Best Free Trip Planner (2026)
Compare free tiers across Google Maps, RideHop, Roadtrippers, and Wanderlog
Quick Answer
The best free trip planner depends on what you need. Google Maps is best for simple navigation (free, 10 stops). RideHop Free includes 1 active personal trip with unlimited stops and activities. Multi-day planning, a travel mode for every leg and accommodation organization are included, plus fuel estimates for any legs you drive. Roadtrippers Free is best for discovering US roadside attractions (7 waypoints). Wanderlog Free offers unlimited stops with ads and basic collaboration. Pro adds unlimited active trips, document storage, route optimization and creator publishing. See the pricing page for current subscription terms.
Comparing Free Trip Planners
You don't need to spend money to plan a great trip. All four planners compared here offer functional free tiers, but they differ significantly in what's included. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize stop count, features, or discovery.
Here's an honest look at what each free tier actually gives you, where each one excels, and when it makes sense to upgrade to a paid plan.
Free Tier Comparison Table
| Feature | RideHop Free | Google Maps | Roadtrippers Free | Wanderlog Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Stops/Route | Unlimited stops and activities | 10 stops | 7 waypoints | Unlimited |
| Document Storage | No (Pro only) | No | No | No |
| Fuel Estimates (Driving Legs) | Yes | No | Basic | No |
| Multi-Day Planning | Yes | No | Limited | Yes |
| Ads | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Collaboration | Read-only share link | Share links | No | Yes |
| Navigation | Links to maps apps | Built-in | Links to maps apps | Links to maps apps |
| Mobile App | Web (responsive) | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Accommodation Tracking | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Export | Not available | No | No | PDF (limited) |
Google Maps: Best for Simple Routes
Google Maps is the default choice for basic routing. It's completely free with no account required, supports up to 10 stops per route, and provides real-time navigation with traffic data. If you just need to get from point A to point B with a few stops along the way, Google Maps does the job.
The limitations show up quickly for complex trips: no saved itineraries, no document storage, no cost tracking, no multi-day planning, and no way to organize stops by day. It's a navigation tool, not a trip planner.
RideHop Free: Best for Organized Travelers
RideHop Free includes 1 active personal trip with unlimited stops and activities; document storage is part of Pro. Multi-day planning, a travel mode for every leg and accommodation organization are included, plus fuel estimates for any legs you drive.
The free tier is ad-free. RideHop Free includes 1 active personal trip with unlimited stops and activities. Multi-day planning, a travel mode for every leg and accommodation organization are included, plus fuel estimates for any legs you drive. Pro adds unlimited active trips, document storage, route optimization and creator publishing. Every new account starts with 7 days of Pro. See the pricing page for current subscription terms.
Roadtrippers Free: Best for US Road Trips
Roadtrippers Free allows 7 waypoints per trip and gives you access to their massive US points-of-interest database with over 11 million locations. If you're planning a US road trip and want help discovering quirky roadside attractions, scenic overlooks, and local favorites, Roadtrippers' curated recommendations are excellent.
The free tier shows ads and lacks offline access. You also won't get document storage or detailed cost tracking. For pure route discovery on US road trips, though, the free tier delivers solid value.
Wanderlog Free: Best for Unlimited Stops
Wanderlog stands out by offering unlimited stops on its free tier, plus free collaboration so multiple travelers can edit the same trip. It also provides a mobile app for iOS and Android. If raw stop count is your priority and you're planning with others, Wanderlog Free is generous.
The tradeoffs are ads and no document storage. The free tier is functional for basic planning but lacks the organization features that make complex multi-day trips manageable.
When Should You Upgrade?
RideHop Free includes 1 active personal trip with unlimited stops and activities. Pro adds unlimited active trips, document storage, route optimization and creator publishing. See the pricing page for current subscription terms.
Start with Free to plan a complete journey. Your route length and number of activities do not require an upgrade. Choose Pro when you want more than 1 active trip, document storage, route optimization or creator publishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best completely free trip planner?
It depends on what you need. Google Maps is fully free with up to 10 stops and real-time navigation. RideHop Free includes 1 active personal trip with unlimited stops and activities; document storage is part of Pro. Multi-day planning, a travel mode for every leg and accommodation organization are included, plus fuel estimates for any legs you drive. Wanderlog Free has unlimited stops with ads. All of them can be used without paying.
Is RideHop really free?
RideHop Free includes 1 active personal trip with unlimited stops and activities. Multi-day planning, a travel mode for every leg and accommodation organization are included, plus fuel estimates for any legs you drive. No ads and no card needed. Every new account starts with 7 days of Pro, with no automatic billing. Pro adds unlimited active trips, document storage, route optimization and creator publishing. See the pricing page for current subscription terms.
Which free planner has the most stops?
Wanderlog Free offers unlimited stops. Google Maps allows 10 stops per route. Roadtrippers Free allows 7 waypoints. RideHop Free includes 1 active personal trip with unlimited stops and activities; document storage is part of Pro. Multi-day planning, a travel mode for every leg and accommodation organization are included, plus fuel estimates for any legs you drive.
Do free trip planners have ads?
Roadtrippers Free and Wanderlog Free both show ads. Google Maps and RideHop Free are ad-free. This is worth considering if ads disrupt your planning experience.
Can I plan international trips with free planners?
Google Maps works worldwide for free. RideHop Free covers global locations through Mapbox and offers bilingual support (English/Spanish). Roadtrippers Free is primarily focused on the US. Wanderlog Free works internationally with basic coverage.
Ready to Plan Your Next Trip?
Plan the route, the days and the costs in one place. Start with 7 days of Pro. No card needed.