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The 6 Best Driving Route Planners

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Finding the best driving route is essential for a smooth, stress-free journey. There are many online tools that can help you do this, and in this article we will discuss the best of them. We will talk about how these planners can help you save time, money, and aggravation on your next road trip.

We all know the feeling of sitting in traffic, wasting time and money on gas, and getting frustrated with the whole process. But what if there was a way to avoid all that? With a little planning and some help from technology, you can make your next road trip a breeze.

There are many different route planners available online, but not all of them are created equal. Some are more user-friendly than others, and some have more features. But which one is the best?

Here is a list of the best driving route planners , based on our findings:

1. RoadWarrior – Best for Professional Drivers With 8+ Stops per Route

The best route planning app for delivery drivers and for those who make multiple stops. The route is customizable and allows you to avoid tolls and takes into account things that are out of your control like traffic, school zones, business availability, and more. It has a free version you can test out and more advanced paid features for couriers to increase routing efficiency like uploading routes from spreadsheets, which can save a lot of time for multi-stop deliveries.

• Biggest Pro: Routes optimized for multi-stop efficiency
• Biggest Con: Not designed for different transportation devices like walking, biking, and train travel

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2. MapQuest – Route Planning Made Simple

MapQuest is another popular driving directions service. It has a user-friendly interface and offers features such as traffic updates and estimated drive times. MapQuest is a great option for those who like to plan out their trips in advance. You can easily print directions and save your maps to your account with the My Maps feature so no need to plug in directions every time.

• Biggest Pro: Simplicity and ease of use
• Biggest Con: Missing advanced mapping features like street view

3. Waze – The Best for the City Driver

Waze is a free, user-friendly app that is beloved by many drivers. It has a clean interface and provides real-time traffic updates, which can be very helpful in avoiding congestion. It also offers alternative routes if your original plan is not working out.

• Biggest Pro: Gamification of maps
• Biggest Con: Too many icons covering map and small street routes hard to navigate if you are not a local

4. Google Maps – Most Comprehensive for the Technophile

Google Maps is a widely used, reliable tool for route planning. It offers turn-by-turn navigation and traffic updates, and can even reroute you if there is a problem with your original route. The options are endless with this routing tool, with 9 map options like terrain, satellite, traffic, street view and more and routes for many different transportation methods like bike, train, plane, walking, car and bus. Your route can be extremely customized to exactly what you are looking for if you are tech-savvy.

• Biggest Pro: Advanced route customization
• Biggest Con: Too many options and difficult to navigate for those new to tech

5. TomTom – The GPS Device Leader

TomTom is a more comprehensive route planning tool, offering features such as real-time traffic updates, GPS navigation, and live parking information. It is a bit more expensive than some of the other options on this list, but it may be worth it for the added peace of mind.

• Biggest Pro: Cross-device, can use on GPS units and phones
• Biggest Con: Expensive service and device costs

6. AAA TripTik – Best Option for the Brand Loyal

AAA TripTik is a comprehensive online trip planner offered by the American Automobile Association. It can help you plan your route, find gas prices, and even make reservations for hotels and attractions along the way.

No matter which driving route planner you choose, taking some time to plan your trip before you hit the road can save you a lot of time and hassle. So do your research, map out your route, and enjoy a smooth journey.

• Biggest Pro: Well-known and trusted brand name
• Biggest Con: Outdated map and features

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• 1. Beat the bumper-to-bumper with real-time traffic and traffic-influenced routes.
• 2. Get there faster by monitoring traffic data on maps and webcams.
• 3. Track route progress and traffic flow through the traffic bar.
• 1. Add Work and Home addresses to get started.
• 2. Simply tap the heart to save favorites and access directions instantly.
• 3. Select a favorite location and be on your way.
• 1. View and compare routes to find the best way.
• 2. Avoid traffic and save time by selecting an alternative route before you leave.
• 3. Hit the road and enjoy the journey of your choosing.
• 1. Plan your whole day with multi-stop routing for up to 26 locations.
• 2. Optimize your route from Point A to Point Z and every stop in between.
• 3. Take away the guess work of finding the best route for your entire trip.
• 1. Quickly locate points of interest by clicking a category.
• 2. Find your go-to spots and discover new favorites.
• 3. Scroll to discover new places outside your immediate area.

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Is there any such thing as a MapQuest Road Trip Planner? Technically, no. But can you use MapQuest as a road trip planner? Sure. Here's how.

The MapQuest Road Trip Planner, Step by Step

Let's assume you're taking a road trip between, say, Redding, California and Joliet, Illinois. Here's how you'd use the planner to plot out every mile of your journey.

Note that as of 2016, Mapquest.com has received a pretty serious facelift. The changes actually make it a little easier to plan a multi-stop road trip. We love the new look, and we've updated our instructions here to reflect the new layout of the site. 

1. Go to Mapquest.com and click Get  Directions in the left sidebar.

2. MapQuest only lets you enter a starting and ending location at this point. But you're trying to plan a rambling road trip with many interesting stops! Don't worry.

Just enter your starting and ending cities for now, and then click Get Directions. MapQuest will serve up a summary of your trip in the left sidebar:

Meanwhile, in the main window, you'll see your route plotted out on the map: 

3. In the left sidebar, did you notice that Add Stop  button? That's key. Click it. You'll now see a "Where are you going?" box appear beneath your trip's starting and ending points:

4. Now, suppose you really wanted to stop and visit friends in Idaho Falls. Enter Idaho Falls, ID in the Where are you going? box, and then press Return or Enter on your keyboard. (As you begin typing, MapQuest may pop up the name of your destination. You may also simply click the name in the pop-up box to add it to your trip.)

The MapQuest Road Trip Planner will add Idaho Falls to your route. The only problem is, it's added onto the end of the trip. Let's fix that.

5. Off to the right of the Idaho Falls box on your road trip route, there's a little black circle with three white lines in it. This is the Drag to Sort button:

Put your mouse pointer over it, click, and drag Idaho Falls up so that it comes after Redding but before Joliet. Your trip should now look something like this:

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for any other stops you would like to plan. In other words, click Add Stop for each new stop, type the city name into the box, and then use Drag to Sort to move that stop up or down in your route.

One great time-saving feature is that you can actually add place names, rather than city names, to your route. For example, maybe you want your trip to include Yellowstone and the Mall of America. There's no need to find city names for those attractions - you can simply type in the place names, and MapQuest will find them. 

As you work, you'll notice your route changing on the big map of America (or Canada, or wherever you're planning your trip) off to the right. 

Remember to click Get Directions each time you add a stop. MapQuest will update your route on the map to the right as well as the timing and mileage of your road trip in the left sidebar. 

7. Once you've finished adding stops, you'll end up with something like this:

From here, you can play around with your route until you're perfectly happy with it. If you change your mind about one of your stops and want to remove it from your trip, simply click the little black circle with the white line in it off to the left of the place name: 

If you really want to get fancy with your directions, try clicking Route Settings in the left sidebar. You'll be able to fine-tune your trip according to more specific guidelines: 

Can you seen now why we love the MapQuest Road Trip Planner? It's a fun and intuitive way to plan any long car trip. 

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Route Optimization and Planning

How do you plan a route on mapquest.

MapQuest’s free online web mapping service has been around since 1996, and more than 17 million Americans still use it. Considering MapQuest is still a viable option for personal route planning today, how do you plan a route on MapQuest? Fortunately, using MapQuest is straightforward, and you can plan a basic route by following the steps in this tutorial. 

Mapping out a single destination is as simple as going to the MapQuest website or opening their app. Once you input your address in the address bar, you’ll be given simple driving directions with a route map. 

The process gets more complicated as your use case gets more specific. For example, if you’re a professional driver mapping out a service call route, there are a few other steps you’ll need to take that require a level of functionality MapQuest doesn’t offer. However, someone planning a recreational three-stop road trip will find it more than meets their needs.

To navigate to the sections most relevant for you, see below:

What Should a Driver Consider When Planning a Route?

How do you map out multiple destinations, can you use mapquest for business route planning.

The route planning process can include a lot of variables you’ll want to keep in mind. It gets even more complicated if you’re a service business with multiple stops or are planning a long, elaborate road trip. 

Before you lay out your route in detail, here are some things to consider: 

• Order of stops: Whether you’re servicing customers or on a road trip, the order of stops is critical in the planning process.
• Duration of stops : Each stop can take a different amount of time. For example, a service call will require more time than a simple front door drop-off. Or, a road tripper may want to spend more time in one location to visit several tourist sites. The specific duration of each stop should be factored into the overall route plan.
• Tolls: Toll roads can be shorter and faster, but they come at a cost.
• Highways: Some highways are notorious for bad traffic, especially based on the time of day. That might mean finding alternate routes without highways. 
• Seasonal roads: Sometimes, seasonal roads can be an effective shortcut. But they are only available during a limited timeframe, so make sure they are open before including them in your route. 
• Miles driven vs. time spent: Planning a route for the least amount of miles traveled can mean lower fuel costs. Some drivers may have short timeframes between service calls and will opt for a less cost-efficient route. And, for those on a road trip, enjoying a more scenic route could be more important than how fast they get there.

Keeping these factors in mind when planning your trip ensures your chosen route is the best for you. MapQuest’s online route planner can help with several of these decisions by turning map options on or off. However, it has some limitations and may require manual manipulation to get the most optimal route.

The MapQuest route planner easily allows you to map multiple destinations, whether you’re a professional driver arranging a route of service calls or planning a short road trip. 

The “Get Directions” option is the best function for simple road trips of up to four stops. To set up your route:

• Click the menu button on the MapQuest site or app
• Select “Get directions”
• Add your destinations one at a time
• Select “Route Settings” to customize your route and avoid toll roads, highways, ferries, etc.

You’ll want to use the MapQuest route planner over the simple “directions” option if you’re planning more than four stops. The route planner will give you more options, including adding multiple addresses, re-ordering stops, and optimizing for the shortest distance or shortest time. Thanks to the MapQuest mileage feature, you’ll also be able to choose whether you want unit measurements displayed in kilometers or miles.

While these MapQuest features can work for a business planning multiple stops for service calls, they are far less than ideal. Changing the order of stops while in the field is a manual process. MapQuest’s route planner also doesn’t optimize the new route automatically, which means more manipulation in the app, wasting valuable driver time and potentially delaying service calls. This is why very few professional logistics operators rely on MapQuest for business use.

To set up a route with multiple stops in Route Planner:

• Select “Route Planner”
• Add your destinations by one of the three options listed below
• Select “More route settings” to customize your route

On the route planner page, MapQuest gives you the option to input your addresses in three different ways: 

Line-by-line: With the line-by-line option, you type your addresses one at a time. However, it’s best to use this option for a few destinations as it is time consuming. 

The MapQuest database will make suggestions as you type in your addresses. It will use your IP address to serve the most likely destinations based on your geographical location. MapQuest will start you out with two address fields, but you can add more until you reach the maximum. You’ll be offered multiple route options to reach your destinations.

Copy/Paste: The copy/paste option is helpful if you have a list of addresses. You can copy them from the file they’re located in and paste them into the blank field that MapQuest provides. Make sure each stop is placed on its own line when using this option.

Import: You can upload a list with multiple addresses if you toggle to the import method. The list must be in .xls, .xlsx, or .csv format. Make sure your file is formatted correctly. The columns will need to be in this order: 

• Country (optional)
• Notes (optional)

MapQuest also provides templates you can access on the Import page. Download a template and input your addresses in it to avoid any formatting issues. Once your spreadsheet is ready, drag and drop it into the upload box. You can also click “Browse” to select the file from your device.

How many locations can you put in MapQuest?

The free version of MapQuest allows users to plot up to 26 stops per trip. If you need to plot more, you’ll have to upgrade to one of MapQuest’s paid tier plans or consider another route-planning software solution that offers unlimited stops and more optimization.

MapQuest is better suited for recreational multi-stop road trips than a business routing multiple deliveries or service calls in a day. The level of functionality MapQuest offers just doesn’t meet the needs of most professionals handling logistics. That’s why delivery businesses or field service organizations should consider using dedicated route planning software over something like MapQuest.

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How to Use MapQuest Route Planner with Multiple Stops

• By Rakesh Patel
• Last Updated: May 6, 2024

• MapQuest Route Planner provides efficient and free route planning for up to 26 stops, making it ideal for road trips, errands, and small businesses.
• To plan a route on MapQuest, open the Route Planner, input addresses, customize route options, review and optimize your route, and share your route for a seamless planning experience.
• MapQuest provides customization options to optimize routes based on your preferences, such as shortest distance or shortest time, while avoiding tolls, highways, ferries, seasonal roads, and country borders.

Today, we are going to discuss MapQuest Route Planner, a handy tool for planning road trips, running errands around town, or managing deliveries.

You might be thinking, “Isn’t MapQuest a relic from the early days of the internet?” 

Well, you’d be partially right – MapQuest has been around since the 1990s, making it one of the pioneers in digital mapping and navigation. 

But don’t write it off just yet! 

The company has kept up with the times and continues to offer a route-planning solution that’s particularly useful for multi-stop trips.

According to a survey, 52% of field service companies still rely on pen and paper for route planning, which can lead to inefficiencies and higher costs. 

That’s where a dedicated route planner like MapQuest can be useful, especially for small businesses or individuals with up to 26 stops to make.

So, whether you’re a busy mom running errands, a delivery driver, a sales rep, or a small business owner, MapQuest Route Planner could be a valuable tool. 

And the best part? 

It’s totally free to use! (Although, as we’ll discuss later, there are paid alternatives with more advanced features for larger businesses.)

In this blog post, we’ll explore the nitty-gritty of using MapQuest Route Planner multiple stops and its key features and capabilities, and we’ll even share some tips and tricks for getting the most out of it.

So get ready to learn how to optimize your routes and make your trips more efficient with MapQuest Route Planner!

Forget Spaghetti Routes, Optimize Routes for Your Entire Team with Upper

Table of Contents

Core Features of MapQuest Route Planner

Limitations of mapquest route planner, how to use mapquest route planner (a step-by-step guide), is mapquest route planner free to use.

• MapQuest Vs. RoadWarrior
• Who Benefits Most From Using MapQuest Route Planner?

MapQuest Vs. Google Maps

Mapquest route planner: a tool for simple routing and navigation, frequently asked questions.

MapQuest Route Planner might not be the new kid on the block, but it offers a powerful and free solution for streamlining your travels. 

Whether you’re plotting a road trip with friends, managing deliveries for your small business, or simply tackling a mountain of errands, MapQuest can help you get there efficiently.

So, let’s discuss some of its core features and functionalities:

Core features of MapQuest Route Planner:

• Multi-stop route planning: MapQuest allows users to input up to 26 stops on a single route, making it ideal for delivery drivers, technicians taking service calls, and anyone with multiple destinations. That’s a lot more than what you’d get with basic mapping apps like Google Maps (10 stops) or Apple Maps (14 stops).
• Route optimization: The planner optimizes routes based on user preferences, such as shortest distance or fastest time, taking into account traffic conditions and other factors.
• Customization options: Users can customize routes by avoiding toll roads, highways, and ferries or specifying vehicle types for more accurate planning.
• Real-time traffic updates: MapQuest driving directions with multiple stops provide real-time traffic updates, helping users navigate around congested areas and save time.
• Integration with mobile devices: The ability to access routes on mobile devices ensures convenience for users on the go, with turn-by-turn directions available.
• Comprehensive mapping: Access up-to-date satellite imagery and maps, a speedometer to compare speeds, and route settings to customize your journey.
• Favorite locations: Store frequently visited places for quick access to MapQuest’s free driving directions and alternate route choices.
• Enhanced navigation experience: Explore nearby points of interest, find hotel deals, book accommodations, and order food seamlessly.
• Safety and assistance: Get weather updates, compare fuel prices, and access on-demand roadside assistance for a safe and hassle-free journey.

As we have discussed, MapQuest provides a number of helpful features. However, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations to make informed decisions about its suitability for specific needs.

Here are some of the limitations of MapQuest Route Planner:

• Single-driver use: MapQuest free route planner is designed for single-driver use, limiting its applicability to businesses with multiple drivers or complex route planning needs.
• Maximum stops: The cap of 26 addresses per route may be insufficient for businesses or individuals with extensive multi-stop itineraries.
• Lack of advanced features: Compared to some dedicated route planning solutions, MapQuest may lack advanced features such as delivery time windows, customer notifications, or scheduled driver breaks.
• Ad-funded interface: The ad-funded interface can sometimes clutter the workspace, impacting user experience.
• Interface design: Some users may find the interface slightly dated or less intuitive compared to modern navigation and route planning platforms.
• Route optimization accuracy: While MapQuest optimizes routes, it may not always provide the most optimal route compared to advanced route planning algorithms used by other platforms.

Need More Than 26 Stops or Advanced Features?

With Upper, you can create routes with 500+ stops and access advanced features such as multi-driver support, setting time windows and service times, sending customer notifications, real-time tracking, and proof of delivery.

With MapQuest Route Planner, you can streamline your multi-stop journeys effortlessly. Let’s walk through the 5-step guide on how to use MapQuest Route Planner :

Step 1: Access MapQuest Route Planner

First things first, you’ll want to go to the MapQuest website ( www.mapquest.com ) and look for the “Route Planner” option in the menu or navigation bar. It’s usually located at the top of the page.

Once you’ve clicked on “Route Planner,” you’ll be taken to a new page with a big map and some fields to enter your addresses or stops. 

This is where the fun begins!

Step 2: Enter your addresses

Once you’re on the Route Planner page, you’ll see a search bar prominently displayed. 

Here, you have three ways to input your stop locations:

• Line by line: This is the old-school method where you type in each address (one location at a time) and hit “Enter” or click “Add Stop” after each one. As you start typing, MapQuest will try to autocomplete the address for you, which can save you some time.
• Copy and paste: If you already have a list of addresses handy, maybe in a spreadsheet or document, you can simply copy that list and paste it into the address field. Just make sure each address is on a separate line.
• Import from file: This option is super handy if you’re working with a larger list of stops. You can upload an Excel file or CSV with all your addresses, and MapQuest will automatically populate the stops for you. Just be sure your file is formatted correctly with columns for street address, city, state, zip code, and any additional notes you want to include.

Pro tip: When using MapQuest Route Planner frequently, download their Excel or CSV template file to save time and ensure accuracy. This template simplifies entering multiple addresses, reducing errors and streamlining your route planning process.

Whichever method you choose, MapQuest will validate the addresses and plot them out on the map for you.

Step 3: Customize your route options

Once you have all your stops entered, you’ll see some options to customize your route preferences.

• You can choose to optimize for the “Shortest time” or the “Shortest distance,” which can make a big difference depending on traffic conditions or if you need to avoid certain roads.
• Look for the “More Route Settings” option for additional customization features. Here, you can also tell MapQuest to avoid things like tolls, highways, ferries, or even international borders if needed. 
• Under the “Stops” category, you’ll find an option to make it a round-trip route as well, so you can end up back where you started.
• But there is an interesting option, too: the “Let MapQuest reorder stops” option. By checking this box, you’re essentially letting MapQuest’s algorithms work their magic and rearrange the order of your stops to create the most efficient route possible. This can save you a ton of time and gas, especially if you have a lot of stops scattered around.

Step 4: Review and Optimize Your Route

After entering all your addresses and customizing your route options, hit “View Route Directions,” and MapQuest will crunch the numbers and produce your optimized route. 

It’ll show the complete turn-by-turn directions and estimated travel times. 

Take a moment to review the proposed route on the map.

MapQuest will typically display the optimized route based on your preferences. If needed, you can manually adjust the order of stops by dragging and dropping them on the map to optimize further.

Step 5: Share your route

Once you’re satisfied with the route, Click the “Share” button to send the route via email or text, or even pull it up on your mobile device for easy navigation while you’re on the road.

While navigating your way, MapQuest will provide real-time updates on traffic conditions and suggest alternate routes if needed.

Bonus Tip: MapQuest also offers a “Print” option, allowing you to have a physical copy of your route – perfect for those who prefer a paper trail or might be venturing into areas with limited internet access.

And that’s pretty much it! 

Of course, there are some additional features and settings you can play around with, but those are the core steps to planning a multi-stop route using MapQuest Route Planner.

Transform Your Routes

Simplify route planning and streamline the delivery process using Upper's route planning solution.

Yes, the MapQuest Route Planner is completely free to use. You don’t need to pay any subscription fees or make any purchases to access the route planning app and optimization features we discussed.

However, it’s important to note that MapQuest does have some limitations for larger businesses (allows to add 26 stops only) or those with more complex routing needs. 

That’s likely why you’ll often see prompts or pop-ups on the MapQuest site advertising something called “RoadWarrior.”

RoadWarrior is a paid route planning tool that was acquired by MapQuest’s parent company , System1, in 2021. 

While the core MapQuest Route Planner app is aimed at individual users or small delivery businesses, RoadWarrior expands on those capabilities with additional features tailored for larger fleets, multiple drivers, delivery time windows, and more advanced optimization parameters.

So, in a nutshell, the regular MapQuest Route Planner is free for anyone to use, with its 26-stop limit and basic optimization. But if you outgrow those capabilities, RoadWarrior is positioned as MapQuest’s paid upgrade path with more heavy-duty routing tools for a monthly fee.

MapQuest vs. RoadWarrior

Who benefits most from using mapquest route planner.

MapQuest Route Planner might not be a one-size-fits-all solution, but it excels for specific users. Here’s who can use its features to the max:

1. Road trip enthusiasts

Planning a multi-stop adventure with friends or family? 

MapQuest helps you create the most efficient route, ensuring you see all the sights without wasting time backtracking. Its ability to handle up to 26 stops is perfect for those epic road trips.

2. Day-to-day errands

Dreading a day filled with errands across town? 

MapQuest can be your errand-conquering partner. Plot your course to hit all your stops in the most efficient order, saving you time and gas.

3. Solopreneurs and small businesses

Running a small delivery business or managing a team with a limited number of deliveries (around 20 stops per day)? 

MapQuest can be your go-to route planner. Through MapQuest, you can optimize routes for faster deliveries, make customers happier with on-time deliveries, and lower fuel costs.

4. Budget-conscious travelers

Free to use and offering features like traffic-aware routing, MapQuest helps you save money on gas and avoid toll roads. It’s perfect for budget-minded travelers who want to make the most of their journey.

5. Simplicity seekers

New to route planning apps? 

MapQuest’s user-friendly interface and clear instructions make it a breeze to use. There are no complex features or overwhelming options—just straightforward route planning for those who value simplicity.

However, there are some users who might require a more advanced solution:

• Large delivery fleets: Businesses managing a high volume of deliveries with complex routes and time windows might need route optimization software specifically designed for fleet management.
• Advanced feature hunters: Those seeking features like multi-driver route optimization or real-time delivery tracking might need to explore advanced route planning tools.

If you are one of the users who wants some more advanced functionalities and features, you can check out:

• Alternatives of MapQuest Route Planner
• Best fleet routing software that you can use in 2024
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• Best free route planners with unlimited stops in 2024
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MapQuest driving directions with multiple stops might be a relic of the past, but it’s still a powerful and free tool for planning efficient routes with up to 26 stops. Whether you’re a road trip adventurer or managing deliveries, MapQuest can help you save time, gas, and money. 

Its ability to handle multiple stops, customization options, real-time traffic data integration, and free accessibility make it an attractive choice for individuals, small businesses, and budget-conscious travelers.

However, for those with more complex routing needs or advanced feature requirements, exploring alternatives like Upper ( take a 7 days free trial ) with additional functionalities may be beneficial.

Ultimately, MapQuest Route Planner serves as a valuable free resource for simplifying route planning and enhancing travel efficiency.

Yes, MapQuest facilitates route planning with multiple stops, empowering efficient navigation for complex journeys. Users can easily add stops along their route, optimizing trips for seamless accommodation at various destinations.

MapQuest’s mileage calculator works by identifying the shortest distance between two or more points on a map, providing accurate estimations of distances traveled. It considers various key factors, such as road types and traffic conditions, to calculate the mileage.

Yes, MapQuest offers alternate route options, allowing users to choose the most ideal route based on their inclinations or traffic conditions. This feature enables the exploration of different routes, guaranteeing flexibility in the creation of the route plan.

Multiple MapQuest alternatives are available on the market, such as Upper, Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, etc. Amongst free route planners, Upper stands out as a strong alternative, offering features such as route planning, route optimization, proof of delivery, and more.

No, MapQuest doesn’t directly provide GPS navigation functionality. However, it offers detailed mapping services and route planning capabilities. Users can access navigation features on MapQuest on GPS-empowered devices or smartphones.

Comparing Google Maps and MapQuest is subjective. Google Maps offers real-time updates and integrated services like Street View, while MapQuest excels in route optimization, customization, and adding multiple stops. Choosing between them relies upon individual inclinations, such as desired features, interface, or device compatibility.

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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What Happened to Yahoomaps Driving Directions?

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Plan routes, manage drivers and stops, send timely customer notifications, collect proof of delivery and much more with just a few clicks.

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• Plan routes with hundreds of stops in a minute
• Schedule routes months in advance
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• Schedule routes in advance for weeks
• Collect proof of delivery to maintain accountability
• Experience 24/7 customer support
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• Scenic Drives
• Road Trip Planner

Road Trip Planning Made Easy

Create custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross country adventures worldwide

Powerful features for planning your epic road trips (and the shorter adventures in between)

Unlimited stops.

Add unlimited stops and sub-stops. Combine your own stops with our pre-planned routes and recommended places of interest.

Smart Scheduling

By the minute, hour, or overnight, set preferences for each stop. Export your trip to your own Calendar.

Set Vehicle Type

Car, RV, camper trailer, truck, motorcycle, pulling a boat? Get a realistic estimate of driving time. Adjust travel speed by percentages for each unique situation.

Divide Trips Into Days

Divide your trips into manageable driving days based on your custom settings by time or distance. And of course you can customize each day differently.

Route Preferences

Configure route preferences such as avoiding highways or tolls for each day or any segment of your trip.

Use Any Device

Plan trips from your desktop computer, iPad, Android tablet, and mobile phone with the same easy-to-use interface. No app to download or software to install.

Automated To Do List guides you through the road trip planning process.

Manage Your Budget

Track expenditures before you go and along the way. See a summary of expenses for entrance fees, activities, restaurants, and lodging, etc.

Gas Calculator

See the estimated fuel cost for your vehicle type.

EV Charging

Find EV charging stations along your route. Get reminders to recharge. Use Charging Ranges to display icons on the map where your vehicle will require recharging.

Export Options

We support Google Earth (KML), Garmin Communicator, BaseCamp and MapSource (GPX), Co-Pilot Live (TRP), Microsoft Streets and Trips, TomTom itineraries (ITN), TomTom Places of Interest (OV2), Comma Separated Files (CSV), and Tab Separated Files (TSV).

Directions on paper come in handy. Print your road trip with turn-by-turn maps and full directions, divided into your day-by-day itinerary.

Is This Really Free?

Yes! It is free to use our Scenic Drive Itineraries and Road Trip Planner. Please consider purchasing your National Park or National Forest passes on myscenicdrives.com.

Why Do I Need An Account?

A free account is only required for the Road Trip Planner, enabling you to create, edit, and save your trips. Your account is secure. We never share your information.

Do I Need to Download An App or Install Software?

No app or software is needed. myscenicdrives.com works in any browser. Simply go to myscenicdrives.com

More Resources

Documentation, myscenicdrives.com, how it works.

• Plan a Road Trip
• Plan a Flight
• Find an Airport
• Where to Stay
• All Questions

Road trip planner

Starting City

Destination City

Or switch to flying

Planning a road trip?

Get advice from people who have done the same trip.

The Trippy road trip planner automatically calculates the optimal itinerary including stops recommended by Trippy members, favorite restaurants and hotels, local attractions and things to do based on what people who live in the area have suggested, and more.

Once you have a quick trip planned, you can customize every detail, adding or removing stops, or changing what time you leave in the morning or how long you stay at each stop. Then you can save your custom trip and share it with friends and family.

Let us know if you have requests for more features you'd like to see in the trip planner!

How to Use MapQuest with Multiple Stops for Route Planning

MapQuest is one of the oldest and most reliable options for personal navigation needs. In fact, many people continue to use it for daily deliveries and road trips. It may not be ideal for last-mile delivery businesses for route optimization, compared to RouteManager , but it can serve the needs of personal use.

Here’s what you should know about using the MapQuest route planner mobile app for your company.

Dealing With Multiple Stops

With MapQuest Driving Directions, multiple stops are a core feature you can use for your business, even if you’re staying with the free mode. The first step is going straight to MapQuest’s Route Planner Page rather than the site’s home page because the planner has more features.

You can add multiple stops on the left side of the screen. The MapQuest multiple-stop route planner currently has three ways you can plan an efficient route and route options.

The default option is Line by Line , where you can type in up to 26 addresses and add them one by one. As part of this MapQuest multiple addresses feature, you can also configure it to show a round-trip plan, reorder stops, and optimize for the shortest route to save drive time and distance and reduce fuel costs.

The second option is Copy/Paste , which allows you to insert addresses in bulk by copying them from another piece of software. Remember that you need to add them once per line. This is a great option if you already know which order you want to visit them in and only need the optimal route for them.

Finally, you can Import a route. The Map Quest route planner allows you to download XLS and CSV templates where you can insert the information it needs, and then upload the file to create a map. Notably, this option allows you to use Latitude and Longitude to pick a destination, which can be helpful if the place you’re going doesn’t have a street address.

Route Settings

Most route settings are accessible through the Line-By-Line format, the most customizable option.

In addition to measuring in either Miles or Kilometers , which may be helpful if you have guests from visiting outside the United States, MapQuest allows you to avoid several potential issues on your route.

The first two, which are the most relevant to many businesses, are toll roads and highways . Highways can get congested during certain hours, while avoiding toll roads may help save money on some routes. However, that’s not always the case, so check your options both with and without toll roads.

People in some areas may also need to avoid ferries . This is mainly an issue in coastal areas and places near large rivers or lakes, where ferries can be a slow alternative route to a destination.

Seasonal roads and timed restrictions are other occasional issues for businesses. Some roads are only open in warmer or colder months, while timed restrictions may include things like roads being shut down overnight for work.

Sharing Your Route

Once you have your route, you can share it with people in several ways. MapQuest lets you share directly to some social media sites, as well as mobile devices and email. If none of those are correct for your company’s needs, you can also get a direct link to the route and share it with anyone who needs it.

In our experience, saving the direct link for the route is often the most valuable option. This is particularly true when we’re creating a route that different people may need to take regularly. Saving all of our main routes in a central repository makes it easy for anyone to find the correct route themselves without compromising our security.

How Good Is MapQuest?

Is MapQuest Map My Route worth using for your business? Like all software, it has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s not the right choice for every situation, despite its overall popularity. Even before planning a route, companies can learn a lot from logistics professionals and translate that into commercial success.

The best way to determine whether the MapQuest Route Planner App makes sense for your company is by evaluating your needs. Here are the most common factors companies need to consider when picking a mapping app:

• Number of Stops: MapQuest’s free version allows up to 26 stops per route, which is more than most companies need. However, some companies need significantly more stops than what MapQuest multi-stop offers, especially for longer trips.
• Route Optimization: Companies need to optimize in different ways. Sometimes speed is the most critical factor, while other times you want the shortest distance. These are not always the same route.
• Special Access: Some companies have special access needs. For example, trucks may be able to use truck-only roads, but they might not fit down some smaller roads. Optimizing paths around vehicle size could be a necessary feature.
• Real-Time Traffic Updates: It’s easy to overlook actual traffic tendencies when planning a route. Traffic information is most important for time-sensitive planning, where unexpectedly heavy traffic congestion can slow you down. Having real-time traffic updates can help optimize routes better when people use them to get the fastest route in the shortest time.
• User Interface: How easy is it for someone to read and use the map? Instructions that are too small or hard to read can be a problem, especially for drivers who are on the road and can’t look away from it for long.

Advantages of MapQuest

MapQuest has several notable advantages for businesses, including:

• Accurate MapQuest directions to almost all locations in the country
• Buttons to find common needs along routes, including food, hotels, gas, and general shopping
• A higher-than-average number of stops with their free software
• Real-time information about relevant topics like highway slowdowns
• General availability on different platforms, including both iOS and Android systems

Disadvantages of MapQuest

MapQuest isn’t as good for businesses that need a lot of advanced features. Its disadvantages include:

• Poor usability when you have multiple drivers requiring different stops
• There is no tracking for vehicles currently using it
• Occasionally, aggressive ads can make it harder to use
• Limited ability to calculate variables on routes

MapQuest vs. Google Maps

While there are several options for efficient route planning, the main alternative to MapQuest that most businesses consider is Google Maps . Overall, we think MapQuest is more helpful for most businesses, but Google Maps has a few things to recommend over MapQuest.

Advantages of Google Maps

The primary advantages of Google Maps include:

• Optimizing by Transport Type: Google Maps is excellent for shorter trips, where you can choose between driving, mass transit, walking, riding, cycling, flying, or using a motorcycle. MapQuest focuses mainly on driving to destinations, so it won’t always show different ways of getting to a particular point of interest.
• Optimizing Travel Times: Google has a lot of traffic data, and it can use that to optimize routes based on when you expect to start driving. Optimizing is helpful, but it only works if you have one destination, so it’s not viable for multi-stop trips.
• Street View: Many locations, especially in cities, can take advantage of Google’s Street View system. Street View is particularly helpful for examining areas that might be hard for your vehicles to travel through before you get there.
• Real-Time Tracking: Google allows you to share your location. This can help you ensure that your drivers are on the right path or even help others locate drivers during an emergency.
• Widespread Access: Google Maps is widely available on different platforms, including personal computers and most mobile devices.

Disadvantages of Google Maps

Google Maps also has some notable limits , including:

• Fewer Stops Per Route: Google Maps only allows you to add up to nine stops for your trip, which is fewer than many businesses need per day. Furthermore, it only allows multiple stops for some modes, so you can’t have a flight in the middle of the trip and continue other ways afterward.
• Limited Optimization: Google Maps doesn’t have many easy ways to optimize your routes or show alternate routes. It can avoid toll roads and highways, but it’s often bad at optimizing for distance instead of time.
• Limited Sharing: Like MapQuest, Google Maps has a difficult time creating routes for multiple drivers. If you’re managing more than two or three delivery drivers at once, it can quickly become a far too time-consuming task to plan routes and manage routes solely through Google Maps. This is when other optimization software starts to become valuable for planning routes.

MapQuest for Fleet Management

MapQuest can also be a valuable tool for fleet management, despite some of its limitations. With the ability to add multiple stops along a route, it can help businesses plan efficient routes for their fleet vehicles, saving time and fuel costs. While it may not have all the advanced features that other fleet management software offers, MapQuest’s ease of use and real-time traffic information can still be beneficial for businesses looking to optimize their routes.

Using Professional Route Planning Software

For businesses with more complex routing needs, relying solely on MapQuest or Google Maps may not be sufficient. In these cases, using professional routing software like RouteManager can provide more advanced features and capabilities for route planning and optimization.

Benefits of Using RouteManager

RouteManager is route planning software that helps drivers and delivery businesses with last-mile logistics. Some of the key advantages of using RouteManager include:

1. Advanced Route Planning : Utilizes advanced algorithms to create optimized delivery routes that take into account factors such as traffic patterns, road conditions, and customer preferences. This ensures that drivers are taking the most efficient routes possible, saving time and fuel costs.

2. Real-Time Tracking : By providing real-time tracking of deliveries, businesses can monitor the progress of their drivers and ensure that deliveries are being made on time. This can help improve customer satisfaction and streamline operations.

3. Reporting & Analytics : Offers comprehensive reporting and analytics tools that allow businesses to analyze delivery performance, track key metrics such as delivery times and fuel consumption, and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach can help businesses make informed decisions to optimize their delivery operations.

4. Integration with Existing Systems : Easily integrate with existing systems such as GPS devices, fleet management software, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. This seamless integration streamlines the delivery process and ensures that all data is centralized and accessible in one place.

Closing Thoughts

While MapQuest can be a useful tool for route planning with multiple stops, it may not always meet the needs of businesses with more complex routing requirements. For those looking to optimize their delivery operations and improve efficiency, professional logistics software like RouteManager can offer advanced features and capabilities that go beyond what MapQuest or Google Maps can provide. Book a demo today!

Get Started With RouteManager!

Nicole Fevrin, Senior Product Marketing Manager, has been with WorkWave for over four years. She works on the Route Manager, GPS, and ServMan products. Nicole has over 21 years of experience in B2B and B2C Marketing in various industries and possess a Master’s Degree in Communication Studies. Her background industries range from ultra-luxury and cosmetics to commodities and home services. This range has afforded her a well-rounded perspective of customer insights and various business models.

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How-To Geek

How to plan a road trip with multiple destinations in google maps.

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The Google Maps App Is Crashing a Lot, but You Can Fix It

I won't use a vpn without these 6 features, how to switch from google to proton, quick links, add multiple stops using the website, add multiple stops using the mobile app.

Whether you're planning a day out on the town, or want to orchestrate the perfect road trip across the country, Google Maps allows you to add up to nine stops, excluding your starting point, when you make directions from both the website and the Maps app. Here's how you do it.

First, open up your browser and head on over to Google Maps.  Click the "Directions" button to the right of the search bar.

By default, Maps will use your device's location for the starting point. If you want this to be a different location, enter it now.

Next, enter the location of your first destination into the field provided, and then hit Enter. Alternatively, you can click any location on the map to get the same results.

Make sure you have either the driving or walking option selected, as Maps only lets you make multiple destinations with these two travel modes.

To add another destination, all you have to do is click either the "+" or the space below your first destination, and then start typing a new location. You can repeat this to add up to nine total stops. If you have more stops than is allowed, you may need to make another map from where you left off.

If at any point you decide you want to change up the order of your destinations, just drag any location up or down on the list using the circles on the left.

And once you've created your map in your web browser, you can click the "Send directions to your phone" link to send it to your mobile device by email or text message. Assuming you've got the Google Maps app installed, you can open it right up.

If you want to optimize your travel, you can also turn a multi-stop Google Maps trip into a round-trip .

Related: How to Find Public Restrooms Near You with Google Maps

You can use the Google Apps mobile app (free for iPhone , iPad , and  Android ) to create a map with multiple destinations in much the same way.

Related: How to Download Google Maps Data for Offline Navigation on Android or iPhone

Fire up the Google Maps app on your mobile device, and then tap the blue "Go" button on the bottom right of your screen.

By default, Maps uses your device's location for the starting point. If you want this to be a different location, enter it now.

Start typing in your first destination or tap a location on the map below to start your journey.

Next, open the menu (the three dots at the top right), and then tap the "Add Stop" command.

Enter the location of your next stop, or tap anywhere on the map to add the next destination.

To change the order of your destinations, just drag any of the locations up or down the list using the "Hamburger" (three stacked lines) on the left.

When you've added all the stops to your trip, go ahead and tap "Done" so you can start your journey.

Related: How to View and Delete Your Google Maps History on Android and iPhone

• Google Maps