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 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 map’s 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 their mapping tool.
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
RouteXL is one of the best free route optimizers and is perfect for delivery drivers and other professionals who are always on the move.
The free version of RouteXL allows you to enter up to 20 stops, but perhaps the best feature is its ability to optimize your route. The tool will reorganize your stops and place them in the most efficient order to create the fastest route possible.
To make the process easier, you can import addresses from an Excel spreadsheet. Once you have your directions, they can be exported to GPS devices and navigation apps or shared via email or social media.
The one downside of RouteXL is that it’s not as easy to use as some of the other tools on this list. Its interface is a little complicated, especially for people who don’t have a lot of experience with route planners. If you’re looking for software that you can use right away, this might not be the best choice.
Still, once you learn how it works, this is a powerful tool with a number of great features.
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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 the fact 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.
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 the fact that maps and directions are synced between all Apple devices. So, you can instantly move directions from your iPad to your iPhone.
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
MapQuest is the oldest mapping software and route planner available. They got their start back in 1996 and are still one of the most popular tools today.
The reason MapQuest has been so successful is that it’s easy to use and provides great directions. It’s also able to tell you where to find the best gas prices on your route, which is a feature that travelers love.
If you’re someone who makes many stops in one day, you’ll appreciate the fact that MapQuest lets you add 26 stops per route, which is more than most free tools.
That being said, this tool has fallen behind some of its competitors. Its information isn’t always the most accurate. They also use pop-up ads, which can be irritating when you’re trying to use the app.
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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 that will meet your needs, this is likely the one.
What makes TruckRouter different from other route optimization apps is that 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 real 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, 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.
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Available on: iOS, Android
Speedy Route is an excellent route optimizer for delivery routes, salespeople, and anyone else who needs to plan complicated trips. There are a few features that make Speed Route superior to a lot of 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
RAC offers several services for drivers, including roadside assistance, car insurance, vehicle checks, and more. They also have an effective routing tool for plan multi-stop trips.
What’s different about RAC’s route planner is its emphasis on safety. It alerts you to accidents and problematic weather conditions on your route so you can potentially avoid them. RAC’s Mapping service also helps you find hotels and includes a fuel cost calculator, making it perfect for those on a road trip out of town.
Unfortunately, like many of the entries on our list, the number of stops you can include in your route is limited to only 10. It’s only available to European drivers, so if you live anywhere else, you’re out of luck.
Overall, this is a solid free route planner that’s perfect for anyone who prioritizes safety.
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Available on: Web-based
Circuit provides route optimization software with a number of advanced features that professionals will love. They offer a free version for those on a tight budget and a paid subscription service that’s ideal for large businesses with more complex needs.
There are too many features that really make this an excellent tool. First, it gives you the ability 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 the parameters you’ve set 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.
One of the only downsides to Circuit’s free route planner app only lets you add 10 stops which likely won’t be enough for many businesses.
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Available on: iOS, Android
Flightmap 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, then it works out to about 18 stops total per day split between two vehicles. While not a ton, that’s still more than most apps.
For an extra charge, Flightmap 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
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 their free 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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