5 Best Route Planner Apps of 2024

When searching for useful driving apps it's important to take a few things into consideration. If you want the hassle-free experience without a high price-tag then you've come to the right place as all these navigation apps are free to download. Plan the ideal route in advance and plot the perfect way to your destination. Either available online or offline you can download maps in advance and even schedule a time to leave.

These navigation apps show multiple routes available and allow multiple stops as well as providing distance to travel, your journey time and ETA. Choose your ideal route finder from our hand-picked selection of route planner apps for Android or iPhone below. The most suitable app for you will depend largely on your driving preferences, style and even your personality!

For further hassle-free help and top guides please visit our travel advice page.

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1. Waze

This community-based traffic and navigation app takes our top spot

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Prioritising getting you to your destination as quickly as possible and minimising your time on the road, Waze will lead you to your destination in record time. Download the Waze app and see real-time road conditions and find the best routes to take before you set off. This route finder is one of the best at getting you from A to B with the least hassle by avoiding traffic and unexpected hazards along the way. Whether you drive a car, taxi or motorbike Waze has to be one of the best on the market.

Free to download and fully customisable, you can select the type of fuel you use and even the type of vehicle you drive to tailor the app for a more personal experience. You'll also receive alerts about police and speed cameras, as well as find the nearest petrol stations, hotels and places to eat too.

4.9/5

Price: Free

2. Google Maps

A popular navigation app and itinerary planner

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Possibly the most widely recognised route planner available, with its traditional way of displaying the journey for your trip, the Google Maps app can search for directions to and from anywhere in the world. Along with driving, Google Maps has support for public transportation, walking and cycling. You can download maps ahead of time and access these offline which is great for planning a trip in advance and ideal if you're travelling to an area with uncertain internet connection.

The real-time GPS navigation allows you to travel the world faster and easier. Google Maps provides the latest information on businesses, including supermarkets, pharmacies and other important places of interest on your way too.

Check out our Google Maps vs Waze page as we put pedal to the metal and compare these top two apps to find out which would take 1st place on the winner's podium.

4.0/5

Price: Free

3. TomTom GO Navigation

Never get lost again with clear navigation, even available offline

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Create and customise routes with TomTom MyDrive Route Planner and you can save planned journeys to your account once you've signed up. You can even sync them to your navigation device if you have one. This popular sat nav app will specify the fastest and most efficient route to your destination and you can add as many stops as you'd like. You can even select to venture down a more scenic route as this app can highlight particularly beautiful or interesting stretches of road on the map for you.

Available on Android, IOS or Huawei the TomTom Go Navigation App may be free to download but, unlike other apps we've mentioned, useage requires you to sign-up for a subscription plan which is billed monthly and can be cancelled at any time. You can usually sign up for a free 7-day trial to decide if it's right for you before you pay a penny though.

4.0/5

Price: £7.99 p/m or £19.99 p/y, or £29.99 p/y for Family Plan of up to 5 family members

4. MAPS.ME

Fast and detailed app that's entirely offline

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

Save money on mobile data with the Maps.me app that's available offline all over the world including the UK. The No.1 for travel maps, simply download a map, choose your route and prepare yourself for a great journey. Similarly to Google Maps, this travel app provides navigations for different types of transport. If you need a place to stay, you can even conveniently make hotel bookings straight from your phone.

Not only will this app help to find the best way to your destination but the popular travel guides within Maps.me allow you to get to know your location once you're there! You'll find detailed descriptions and photos of places to visit via the itineraries section of the app, enabling you to make the most of your trip.

4.7/5

Price: Free

5. ViaMichelin GPS Route Planner

ViaMichelin offers you peace of mind and the pleasure of discovery

(Image credit: Apple App Store)

The ViaMichelin app provides Michelin maps, routes with real-time traffic and 3D mapping GPS navigation with voice guidance - all for free! Optimise your drive based on traffic conditions and with multiple routes available you can select the journey that looks right for you. Choose between the shortest, the quickest, cheapest, Michelin recommended, or even a discovery route. This interactive app is simple and easy to use.

The ViaMichelin route planner on desktop allows you to download and save routes in advance. If you'd prefer a more traditional map, you can also print the directions. With an assuring list of customisable options, you can calculate the cost of your trip in advance by providing the model of your car and the type of fuel you use. Similarly to the Waze app, ViaMichelin will also find the cheapest petrol station along your trip. Great for planning journeys for even your most familiar routes.

4.6/5

Price: Free

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