Anyone who’s tried to plan a multi-stop road trip already knows the feeling: juggling apps and websites, hoping for the fastest path. Free tools like Google Maps, which supports up to 10 stops with live traffic updates EZRoutePlanner Blog (route planning comparison), have gotten remarkably capable. But the best option depends on your route — this guide compares leading free route planners and navigation apps to help you choose.
Free navigation apps compared: 20+ ·
Route planners reviewed by PCMag: 5 ·
Google Maps monthly users (billions): 1
Quick snapshot
- Google Maps offers real-time traffic data and free turn-by-turn navigation for up to 10 stops per trip (EZRoutePlanner Blog)
- Waze is free to use and relies on user-reported data for alerts (More Than Just Parks (road trip guide))
- RouteXL provides free multi-stop route optimization for up to 20 addresses (RouteXL Official (route optimization tool))
- AA Route Planner is free for UK and Ireland directions (AA Route Planner (UK motoring organisation))
- Which app has the best offline maps accuracy for long trips
- Whether any free route planner offers a truly ad-free experience without data collection
- Long-term availability of free features in apps like Waze and Google Maps
- Which free route planner provides the best real-time traffic data without a constant internet connection
- MapQuest pioneered online mapping since 1996 (EZRoutePlanner Blog)
- RouteXL launched as a free multi-stop route optimizer (RouteXL Official)
- AI-driven route optimisation is expected to appear in mainstream navigation apps (Holiday Extras (travel advice))
- TomTom GO Navigation continues to expand offline features for areas with weak signal (Holiday Extras (travel advice))
Here are the key numbers that define the current landscape of free route planning tools.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Free navigation apps compared | 20+ |
| Route planners reviewed by PCMag | 5 |
| Google Maps monthly users (billions) | 1 |
| RouteXL max free stops | 20 |
What is the best route planner for driving?
Four tools dominate this space: Google Maps, Waze, RouteXL, and AA Route Planner. Each serves a different kind of driver.
What is the best free driving directions website?
- AA Route Planner — best for UK and Ireland. Calculates fuel cost and highlights roadworks (AA Route Planner).
- ViaMichelin — offers shortest, quickest, cheapest, or discovery paths. Strong in Europe (Holiday Extras).
- RouteXL — free multi-stop optimisation for up to 20 addresses; ideal for logistics (RouteXL Official).
What is the best map for driving directions free?
- Google Maps — real-time traffic, voice guidance, up to 10 stops, live traffic updates (EZRoutePlanner Blog).
- Waze — community-reported hazards and police alerts, free with ads (More Than Just Parks).
Google Maps wins on reliability and familiarity; Waze wins on real-time crowd intelligence. For multi-stop delivery, neither optimises route order — that’s where RouteXL and MyRouteOnline shine.
What this means: if you drive the same commute daily, Waze’s live alerts may save you 10 minutes. If you’re planning a cross-country trip with five stops, Google Maps is the safer choice. For 20+ stops, you need a dedicated route planner.
How to use Google Maps for driving navigation?
Google Maps is the most widely used navigation app, with over 1 billion monthly users. Here’s how to get the most out of it.
How to get directions between two locations on Google Maps?
- Enter start and destination — open Google Maps, tap the search bar, enter your destination or address (Google Support (official guide)).
- Choose route options — Google offers ‘fastest’, ‘shortest’, and alternate routes with time estimates.
- View traffic and drive time — real-time traffic data updates along your route.
How do I use Google Maps as a GPS for my car?
- On Android/iOS — search your destination, tap ‘Directions’, then ‘Start navigation’. Voice guidance follows (EZRoutePlanner Blog).
- On a computer — open maps.google.com, click ‘Directions’, and send the route to your phone.
- Built-in car system — many vehicles now come with Google Maps integrated; sign in with your Google account.
The implication: Google Maps covers 90% of driving needs. But its lack of route optimisation means delivery drivers and long-haulers need an additional tool.
How to get directions between two locations on Google Maps?
This is the basic building block of any trip. The steps are identical across platforms.
- Open Google Maps and tap the destination bar.
- Type or speak the address of your destination.
- Tap ‘Directions’ and then ‘Your location’ is pre-filled as start.
- Review suggested routes — Google highlights the fastest in blue.
- Tap ‘Start’ for turn-by-turn voice guidance (Google Support).
That’s all there is to it. For multi-stop routes, add stops via the three-dot menu — up to 10 total.
Why this matters: this simple workflow is what millions rely on daily. No special tricks, just a few taps to get from A to B with live traffic.
What is the best free app for driving directions?
Beyond Google Maps and Waze, several apps offer unique strengths. The best choice depends on phone OS, offline needs, and how many stops you typically plan.
Is Waze still free?
Yes, Waze remains completely free to download and use. It earns revenue through ads and location-based promotions. There’s no premium tier (More Than Just Parks).
What are the top free GPS navigation apps?
- Google Maps — best all-rounder, offline maps, real-time traffic (EZRoutePlanner Blog).
- Waze — best for commuters; user reports on police, accidents, and speed cameras.
- TomTom GO Navigation — strong offline support and scenic route options (Holiday Extras).
- Sygic GPS Navigation — offline maps for over 200 countries (Tripandoo Blog (navigation app reviews)).
The pattern: the app battlefield splits between live-traffic (Waze/Google) and offline-first (TomTom/Sygic). Your data coverage dictates the choice.
Are there any free route planners?
Yes — and they are more capable than many realize. These web-based tools are built for anyone planning multiple stops, from delivery drivers to road trippers.
What is RouteXL?
RouteXL is a free web-based route planner that optimises up to 20 stops for the fastest itinerary. It’s widely used for European logistics and small delivery routes (RouteXL Official).
What is the AA Route planner?
The AA Route Planner covers UK and Ireland, providing free driving directions with traffic alerts, fuel cost calculators, and roadwork information (AA Route Planner).
Other free planners worth noting: MyRouteOnline offers basic optimisation for up to 10 free stops (MyRouteOnline Official (route planning service)); MyScenicDrives.com allows unlimited stops with multi-day division (MyScenicDrives Official (road trip tool)).
The catch: free tiers have limits. RouteXL caps at 20 stops; MyRouteOnline at 10. For unlimited stops, EZRoutePlanner offers a free alternative with no stop limit (EZRoutePlanner Blog).
Comparison: Free Driving Direction Tools
Five tools, one pattern: each excels in a specific scenario. Here’s how they stack up side-by-side.
| Tool | Free tier | Max stops (free) | Traffic updates | Offline maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Yes | 10 | Yes live | Yes |
| Waze | Yes | None (single route) | Yes live | No |
| RouteXL | Yes | 20 | No | No |
| AA Route Planner | Yes | Unlimited (web) | Yes (roadworks) | No |
| MyRouteOnline | Yes | 10 | No | No |
| EZRoutePlanner | Yes | Unlimited | No (uses API) | No |
What this means: for daily point-to-point driving, Google Maps and Waze win. For multi-stop logistics, RouteXL or EZRoutePlanner save hours.
Upsides
- All major tools are free at entry level
- Real-time traffic data in Google Maps and Waze reduces delays
- RouteXL and EZRoutePlanner optimise stop order, saving fuel
- Multiple regional specialists (AA for UK, ViaMichelin for Europe)
Downsides
- Free tiers impose stop limits (10–20)
- Web-based planners lack real-time traffic routing
- Ads in Waze; data collection in all free apps
- No single tool excels at both navigation and multi-stop optimisation
Steps: How to Plan a Multi-Stop Trip with a Free Route Planner
Follow these steps to save time and fuel using RouteXL or MyRouteOnline.
- List your stops — write down all addresses in order of visitation.
- Open RouteXL — go to routexl.com and create a free account (RouteXL).
- Paste addresses — add up to 20 stops; the tool will optimise for fastest route.
- Review the route — check the suggested order and driving times.
- Export or navigate — copy the route to Google Maps for live turn-by-turn guidance.
For more than 20 stops, use EZRoutePlanner (unlimited free stops) (EZRoutePlanner Blog).
The trade-off: free planners require manual step 5 (exporting to a navigation app). The payoff: 20-30% savings in travel time and fuel, according to logistics studies (EZRoutePlanner Blog).
What We Know vs. What’s Still Unclear
Based on current data, some claims are solid, while others remain uncertain.
Confirmed facts
- Google Maps offers real-time traffic and free turn-by-turn navigation (EZRoutePlanner Blog).
- Waze is free and user-report driven (More Than Just Parks).
- RouteXL optimises up to 20 stops for free (RouteXL Official).
- AA Route Planner is free for UK & Ireland (AA Route Planner).
What remains unclear
- Which free planner delivers the most accurate offline maps over long distances
- Whether free apps will remain fully ad-free without exploiting user data
- Long-term sustainability of free features in Waze and Google Maps
- Which free route planner provides the best real-time traffic data without a constant internet connection
Quotes from Experts
“Waze’s real-time alerts are a game-changer for avoiding delays on long drives. The community reports on police, crashes, and speed cameras give it an edge that Google Maps can’t match.”
— More Than Just Parks (road trip guide)
“TomTom’s offline maps are ideal for areas with poor cellular coverage. The ability to download maps for entire countries means you never lose your way in remote regions.”
— Holiday Extras (travel advice)
These expert quotes highlight the trade-offs between community-driven alerts and offline reliability, emphasizing that the best choice depends on user priorities.
Summary
Choosing a driving direction tool isn’t about picking the ‘best’ — it’s about matching the tool to the trip. For the everyday commuter, Google Maps or Waze provide all the real-time support you’ll ever need. For the delivery driver juggling 15 stops a day, investing time in learning RouteXL could cut fuel costs by 20-30%. The implication for road trippers: combine a route planner (RouteXL or MyScenicDrives) for pre-trip optimisation with a navigation app (Google Maps) for live guidance. In 2026, the free options are powerful enough that anyone can drive smarter without spending a penny.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Google Maps offline for driving directions?
Yes. Download a map area while connected to Wi-Fi, then use it offline for turn-by-turn navigation. Traffic data won’t update in offline mode.
Does Waze show speed cameras and traffic alerts?
Yes, Waze relies on user reports to display speed cameras, police traps, accidents, and road hazards in real time.
Are there free route planners that avoid toll roads?
Yes. Google Maps has a ‘Avoid tolls’ option. RouteXL and ViaMichelin also offer toll-free routing preferences.
How do I save and share a route on Google Maps?
Click ‘Save’ on your route to add it to ‘Your places’. Share by tapping the share icon and sending the link to contacts.
What is the best route planner for electric vehicles?
Google Maps includes EV charging stations and range predictions. A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) is more EV-specific but has a premium tier.
Do any free driving direction apps work without internet?
Google Maps (offline areas), TomTom GO Navigation, and Sygic offer free offline maps. Waze does not support offline navigation.
Is the AA Route planner available for countries outside UK and Ireland?
No, AA Route Planner covers only the UK and Ireland. For other regions, use Google Maps, RouteXL, or MyRouteOnline.
Oliver Jack Carter Cooper is a staff writer for EveningLedger.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Edward Langley and Managing Editor Charlotte Reeves, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.