Top Road Trip Apps to Help You Save on Gas, Avoid Traffic, and More

Technology has transformed travel in numerous ways. Gone are the days of paper maps and standalone GPS; we now rely on Google and Apple Maps. CDs have been replaced by music streaming, and apps keep road-trippers updated on nearby attractions in real time. One thing is clear: smartphones have made road trips significantly easier and often more affordable.

If you're looking for a digital road trip planner to organize your next adventure or a tool to help dodge traffic, here are 11 top road trip apps to download before you hit the road.

Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers is among the most effective and popular road trip planning apps available. Whether you want to explore national parks or discover quirky roadside attractions, this app has you covered. You can easily plan your stops within the app, adding up to three waypoints for free or 150 with a Roadtrippers Premium subscription. Additionally, Basic and Pro memberships allow for 20 and 50 waypoints per trip, respectively. Higher-tier memberships enable collaboration with friends and family and offer navigation features. The app includes information on lodging, attractions, outdoor spots, restaurants, activities, shopping, fuel, and more across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The app is free to use, but you'll need to upgrade to a membership plan to access all features. The Basic plan is $40 per year, the Pro plan costs $50 per year, and the Premium plan is $60 per year. It’s available on iOS and Android.

Google Maps

Every road trip requires a reliable navigation app, and Google Maps consistently ranks as one of the most downloaded apps in the U.S. each year. Its popularity stems from its extensive data, which enables it to provide optimal directions based on distance, road conditions, and traffic patterns.

Google Maps offers route alternatives and gives precise estimates on travel time from point A to point B. Additionally, you can add multiple waypoints along your journey—whether it’s for a morning coffee break or an overnight hotel (complete with reviews available in the app).

Google Maps is free to use and can be downloaded on iOS and Android.

Waze

Waze is another leading navigation app. With real-time updates that help you dodge traffic jams, construction, and more, it enables you to navigate new cities and unfamiliar streets like a local. It tends to be more proactive than Google Maps when adjusting routes in response to issues, meaning Waze users should be ready for a potentially unpredictable drive.

No one wants to waste hours stuck in traffic instead of adventuring, which is why Waze’s ability to gather data from other drivers to enhance the driving experience is incredibly valuable. The app is free and available on iOS and Android.

GasBuddy

Fuel costs can significantly impact your road trip budget, but GasBuddy helps you save some cash. This app gathers current fuel prices from over 150,000 gas stations across the U.S. and Canada, and it also indicates how recent the price updates are, so you can avoid outdated information.

GasBuddy is not only great for finding cheap gas, but it also helps locate gas stations (and parking) in unfamiliar areas, which can be a challenge. The app is free and can be downloaded on iOS and Android. Remember to contribute by submitting the gas prices you encounter while on the road.

Roadside America

The quirky and kitschy roadside attractions scattered across the U.S. often provide some of the most enjoyable experiences during a road trip. The Roadside America app helps you discover these unique stops worth visiting, like the giant sculpture of a cartoon mouse holding a cheese platter in Plain, Wisconsin, or the peculiar larger-than-life three-way electrical plug on a lawn in Philadelphia. The app includes museums, murals, tours, quirky dining spots, and great photo opportunities.

Roadside America is available for $3 to download, granting access to one region within the app. You can buy additional regions for $2 each or gain access to all of the U.S. and Canada for an extra $7. The app is exclusively available on iOS.

iExit Interstate Exit Guide

Deciding where to grab road trip snacks, a drive-through coffee, or find a restroom can be tough with exit signs zooming past at 70 mph, but iExit Interstate Exit Guide simplifies the process. The app shows upcoming exits on your route, detailing what’s available at each—food, lodging, fuel, and even hospitals. It retrieves fuel prices from OPIS (the Oil Price Information Service) and provides Yelp reviews for local businesses.

The app is free to download and can be found on both iOS and Android.

HotelTonight

Even with a well-planned itinerary, you might find yourself needing to stop for the night unexpectedly. Driving can be exhausting, and taking unplanned naps can be crucial. HotelTonight assists you in finding last-minute accommodations. The app offers same-day deals on unsold rooms, and its user-friendly interface allows you to secure a discounted room in just minutes. With over 1,000 options worldwide, from Mexico City to Jakarta, your road trip can go global if you choose.

It's free to download and available on iOS and Android.

Airbnb

If your travel style leans more towards staying in a cozy A-frame cabin, a yurt, or a private guest house nestled in someone's garden rather than hopping between hotels, then Airbnb is your ideal solution. The Airbnb app allows you to browse millions of properties across the U.S. on a map and check reviews before making a reservation, whether you prefer to book ahead or at the last moment.

The app not only showcases vacation rentals but also offers activities, so if you want to immerse yourself in a city like a local, you can join a pottery class or take a guided walking tour, for instance.

The Airbnb app is free to use and can be downloaded on iOS or Android.

The Dyrt

For travelers who dream of sleeping under the stars, downloading The Dyrt is a must. This free app helps you discover tent, RV, and cabin sites throughout the U.S. As one of the leading camping apps available on iOS and Android, it boasts over a million registered users who contribute reviews, photos, and tips. With The Dyrt, you gain valuable insights about campsites and access to a community that enhances the camping experience, making it both enjoyable and secure. You can even book some campsites directly through the app.

While the app is free, there’s a premium version available for $36 per year that allows you to plan trips and search for campsites offline — a great feature for remote areas.

Spotify

What would a road trip be without an ideal playlist? Whether you're looking to compile nostalgic sing-alongs, contemporary pop hits, or tunes that resonate with your destination, you can discover even the rarest tracks on Spotify, boasting over 100 million songs. When you've had enough of Taylor Swift, switch to podcasts or audiobooks to keep you entertained. Road trips provide a perfect chance to delve into a captivating docuseries like "Serial," a classic favorite.

Spotify is free to download and listen to, though the ads can be frustrating, and streaming might drain your phone's data. A more appealing choice is to opt for a premium membership at $11 a month. This version is ad-free and allows you to download music for offline listening. You can access the Spotify app on iOS and Android.

PlugShare

With the rise of electric vehicles, eco-friendly road trips are becoming more popular. However, finding charging stations can be challenging, as most EVs can travel only 100 to 300 miles before needing a charge. PlugShare offers a database of 700,000 charging stations throughout North America, Europe, and more. Users provide reviews of these stations, assisting EV drivers in locating the best, fastest, and most reliable charging options.

PlugShare is free to download and is available on iOS and Android.