posted on March 14, 2022
If you’re wondering how to have a successful road trip, the key is planning ahead — but that’s easier said than done.
Knowing your route and packing your bag is just the beginning. From finding great dinner spots to making sure the weather is on your side, there are so many variables that can make or break a road trip. It can quickly add up and become overwhelming!
Road trip apps offer stress-free strategies for how to plan a long road trip, a day trip, or anything in between. Here are our favourites to download before hitting the road:
- Best road trip planner apps for staying organized – Roadtrippers, Wanderlog, Guides by Lonely Planet
- Best packing apps – PackPoint, Packr, PackKing
- Best navigation & driving apps – Google Maps, Waze, Maps.me
- Best apps for parking and gas prices – Gasbuddy, Spot Hero, Honk Mobile
- Best weather apps – Accuweather, My Aurora Forecast & Alerts, Star Walk 2
- Best food planning apps – OpenTable, Happy Cow, Yelp
- Best road trip accommodation apps – AirBnB, Couchsurfing, Hotel Tonight
- Best miscellaneous apps – Life360, Flush, Audible
- Best camping and hiking apps – AllTrails, Wikicamps, iOverlander
- Best app to find a car: Turo!
Keep reading for a full rundown of the best apps for road trips (including pros, cons, prices, and everything you need to know) and happy planning!
Note: The following information up-to-date at the time of publishing. For additional details, consult the app store or the website of a specific app directly.
Best road trip planner apps for staying organized
Roadtrippers
Roadtrippers may be the most popular road trip planner app on the market today, thanks to its balanced offering of travel inspiration and practical organizational functions. With a subscription, users can access offline maps, collaborative planning, and exclusive discounts.
Pros:
- Convenient and streamlined
- Recommendations for off-the-beaten-path experiences
- Inspiring travel guides and articles
- Navigation, budgeting, and route planning functions
- Lodging and dining deals with Roadtrippers Plus
Cons:
- Free version is limited
- Most recommendations are in the US, with fewer options for Canada
- Pricey subscription fee
Price: Free; Roadtrippers Plus subscription $38/year
Platform: iOS and Android
Wanderlog
Wanderlog is one of the best apps for long road trips thanks to its flexibility. It’s an excellent free alternative to Roadtrippers, packed with comprehensive features like auto-generated itineraries, personalized suggestions, and collaborative editing.
Pros:
- Easy to use, simple design
- Flexible for different planning styles
- Unlimited number of waypoints for long trips
- Can import travel reservations from email
- Syncs and exports to Google Maps
Cons:
- Doesn’t include weather information
- Doesn’t sync with calendar
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Guides by Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet Guides is the perfect app if you’re visiting a single destination or planning to explore a few major cities. Featuring pre-made itineraries, offline maps, and the option to book tickets and tours, the app has everything you need to make the most of your stay.
Pros:
- Expertly-curated city guides
- Mix of top highlights and off-the-beaten-track recommendations
- Can book tickets and tours through the app
- Immersive video library
- Offline maps
Cons:
- Free version is limited
- Pricey subscription fee
- No route planning function
- Limited information for some cities
Price: Free; paid subscription starting at $6.40 for one month
Platform: iOS and Android
Best packing apps
PackPoint
No idea what to bring on a road trip? PackPoint has you covered. Simply punch in details like the destination, length, and purpose of your trip, and PackPoint whips up a custom packing list. A basic, fuss-free app, it’s a great choice if you’re travelling solo and want to keep things as simple as possible.
Pros
- Easy to use, streamlined interface
- Customizes packing list for your itinerary
- Includes weather forecast
- Shareable checklists
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Free version is limited
- No option to create lists for groups or families
- Must create a separate list for each destination
Price: Free; PackPoint Premium $3.80
Platform: iOS and Android
Packr
Packr is similar to PackPoint with a major difference: it offers lists for multiple destinations and travellers. It’s ideal if you’re travelling as a family or planning a longer road trip. Paying for the premium version is worth it to unlock its most valuable features.
Pros:
- Multi-destination packing list
- Customized lists based on weather and trip activities
- Lists update according to weather forecast
- Family packing for multiple travellers
- Free version includes unlimited trips
Cons:
- Free version is limited
- Not available for Android
Price: Free; Packr Premium $3.80
Platform: iOS
PackKing
If you’re wondering what to pack for a road trip, PackKing has the answer. Perfect for travellers with an ambitious agenda, this app builds lists based on activity-based categories in a simple checklist format. It even factors in laundry frequency when suggesting how much clothing you should pack.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use customizable checklist format
- Intuitive and flexible
- Can export lists as PDFs and to other apps
- Lots of pre-loaded activity lists
- Includes a to-do list feature
Cons:
- Free version is limited
- No ready-made templates
- Can’t create lists from scratch
Price: Free; premium version $6.40
Platform: iOS and Android
Best navigation & driving apps
Google Maps
Google Maps is the most popular navigation app today, packed with user-friendly features that go beyond getting you from point A to point B. Route planning, en route services and businesses, location sharing, and offline functionality are just some of its winning features.
Pros:
- Calculates routes based on current road conditions
- Set departure and arrival times
- Plan and navigate multi-stop trips
- Search nearby amenities including food, gas, and parking
- Available offline
Cons:
- GPS can drain phone battery
- Next-turn directions not always accurate
- If you make a wrong turn, the app is known to redirect you to the original route instead of suggesting a new, shorter route
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Waze
Built on a close-knit community of users, Waze is constantly updating to keep you on the fastest route. Other features include community recommendations, location sharing, current gas prices, and calendar syncing.
Pros:
- Get the fastest route based on live conditions
- Real-time updates for road closures, police, and crashes
- Get community recommendations
- Find the cheapest gas prices
- Location sharing with friends
Cons:
- Icons give the map a cluttered look
- Real-time updates can drain your phone battery
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Maps.me
If you’re in search of an offline navigation app, Maps.me is the one to get. Perfect if you’re travelling through remote areas or simply want to conserve your phone’s battery, this is a straightforward, reliable road trip app that gets the job done.
Pros:
- Full offline functionality
- Global maps for cross-border trips
- Uses less battery power than other apps
- Takes up less storage space
- Online location sharing
Cons:
- Some information may be outdated or inaccurate
- No live updates for traffic or weather conditions
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Best apps for parking and gas prices
Gasbuddy
Powered by crowd-sourced updates, GasBuddy is the ideal app for anyone road-tripping on a budget. As well as saving money at the pump, it has features to track fuel economy, calculate the cost of your trip, and also offers local discounts and a daily chance to win $100 of free gas.
Pros:
- Notifies you about price hikes
- Cost calculator and fuel economy tracking
- Works in the US and Canada
- Reliable ratings and community reviews
- Local deals and discounts
Cons:
- Prices are sometimes outdated
- No option to report out-of-service stations
- Can’t add multiple users
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Spot Hero
Finding a parking spot in an unfamiliar city can be a headache. SpotHero keeps things simple by allowing you to reserve and prepay for parking before you arrive. The app allows you to compare parking prices at your destination, and offers discounted rates on unsold parking spots.
Pros:
- Conveniently reserve parking on the go
- Up to 50% off parking rates
- Includes public, event, overnight, and airport parking
- Easy-to-follow directions for each location
Cons:
- Selection of parking facilities varies by city
- Doesn’t include street parking
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Honk Mobile
Honk Mobile is a Canadian-made app that gives you the option to pay for parking in advance at over 2,000 locations across the US and Canada. As well as booking on the go, it offers exclusive promotions and discounts and can be used for multiple vehicles.
Pros:
- Includes off-street parking options
- Multiple licence plates per account
- Notifies you within 15 minutes of parking expiry
- Top up meter from your phone
- Up to 40% off regular parking rates
Cons:
- Some cities add service fees to in-app transactions
- User interface can be difficult to use
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Best weather apps
Accuweather
A streamlined weather app with a few handy extras, Accuweather is an ideal travel companion. Long-term and short-term forecasts, as well as multiple location tracking makes it ideal for road trips. Extra details like allergy information and sunset and sunrise times are helpful when preparing for outdoor excursions.
Pros:
- Good balance of general and detailed weather info
- Customizable interface
- Forecasts range from long-term to minute-by-minute
- Multiple location forecasts
Cons:
- Free version is limited
- Amount of information may overwhelm some users
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
My Aurora Forecast & Alerts
Venturing into the territories to see the northern lights? There’s an app for that! A highly-reviewed user favourite, My Aurora Forecast & Alerts provides top viewing locations, alerts for the best viewing conditions, and is suited to aurora seekers of all experience levels.
Pros:
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Free push notifications, unlike similar apps
- Shows best viewing locations in your area
- Provides local tour information
Cons:
- Free version is limited
- May be too basic for for photographers or serious aurora enthusiasts
Price: Free; premium version $3.60
Platform: iOS and Android
Star Walk 2
Who needs a telescope when you have an app? Star Walk 2 is a reboot of the bestselling Star Walk app, known for its stunning design and augmented reality star chart. Simply point your phone at the night sky to reveal superimposed planets, constellations, and more.
Pros:
- Easy to use for both kids and adults
- Standout design with stunning 3D models
- Accessible way to learn about astronomy and identify constellations
- Suited to all skill levels
Cons:
- Free version is limited
- Generic information may not satisfy more advanced stargazers
Price: Free; premium version $3.80
Platform: iOS and Android
Best food planning apps
OpenTable
There’s nothing worse than arriving hungry in an unfamiliar city, faced with the challenge of tracking down dinner. OpenTable is a must-have road trip food app that allows you to reserve a table from the road. In-depth user reviews, photos, and menus make it easy to choose the most appetising option, and you can even invite friends to join you.
Pros:
- Convenient, on-the-go booking
- Intuitive, user-friendly design
- Flexible search filters for cuisine type, price, rating, and more
- Can save preferences and booking history
Cons:
- Restaurant cuisine types aren’t always accurate
- Not allowed to double-book or overlap reservations
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Happy Cow
A favourite of vegetarians and vegans, Happy Cow makes it easy to find healthy eating choices wherever you are. Search nearby or by city to find restaurants, shops, and markets, complete with user reviews. In areas with limited options, the app will also display regular restaurants with veggie dishes on the menu.
Pros:
- Flexible search filters for different dietary options
- Search for options nearby or by city
- Makes healthy eating more accessible
- Lots of user reviews, photos, and menus
Cons:
- Some information may be outdated or inaccurate
- Non-vegetarian restaurants can’t be rated higher than 4 stars
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Yelp
Yelp is a household name when it comes to finding top-reviewed restaurants, and it can be a lifesaver on the road. With one of the biggest databases of businesses in the US and Canada, this app is a gold mine of information when you’re looking for food options in an unfamiliar area.
Pros:
- Most information of any review app
- Flexible search filters
- View menus and business details
- Browse nearby and get directions
- Built-in OpenTable reservations for booking on the go
Cons:
- Top results tend to be ads
- Some information may be outdated or inaccurate
- Reviews not always ordered by the most recent
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Where to stay on a road trip? Best accommodation apps
Airbnb
Airbnb offers nearly every type of accommodation you can imagine. No matter your travel style, you’re guaranteed to find local lodging that takes your trip to the next level. Direct messaging with your host and reviews from other guests make the app reliable and easy to use, as well as instant booking and flexible check-in options for some properties.
Pros:
- Wide variety of unique and local properties
- Option to stay with a locals or have a place to yourself
- Lots of child-friendly and pet-friendly options
- Message your host directly for questions and check-in
- Properties are generally more affordable than a hotel
Cons:
- Instant booking not always available
- No guarantee of hotel-style perks or services
- Some hosts may turn down your booking request if you’re a new user without reviews
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Couchsurfing
Using Couchsurfing to find accommodation is a bit of a gamble, but the rewards are worth it! Built on a community of hosts offering free accommodation, the app is a favourite of solo travellers looking to save money and connect with locals. You can also meet up with other users in your area or create a public trip that others can join.
Pros:
- All accommodation is free!
- Great way to meet locals and get outside your comfort zone
- Message your host directly for questions and check-in
- Manage multiple stays
- Strong community focus with trustworthy review system
Cons:
- Not as flexible as a paid stay; expect to be on your host’s schedule
- Could end up with a host you don’t vibe with
- Not suited to long stays
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Hotel Tonight
The comfort of a hotel stay meets the convenience of on-the-go booking with Hotel Tonight. The app offers discounted, same-day bookings at more than 50,000 properties in both Canada and the US, making it ideal for spontaneous plans or a surprise weekend getaway with a friend or your partner.
Pros:
- Choose from a variety of properties, including luxury options
- Flexibility of both advance and last-minute bookings
- Enjoy same-day and weekend discounts
- Get further savings on hotels in your current location
- Great for last-minute plans or surprise trips
Cons:
- Some properties charge an additional resort fee
- No set preferences for room type
- Not suited to groups larger than two
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Best miscellaneous apps
Life360
If you’re wondering how to make a long road trip more comfortable, a good safety app is essential for peace of mind. Life360 is a great app for anyone travelling with kids or in a group. Along with its tracking function, the app boasts valuable roadside assistance, medical assistance, and emergency safety features.
Pros:
- Saves time and effort when coordinating pit stops and ETAs
- Get notified when family members arrive or depart a saved location
- SOS emergency function
- Lots of valuable safety features
- Works worldwide
Cons:
- Free version is limited
- Pricey subscription fee
- GPS services can drain your phone battery
Price: Free; premium subscriptions start at $6.99/month
Platform: iOS and Android
Flush
Finding a bathroom is the last thing you want to be worrying about on a road trip. With a database of over 200,000 public bathrooms, the Flush app is a relief in more ways than one. Use the map to search options by city, or simply check the closest options in the case of an urgent roadside stop!
Pros:
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
- Offline functionality
- Trustworthy, user-curated information
- Includes details like disabled access
- Flexible search options
Cons:
- Some information may be outdated or inaccurate
- No option to report out of service bathrooms
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Audible
If you’re looking for apps to keep you busy on a road trip, Audible is a great solution. Make a dent in your reading list with the largest selection of audiobooks out there, all from the comfort of the driver’s seat. With multiple membership options, daily deals, and over 300,000 books and podcasts to choose from, this app has something for everyone.
Pros:
- Four membership options to choose from
- Flexibility to pause membership
- Largest selection of audiobooks of any service
- Keep all books purchased, even if you cancel your membership
Cons:
- Audiobook downloads take up device storage
- iPhone users can’t purchase books through the app (must use mobile or desktop site)
Price: Membership starting at $19.00/month
Platform: iOS and Android
Best camping and hiking apps
AllTrails
If you like to hike, don’t leave home without AllTrails. This popular app is brimming with features including offline trail maps, reviews from fellow hikers, and details such as whether a trail is child- or dog-friendly. It’s perfect for discovering new trails, checking out tips from other users, and enjoying peace of mind off the beaten path.
Pros:
- Strong community base offering tips, reviews, and support
- Offers both official and user-curated trails
- Convenient and user-friendly
- Flexible search filters
- Offline maps, lifeline safety feature, and off-trail alerts with AllTrails Pro
Cons:
- Free version is limited
- Pricey subscription fee
Price: Free; premium version $38/year
Platform: iOS and Android
Wikicamps Canada
Widely considered to be the must-have camping app, Wikicamps Canada is packed with user-curated information for over 9,000 campsites. Whether you’re looking for dump points, water stations or just need to check a compass, this app has you covered with a wealth of insights from fellow campers.
Pros:
- Works completely offline, perfect for off-the-grid adventures
- Comprehensive and country-specific
- Flexible, advanced search filters
- Free 14-day trial
Cons:
- Some information is outdated or inaccurate
- Separate regional apps (must download Wikicamps US if travelling cross-border)
Price: $3.60
Platform: iOS and Android
iOverlander
iOverlander is a versatile resource for outdoor enthusiasts featuring a detailed directory of campsites, hotels, and restaurants, as well as amenities such as parking, wifi, and EV charging. The app is free and works globally, making it a great option for cross-border trips.
Pros:
- Works globally
- Offline functionality
- In-depth directory of campsites and amenities
- Reliable community reviews
Cons:
- Some information is outdated or inaccurate
- No offline maps
Price: Free
Platform: iOS and Android
Best app to find a car: Turo!
You’ve planned your route, now all you need is wheels! With the Turo app, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect car for your next road trip.
Choose from over 1,500 makes and models across Canada, contact your host directly, and enjoy the flexibility of picking up your car or having it delivered. It couldn’t be easier!
With Turo, you’re able to travel between the US and Canada, so it’s full speed ahead if you’re planning a cross border road trip.
Bringing a furry friend along? We have a lot of pet-friendly options to help your trip go smoothly.
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