. This American platform provides detailed street-level maps and driving directions for various cities and countries. MapQuest primarily caters to users seeking accurate navigation, real-time traffic updates, and point-of-interest searches. With features like preference-based inputs, gas price comparisons (U.S. only), and a route planner allowing up to 26 stops for free users, MapQuest proves valuable for route optimization. While using Mapquest Route Planner, we found it versatile. It delivers a free and subscription-based service to meet diverse route planning needs. MapQuest avoids toll roads, highways, or seasonal roads. You can add stops line-by-line, copy/paste, or import addresses for flexible planning. MapQuest even provides layers for bars, airports, banks, and more. You can access real-time traffic, accidents, webcams, and local temperatures. However, MapQuest may be lacking in terms of longer routes. In that case, you can consider some advanced alternatives to MapQuest. Pros: Fuel cost estimates to help plan budget-friendly trips The algorithm considers road types, speed limits, real-time traffic, and construction for route planning Provides detailed and immersive street view options Mapping tool to view, create, and interact with maps and other geographic data Cons: Inaccuracies in time estimates and longer routes than actual, leading to discrepancies The free version requires users to watch ads for various functions Reported incidents of incorrect business addresses 6. MyRouteOnline: Best Route Planner for Logistics and Field Operations Aspect Details Pricing Free routing software with options for paid subscriptions (Starts at $24 for limited access) Stop Limit Supports up to 6 stops for free users Route optimization Yes Organize multiple routes Yes, MyRouteOnline allows users to organize multiple routes. Platform Available on the Web, iOS, Android Route quality MyRouteOnline generally does a good job of optimizing routes, especially for many stops. However, some manual tweaking might be required in certain cases. MyRouteOnline streamlines route planning, catering to businesses offering delivery services. It provides a user-friendly interface that allows for importing address lists, crafting routes for up to 1000 stops, and optimizing workloads through territory assignments. The platform even offers robust customization options, letting you set service times and create routes based on specific goals, such as minimizing distance or time. The cloud-based solution offers integration capabilities and provides navigation assistance through the MyRoute app. Though the software is not free, MyRouteOnline is valuable for businesses looking to optimize delivery routes with precision and efficiency. MyRouteOnline works on a “Pay as You Go” model, which can be costly for large businesses. For some liberal pricing options, you can explore MyRouteOnline alternatives. Pros: Intuitive and user-friendly platform Direct data import from Google Sheets Map-based planning with the Lasso tool Cons: Time-consuming route planning compared to other online route planners The “Pay as You Go” model may be costly for business owners with large fleets Inefficient routing requiring manual rearrangement 7. RouteXL: Best Route Planner for Small Businesses Aspect Details Pricing Free with options for paid subscriptions (Starts at €35 EUR/ month) Stop Limit Supports up to 20 stops for free users Route optimization Yes Organize multiple routes No Platform Available on the web Route quality RouteXL’s route optimization performs well for smaller numbers of stops but may require manual tweaking for complex routes with many stops to achieve optimal efficiency. RouteXL is a great route planner for multiple destinations. It cleverly organizes addresses to reduce travel time, making your deliveries or pickups faster and more fuel-efficient. RouteXL provides a free plan with limitless routes and up to 20 stops. If you need unlimited stops, check out RouteXL alternatives. It lets you import addresses from various applications, spreadsheets, or emails, enhancing convenience. Then, after adding departure and destination points, the route is calculated with a single button press. The generated routes can be printed, exported to GPS navigation devices, or shared via email, offering flexibility in dispatching. Some additional functionalities that grabbed our attention include: The algorithm supports time windows, optimizing routes based on specific time constraints. A range of additional features such as geocoding, GPS tracking, data sharing, search functionality, route sharing, and QR code scanning. Pros: Easily import numerous addresses at once Share routes seamlessly with QR codes Routes are automatically tagged as private, providing security and exclusivity Can integrate with other applications seamlessly through API Cons: Lacks Android/iOS apps restricting on-the-go accessibility Less intuitive web app interface The free plan restricted to 20 addresses limits extensive routing ability Go Beyond RouteXL’s Limits Experience unlimited route creation, advanced route optimization, and easy-to-use web and mobile apps with Upper. Try it Today 8. TruckRouter: Best Route Planner for Long-Haul Truck Drivers and Small Trucking Companies Aspect Details Pricing Free Stop Limit 5 stops per route Route optimization Yes, but with a truck-centric focus Organize multiple routes No, TruckRouter is best suited for planning individual routes. Platform Web-based only (no mobile app available) Route quality TruckRouter excels at planning more efficient routes for long hauls, considering truck-specific limitations. While it optimizes for distance and time, it might not be ideal for routes with frequent stops within a city. TruckRouter is a specialized and free truck routing software tailored explicitly for the trucking industry. It is ideal for truckers, fleet managers, and dispatch professionals. It provides truck-specific routes that consider height and weight restrictions, which a conventional free route planner app generally doesn’t provide. This web-based delivery route planner offers crucial features such as low clearance alerts, information on toll roads and costs, and a trip cost calculator to estimate expenses. It significantly enhances delivery operations by providing accurate information tailored to logistics managers’ and drivers’ needs. TruckRouter is among the top delivery route planner app free choices for trucking professionals looking to optimize multiple routes and stay informed about road conditions. Pros: Offers valuable features without a subscription fee Easy registration and intuitive interface for quick free route optimization Conveniently download trip details in XML format for record-keeping Cons: Limited accessibility without dedicated iOS and Android apps Best suited for long-haul routes and not ideal for frequent stops The absence of standardized rates may confuse larger trucking teams 9. Plotaroute: Best Free Route Planner App Outdoor Enthusiasts, Runners, Cyclists, and Walkers Aspect Details Pricing Free with options for paid subscriptions Stop Limit 5 Route optimization Yes Organize multiple routes Yes Platform Available on the Web, Android, iOS Route quality Plotaroute impressed us with its ability to generate high-quality routes tailored to specific activities (running, cycling, etc.). However, it lacks live traffic updates and some premium features for non-paying users. Plotaroute is versatile route mapping software for runners, walkers, and cyclists. Whether you prefer the traditional point-and-click method, selecting waypoints, or having the app generate suggestions based on your desired distance, Plotaroute offers four convenient ways to create your perfect route. We also loved Plotaroute’s advanced features, such as road surface checks, hill assessments, and access to Google Street View directly from the app. These features give you foresight, making your route planning more detailed and enjoyable. Moreover, Plotaroute lets you merge or split routes, reshape paths, add detours, and analyze detailed route profiles and elevation stats. This level of customization and analysis is perfect when preparing for different terrains and ensuring your routes are tailored to your preferences. Pros: Create user-friendly routes for walks, runs, or bike rides Explore the world with high-quality maps, enhancing your outdoor experience Enjoy route optimizer on the go with the mobile device app Offers a free route planning app with optional premium membership features Cons: Absent live traffic updates Several standout features, including voice navigation, Garmin sync, and bulk route downloads, are exclusive to premium users Lack of commercial users, such as inventory tracking and delivery driver GPS tracking 10. Speedy Route: Free Routing App for Delivery Drivers and Salespeople Aspect Details Pricing Free with options for paid subscriptions (Starts at $69/month) Stop Limit 10 stops Route optimization Yes Organize multiple routes Yes Platform Available on the Web, Android, iOS Route quality Speedy Route Planner’s route optimization engine generally performs well, especially for routes with a moderate number of stops. However, manual adjustments may be needed for optimal results for complex multi-stop routes. Speedy Route is a powerful route optimization for individuals and businesses with multiple stops. Our testing found that it calculates the best route, ensuring each location is visited once before returning to your starting point as quickly as possible. This web-based route planning platform offers full driving directions between all stops, making it invaluable for optimizing travel. During our testing, Speedy Route impressed us with its features, such as: Scenario planning capabilities. Vehicle maintenance considerations into route planning. Routing alerts to inform the user about potential issues and traffic updates. Route simulation is used to visualize and assess the proposed plan and adjust it as needed. Speedy Route adapts to your needs and is ideal for single or multiple delivery vehicles. It produces the optimal route for all delivery service vehicles available, maximizing efficiency. Pros: Globally available Accommodates both single-vehicle and fleet routing Offers different subscription plans based on your needs Cons: It is not entirely free; a subscription is needed for routes with over 10 locations. Standout features like Garmin sync and bulk route downloads are reserved for premium users. Access is limited to only the web version Are There Limitations to Free Route Planners? Yes, even the best free route planners have various limitations as follows. Offers zero or limited multi-stop routing capabilities: Free route planners generally allow you to plan a route from A to B. Even if they let you add multiple stops, they restrict the maximum number of stops to around 15 or 20, limiting your ability to create multi-stop delivery or service routes. Doesn’t enable multi-vehicle management: Free route planners typically let you plan routes for only a single driver at a time, preventing you from managing a multi-vehicle fleet to execute your operations. May pose potential security issues: As free route planners generally run on open-source code, they are not as secure as paid ones. Lacks advanced features: Free route planners don’t provide advanced features, such as live driver tracking, customer notifications, proof of delivery, or advanced reporting and analytics, limiting their ability to manage complex delivery scenarios. Doesn’t provide tech support: Free route planners don’t provide customer support to address run-time queries and issues, which can sometimes get you stuck and lead to a steep learning curve. 5 Benefits of Professional Route Planning Software Investing in professional route management software can make a significant difference if you find route planners inadequate. 1. Effortless route optimization Managing multiple deliveries or service stops can get complicated quickly. You might spend too much time planning routes if you’re still using free tools. Upper’s route optimization and route scheduling software transforms hours of planning into minutes, enhancing your efficiency and allowing you to serve more customers. 2. Reliable delivery windows Free route planners often fall short of accuracy regarding delivery times. Software such as Upper provides precise delivery windows and real-time data, ensuring your customers know exactly when to expect their orders. This reliability improves your service and hence, customers’ trust. It streamlines the entire delivery process, from route planning to proof of delivery, enhancing efficiency at every stage. 3. Customizable route options Free tools may not offer the flexibility you need to fit your business needs. Upper offers customizable route options, such as delivery windows or vehicle capacity, to fit your specific needs. This flexibility enables you to adapt routes to changing conditions. 4. Driver support and efficiency While planning routes is essential, your drivers need the right tools to execute them effectively. Upper’s mobile app equips your drivers with optimized routes, accurate ETAs, and support for popular navigation apps. It also offers driving directions and delivery instructions, enhancing overall efficiency and accuracy. 5. Valuable performance insights Understanding how your delivery process performs is key to making improvements. Unlike many free options, Upper provides detailed analytics and performance data, letting you track key metrics and identify areas for growth to refine your operations. Advanced Routing on a Budget Upper provides top-notch routing, balancing time and distance to deliver efficient routes and cut costs—all without breaking the bank. Try Upper Frequently Asked Questions Is there anything such as a free route planner with unlimited stops? No, there are no such route planners. However, some delivery route optimization software solutions, like Upper, offer free versions with limited stops but require an upgrade to a paid version to increase stop limits and access an exhaustive set of features. It’s a good idea to evaluate each tool’s specific features and limitations to find the one that fits your needs. Is there a free route optimization app for planning a road trip? Yes, several free vehicle routing software apps, such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Maps.me, Waze, and MapQuest can help you plan a road trip. These apps allow you to input multiple locations, optimize routes, and access real-time traffic updates to make your road trip smoother and more enjoyable. What is the best free route planner? The best route planner app depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include Upper, Google Maps, MapQuest, RAC Route Planner, Waze, RouteXL, Circuit Route Planner, and Badger Maps. How do I plan routes with multiple stops for free? Route planning apps can help you create a route with multiple stops for free. Simply input your starting point and add the stops you want to visit. The routing app will then optimize the route based on your preferences and provide turn-by-turn directions. Is there a better route planner than Google Maps? Yes, there are potential alternatives to Google Maps if you’re looking for a route planner that goes beyond suggesting the shortest route between point A and point B. Software like Upper provides multi-stop route optimization, real-time traffic updates, and customizable route options designed to streamline your delivery process and maximize efficiency. How to choose the right route planner for multi-stop trips? To choose the right route planner for multi-stop trips, consider factors like the number of stops you need, the advanced route optimizing ability, real-time traffic updates, ease of use, platform compatibility (web, mobile), and any additional features that are important to you, such as customization options or integration with other apps. When should you upgrade to a paid route planning software? You should upgrade to paid route planning software when you need features such as unlimited stops, more advanced route optimization algorithms, customizable options (like setting time windows for stops), integration with business tools, priority customer support, and an ad-free experience. Choose the Right Free Route Planner as per Your Need Choosing the right free route planner can significantly improve efficiency and save costs for individuals and businesses alike. Whether you prioritize real-time traffic updates, advanced route optimization, or specific features like truck-specific routes or outdoor activity planning, free route planning software meets your needs. While popular apps like Google Maps offer basic navigation, tools like Upper provide advanced route optimization, customized trip preferences, and unlimited stops for enhanced productivity. So, explore the options mentioned in this guide, consider your requirements carefully, and make an informed decision to streamline route planning and enhance your travel experience. Author Bio Rakesh Patel Rakesh Patel, author of two defining books on reverse geotagging, is a trusted authority in routing and logistics. His innovative solutions at Upper Route Planner have simplified logistics for businesses across the board. A thought leader in the field, Rakesh's insights are shaping the future of modern-day logistics, making him your go-to expert for all things route optimization. Read more. 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