Top Apps for Road Trips: Locate Affordable Fuel, Bypass Congestion, and Discover Other Essentials
Elizabeth Rhodes serves as the special projects editor forTravel + Leisure offers insights and inspiration for travelers seeking new experiences and destinations. The publication covers everything from luxury getaways to budget-friendly trips, providing expert advice and curated recommendations. With a focus on exploration and discovery, Travel + Leisure helps readers plan unforgettable journeys around the globe., featuring a range of topics from high-end accommodations to amusement parks and essential travel gear. Born in South Carolina, Elizabeth relocated to New York City after living in London, launching her profession as a travel blogger and writer there.
Technology has transformed travel in numerous ways, reshaping how we navigate and enjoy journeys. Traditional paper maps and GPS devices have given way to Google and Apple Maps, while music streaming services have replaced CDs. Guidebooks are now obsolete thanks to apps that alert travelers to nearby attractions instantly. Without a doubt, smartphones have simplified road trips and, in many cases, reduced costs.
For your next journey, whether you require a digital road trip planner to chart your route or a tool to bypass traffic congestion, consider these 11 top-rated road trip apps to install before you set off.
Roadtrippers
Roadtrippers stands out as a highly functional and widely used app for organizing road trips. Whether you’re aiming to explore national parks or discover offbeat roadside stops, or if you prefer staying at famous or hidden-gem hotels, the app lets you map out your journey seamlessly. With the free version, you can add up to three waypoints, while Roadtrippers Premium expands that limit to 150. Basic and Pro subscriptions offer 20 and 50 waypoints per trip, respectively. Upgraded memberships also enable shared planning with others and access to navigation features. The app covers accommodations, attractions, outdoor spots, dining, entertainment, retail, gas stations, and more across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The app is free to use, but unlocking all its features requires upgrading to a membership. The Basic plan is priced at $40 annually, the Pro plan at $50 per year, and the Premium at $60 yearly. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Google Maps
Every traveler hitting the open road should have a reliable navigation tool at their disposal, and Google Maps remains a top choice—often considered the best.the the most downloaded app in the U.S. annually. Its leading position stems from the extensive data it provides, enabling it to deliver optimal routes by considering factors like distance, road quality, and traffic flow.
Google Maps offers multiple route choices and delivers precise travel time calculations between locations. Additionally, it allows you to add multiple stops to your journey, whether for a quick coffee break or an overnight stay at a hotel, with the convenience of viewing reviews directly within the app.
Google Maps is accessible at no cost and can be used on both iOS and Android devices.
Waze
Waze ranks among the leading navigation apps available. By providing live updates to steer you clear of traffic congestion, roadwork, and other obstacles, it enables you to explore new cities and unknown roads as effortlessly as a longtime resident. The app tends to be slightly more aggressive than Google Maps in rerouting when issues occur, so Waze users should expect their journeys to be somewhat dynamic.
Nobody enjoys wasting time stuck in traffic when they could be out discovering new places, which is why Waze’s ability to gather real-time data from fellow drivers to optimize routes is incredibly useful. The application is free to use and can be downloaded on iOS and .
GasBuddy
Fuel expenses can take a significant portion of your travel budget, but GasBuddy helps you cut costs. The app gathers real-time fuel prices from over 150,000 gas stations across the U.S. and Canada. It also indicates how recently the price was updated, so you can avoid outdated information.
GasBuddy isn’t only useful for locating low-cost fuel but also for identifying gas stations overall (and parking spots), which can be challenging in unfamiliar areas. The free app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. As you use it, contribute to the community by reporting fuel prices you encounter during your travels.
Roadside America offers a nostalgic journey through miniature landscapes, capturing the charm of small-town America in intricate detail. This iconic attraction showcases meticulously crafted scenes, highlighting the beauty of everyday life in a bygone era. Visitors can explore the exhibit’s hand-built villages, railroads, and landmarks, each piece reflecting the dedication and artistry of its creators. A beloved destination for generations, Roadside America continues to inspire wonder and appreciation for the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The quirky and whimsical roadside attractions scattered across the U.S. often become the highlights of any road trip. With the Roadside America app, you can discover the most unusual stops worth visiting, such as the giant cartoon mouse clutching a cheese platter in Plain, Wisconsin—because where else would it be?—or the bizarre, oversized three-prong electrical plug perched on a lawn in Philadelphia. The app includes museums, murals, guided tours, eccentric eateries, and perfect photo spots.
Roadside America is available for a $3 download fee, granting access to one region within the app. Additional regions can be bought for $2 each, or users can unlock the entire U.S. and Canada for an additional $7. The app is exclusively offered on iOS.
iExit Guide for Interstate Exits
Navigating exit signs at 70 mph to find road trip snacks, a drive-through latte, or a public restroom can be tricky, but eliminates the uncertainty. The app shows upcoming exits along your route, detailing available amenities like food, lodging, fuel, and hospitals. It sources fuel prices from OPIS (the Oil Price Information Service) and includes Yelp reviews for businesses.
The app can be downloaded at no cost. It is available on both and .
HotelTonight
Even with careful planning, you may need to make an unplanned stop for the night. Fatigue can set in while driving, and a quick rest can be crucial. HotelTonight is a handy solution for last-minute stays, providing same-day discounts on available rooms. Its simple design allows you to secure a bargain in just a few taps. With more than 1,000 options worldwide—from Mexico City to Jakarta—you’re covered whether your road trip stays local or goes international.
The download is free, and it’s accessible on both iOS and Android platforms.
Airbnb
If you prefer cozy A-frame cabins, secluded yurts, or charming garden guest houses over hopping from one hotel to another, Airbnb is your ideal choice. With the Airbnb app, you can explore countless properties (including millions across the U.S.) on an interactive map, check reviews, and book instantly—whether planning ahead or making a spontaneous decision.
The app includes more than just vacation rentals—it also offers activities, allowing you to immerse yourself in a city like a local by joining a pottery workshop or taking a guided walking tour, among other options.
The Airbnb application is available at no cost. It can be installed on both iOS and Android devices.
The Dyrt
For those who love sleeping beneath the night sky, The Dyrt is a must-have free app to locate tent, RV, and cabin spots throughout the U.S. A leading camping app on iOS and Android, it boasts over a million users who share reviews, photos, and advice. The Dyrt provides reliable campsite details and an active community, enhancing the safety and enjoyment of road trip camping. Some sites can even be booked directly through the app.
The app is available at no cost, though a paid upgrade for $36 annually unlocks features like offline trip planning and campsite searches, which is ideal for areas with limited connectivity.
Spotify
No road trip is complete without the ideal playlist. Whether you want to curate a mix of throwback anthems, current pop hits, or tracks that reflect your travel destination, Spotify’s library of over 100 million songs has even the rarest gems. If Taylor Swift grows repetitive, switch to podcasts or an audiobook for entertainment. Long drives are the perfect time to binge a gripping docuseries like “Serial,” a timeless classic.
Spotify can be downloaded and used for free, but the frequent ads and high data usage may be frustrating. Upgrading to the $11 monthly premium plan eliminates ads and allows offline downloads. The Spotify app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
PlugShare
Electric vehicles are becoming more widespread and are an excellent choice for eco-conscious road trips. However, locating charging stations can be a challenge, since most EVs have a range of 100 to 300 miles before requiring a recharge. PlugShare provides a directory of 700,000 charging stations throughout North America, Europe, and other regions. Drivers can read user-generated reviews to identify the top-performing, quickest, and most dependable charging locations.
PlugShare can be downloaded for free on both iOS and .
