Updated on: February 14, 2026
Reading Time: 4 minutes
TL;DR: The top free route planner apps include Zeo Route Planner (12 stops free), Google Maps (10 stops), Speedy Route, Upper, OptimoRoute, and MapQuest. Most free versions limit stops and lack true optimization beyond basic routing. AI-powered route optimization tools like Zeo Route Planner address this with auto-assignment of stops to drivers and capacity-based routing, helping delivery teams save 2+ hours daily.
Time translates into money for drivers and transportation companies. Optimizing every minute of the delivery route can impact the overall outcome. Additionally, route optimization can also save on fuel costs and other resources. To achieve business efficiency, companies must leverage route planner apps that can help their drivers perform better.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, transportation costs account for 8-15% of total logistics expenses for most businesses. Effective route planning directly impacts these operational costs while improving customer satisfaction through reliable delivery windows.
We have collated a list of the top 5 route planner apps you can’t miss out on if you want to take your delivery operations to the next level.
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Zeo Route Planner
Zeo is one of the top route planner apps that helps individuals and businesses plan and optimize their delivery routes. The software uses cutting-edge technology and modern-day algorithms to calculate the fastest and most efficient routes based on multiple factors, such as distance, traffic conditions, and time constraints.
The Zeo Route Planner app also offers real-time tracking and GPS navigation, allowing users to monitor their progress and adjust their routes accordingly. Zeo reduces delays and ensures that deliveries are made on time. It is a route optimization platform that can easily help you add and assign stops without coding. Zeo takes into account various factors before presenting the best routes along with the delivery stop order – resource availability, delivery time, number of delivery stops, and vehicle capacity. Moreover, this route planner app takes less than 15 minutes to set up and start.
Cost: Free 7-day trial and Premium subscription plan. Free version available for up to 12 stops.
Route optimization: Yes
Add multiple routes: Yes
Platform: Web & mobile app
Best for: Individual drivers & Businesses -
Google Maps
Google Maps is an online mapping platform created by Google that enables individuals to access maps and satellite images and obtain information about directions, traffic congestion, and nearby attractions. Additionally, Google Maps facilitates driving, walking, biking, or public transit itineraries for users. By utilizing Google Maps, drivers can also add multiple stops and customize their routes as desired.
Google Maps has a drawback – it only lets you plan up to 10 stops. While Google Maps is excellent for finding the quickest way between two places and giving driving directions, it does not optimize routes when you add multiple stops.
Cost: Free
Route optimization: No
Add multiple routes: No
Platform: Web & mobile app
Best for: Individual drivers
Related Read: Google Maps Route Navigation Powered by Zeo -
Speedy Route
Speedy Route is another free route planner app offering a route optimization feature.
It calculates the best route when visiting multiple locations in your route and then returning back to the start. Speedy Route arranges the stops you input into the most efficient order, so you can visit each location once before returning to your starting point using the shortest and quickest route. Additionally, it provides detailed driving directions between each stop.While the free version of this route planner app allows adding up to 10 stops, users can add up to 9999 stops with a paid subscription.
Cost: Free (up to 10 stops) & Paid subscription
Route optimization: Yes
Add multiple routes: Available with paid subscription
Platform: Web only
Best for: Small businesses -
Upper Route Planner
Upper is a versatile route planning and optimization software that minimizes the time and effort required for planning the shortest, fastest, and most efficient routes.
The route planner excels in its ability to seamlessly integrate route planning, scheduling, proof of delivery, and customer notifications within a single platform. Upper’s diverse functionalities include importing multiple stops through spreadsheets, assigning service times, setting time windows for on-time deliveries, prioritizing specific stops, and generating optimized routes for multiple vehicles concurrently.
Moreover, Upper offers GPS tracking to track drivers’ locations in real-time and supports integration with third-party software too. With its intuitive design and powerful features, Upper emerges as a comprehensive choice for businesses seeking to enhance their route planning capabilities and delivery performance.
Cost: Free 30-day trial; Premium subscription plans available
Route optimization: Yes
Add multiple routes: Yes
Platform: Web & mobile app
Best for: Individual drivers & Businesses -
Optimoroute
OptimoRoute is an online tool for deliveries and field services. It lets you plan the best routes and schedules with several stops per trip. You input or import the delivery and pick-up stops. Based on factors like travel time, driver availability, delivery/service time windows, vehicle capacity, and driver skills, the system suggests efficient routes and stops sequences.
This route planner app has features such as automated planning, real-time route modification, and workload balancing. It can serve the best for individual drivers and courier carriers.
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Cost: 30-day free trial
Route optimization: Yes
Add multiple routes: Yes
Platform: Android and iOS mobile apps
Best for: Independent delivery contractors -
MapQuest
MapQuest is an American free online web mapping service. This GPS navigation app has many maps and features to plan routes. These features include optimized routes, alternative route options, and route settings to avoid highways or tolls.
Mapquest has two big challenges. First, it shows ads to pay for its free route planning service, which can disturb the driver. The second problem is that Mapquest needs help understanding many types of addresses. If your address is not formatted in exactly the correct way, it will be considered invalid.
Cost: Free; Business plus plan
Route optimization: Basic
Add multiple routes: No
Platform: Web & mobile app
Best for: Small businesses
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Route Planning Software
Beyond cost and basic routing capabilities, several advanced features distinguish professional route planning solutions from basic mapping tools. Driver assignment capabilities enable fleet managers to match specific drivers with routes based on skills, availability, and geographic coverage areas. This becomes particularly valuable for service industries requiring specialized expertise, from mobile nursing routes to fire safety inspection scheduling.
Real-time tracking and customer communication features also separate enterprise-grade solutions from consumer mapping apps. Professional route planners typically offer live ETA updates, customer notifications, and proof of delivery capabilities that help maintain service quality and accountability throughout the delivery process.
Understanding Route Optimization vs Basic Navigation
The difference between route optimization and basic navigation significantly impacts operational efficiency. Basic navigation tools like Google Maps excel at finding the fastest path between two points but fall short when managing multiple stops with constraints.
True route optimization considers vehicle capacity limits, time window requirements, driver work hours, and service priorities to create mathematically optimal routes. Research from the U.S. Department of Transportation indicates that optimized routing can reduce total travel distance by 20-40% compared to manual route planning methods.
Priority stop management allows businesses to designate urgent deliveries or service calls, ensuring critical customers receive attention first while maintaining overall route efficiency. This feature proves essential for emergency services, medical deliveries, and time-sensitive business operations.
Conclusion
Today, when technology has a huge say in every business segment, fleet managers and drivers must use smart technology. Every business will have unique requirements. Choosing a route planner app catering to your requirements is crucial for business success.
Zeo can help you bring a paradigm shift in your delivery operations and enhance customer experience. If you are a contract driver and wish to save valuable time in delivery, download Zeo and optimize your routes – Android (Google Play Store) or iOS devices (Apple Store). If you are a fleet manager aiming to improve business outcomes and enhance driver management, schedule a free product demo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stops can free route planning apps handle?
Most free route planning apps limit users to 10-12 stops per route. Google Maps caps at 10 stops, while Zeo Route Planner offers up to 12 stops in its free version, making it suitable for small delivery operations or individual drivers managing daily routes.
What’s the difference between route planning and route optimization?
Route planning creates a path between multiple locations, while route optimization mathematically determines the most efficient sequence considering factors like traffic, vehicle capacity, time windows, and driver constraints. Optimization can reduce total travel time by 20-40% compared to basic planning.
Do route planner apps work offline?
Most route planner apps require internet connectivity for real-time traffic data and route calculations. However, many mobile apps allow downloading maps for offline navigation once routes are planned, ensuring drivers can continue following directions even with poor cellular coverage.
Can route planning software handle vehicle capacity restrictions?
Advanced route planners include capacity-based routing that considers vehicle weight and volume limits when assigning stops. Zeo Route Planner incorporates these constraints along with skill-based driver assignment, ensuring routes match both vehicle capabilities and driver expertise.
How do businesses track driver performance with route planning apps?
Professional route planning solutions offer driver performance analytics including completion rates, on-time delivery metrics, and mileage tracking. These insights help fleet managers identify training opportunities, optimize driver assignments, and maintain service quality standards across their operations.
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Want to manage your drivers and deliveries easily?
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increase fuel savings
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Optimize routes with our algorithm, reducing travel time and costs efficiently.
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