Drivers spend considerable time stuck in traffic each year, leading to productivity loss and increased expenses. Proper route planning can minimize delays and reduce the overall travel cost. For cab drivers, delivery personnel, and others whose livelihoods or daily tasks are heavily dependent on travel, driving route planners are essential tools that help them save time by avoiding congestion on the road. They provide real-time traffic information and directions, helping drivers take the fastest route.
Top driving route planner apps
A driving route planner software helps people plan their daily routes and get the most out of their day, even when they encounter unexpected congestion on the road. Such tools consider various factors such as traffic conditions, distance to cover, road restrictions, and more. These tools are especially handy when one is traveling to an unfamiliar place that is located far away. They use certain algorithms to optimize routes and provide suggestions that would best meet an individual’s travel requirements.
1. Google Maps
As one of the most reliable and user-friendly driving route planner platforms available, Google Maps combines a wide range of navigation features with ease of use, making it a top pick for daily commutes and long journeys alike. Moreover, most professional drivers use Google Maps because it is free.
Top features
- Provides real-time traffic updates to help drivers avoid congestion
- Offers accurate and timely turn-by-turn directions to drivers
- Finds and displays destinations quickly
- Allows users to add a stop in the route with a simple tap of the button
- Enables Google account holders to use the tool without signing up for Google Maps separately
That’s not all. Google Maps also offers several customizable features in its Options menu.
- Lets users share real-time location information with others
- Allows drivers to view the estimated toll prices for their trip
- Lets users set their engine type to electric, diesel, gas, or hybrid
- Helps drivers pick fuel-efficient routes
Moreover, with Google Maps, locating a place to halt for a quick lunch break or gas refueling is easy. Users must tap on the three dots next to their starting address and click on the ‘Search along route’ option to locate restaurants or gas stations.
2. Waze
It is a free driving route planner that offers step-by-step directions and traffic notifications. The app has an in-built voice assistant that lets the drivers extract the required information by audio. It ensures the drivers focus on the road and that their hands are on the wheel at all times.
Waze employs GPS navigation software that comprises partially user-sourced data. This helps other users on the platform update the routes, give alerts about speed traps or police stops, and offer insights on traffic conditions.
Top features
- Offers real-time traffic alerts and updates from other drivers
- Presents specialized routes for the carpool lanes
- Suggests optimized routes based on user preferences and their driving habits
Additionally, with the trip planner function in the app, users can set the departure or arrival times for a set destination. This makes it easy for the app to prepare and suggest the best routes for drivers. The app is free to use and also features Spotify integration, which can make journeys, especially long ones, fun. The app also offers engaging themes for users to choose from and even features several celebrity voices that provide one with directions while driving.
3. Route4Me
This tool provides driving route maps and caters mainly to small businesses and delivery partners. In addition to route planning, Route4Me lets drivers check in at the stops, mark deliveries as successful or failed, and upload delivery proof. For businesses offering delivery services, the Route4Me app offers features that help a driver complete more deliveries faster.
The signup process is straightforward. Individuals can use their email address. Under the dashboard tab, users can see all the routes and other necessary statistics. Moreover, planning a route is also easy with the app. There’s also an option to edit the route before beginning the navigation.
Top features
- Allows users to set the durations for the individual stops
- Allows users to set the spot type to meetups, visits, pickups, deliveries, and more
- Offers an option to add phone numbers and an alias
- Provides an option to add apartment numbers or units in the “Add Address 2” field
- Allows importing the stops from the Excel file, which helps in saving time when planning routes for multiple locations
- Allows users to add notes at every stop
- Offers an option to get proof of delivery in the form of a photo, a signature, or a barcode scan.
- Lets delivery agents mark the visit as “Failed” or “Done” and send notifications automatically after reaching every spot
Route4Me has a free version with limited functionalities. The paid version costs $9.99 per month or $79.99 for the annual subscription. This user-friendly and intuitive driving route planner can help users save them fuel and time by suggesting the best routes.
4. Apple Maps
It is a free multi-stop route planning application that’s reliable and user-friendly, especially for iOS users. The latest Apple update significantly improved its functionality. But, the Apple Maps app allows only up to 15 stops per route.
Top features
- Allows users to download Apple Maps for offline use, ensuring they always have access to directions, even in areas where cellular service is unavailable
- Offers real-time details on the EV charging stations, a great advantage for electric car users