Multi Stop Route Planner: How to Efficiently Plan Your Trips

Do you want to plan multiple stops for your personal or business trips manually? Planning routes with many stops can be a tedious and time-consuming process. However, with the help of a multi stop route planner, it can be much simpler and more efficient. This tool helps individuals or businesses optimize their travel routes with multiple stops, saving time and fuel costs and increasing efficiency.

In this article, we’ll explore multi stop route planning and its importance for personal and business use. We’ll also guide you through planning a route with numerous stops on a map using a multi stop route planner. Additionally, this article will discuss the various tools that can help you to plan your trips easily.

A lady writing down plans for her next trip in her diary.

Benefits of Multi Stop Route Planners and Why They Are Important for Easy Trips

Are you tired of planning your trips with only one destination at a time? The multi stop route planner is the solution for you. It has numerous personal and business benefits. Without further ado, let’s consider a few of them.

  1. It Saves Time and Increases Efficiency

Multi stop route planners help you save time by optimizing your routes, reducing backtracking, and ensuring you take the best route. This saves you time and allows you to complete your tasks quicker. Ultimately, this increases your efficiency in your business.

  1. It is Cost-Effective

They can save you money on fuel and other travel expenses by optimizing your routes and reducing your travel time. Certain route planners can even help you calculate fuel costs, mileage, and estimated travel time to help you cut unnecessary costs.

  1. It Reduces Stress and Fatigue

Route planners also help you reduce stress and fatigue associated with travel by considering factors like traffic, weather, and road conditions. Many route planners provide real-time traffic information and alert you of road hazards. They also suggest alternative routes to help you avoid traffic and reduce travel stress.

A user viewing the revenue of his delivery business on his PC.

The Features and Mode of Operation of a Good Multi Stop Route Planner

Like every other software, a multi stop route planner comes with unique features and a user interface that makes the navigation of the software easy. Here are a few features that a good multi stop planner should have.

  1. Allows the Entry of Multiple Destinations 

A good route planner should allow you to enter various destinations, including addresses or landmarks. It should also allow you to optimize the route to visit all the locations and easily understand how to navigate the map to your desired location. For example, FlightMap allows users to enter up to 200 stops per month.

  1. Calculates the Most Efficient Route

An excellent multi stop route planner should be able to calculate the most efficient route based on several factors, such as distance, traffic, and road conditions. For example, Google Maps uses machine learning to calculate the fastest route, considering real-time traffic data, road closures, and other factors.

  1. Provides Turn-By-Turn Directions

A route planner provides turn-by-turn directions and guidance so users know exactly where to go and how to get there. A classic example is Waze, which provides real-time navigation and alerts drivers about upcoming hazards, traffic jams, and speed traps.

  1. Allows for Real-time Updates and Modifications 

An excellent route planner enables you to make real-time updates and modifications to your route in case of unexpected changes or delays. For instance, Route4Me allows users to modify their routes in real-time and optimizes routes for businesses with multiple drivers and deliveries.

Two workers planning a delivery trip with a good multi stop route planner.

Different Categories of Multi Stop Route Planners

Multi-stop route planners come in various forms, each with features and advantages. Some enable users to calculate the most effective path depending on traffic, distance, and time. Here is a list of multi stop route planners based on their nature and the best way to access them.

  • Web-Based Route Planners: These planners are only accessible through a web browser and require an internet connection. Examples include Mapize and RouteXL.
  • Mobile App-Based Route Planners: This is the most common of multi stop route planners. You can download and install it on a mobile device that sometimes functions offline. Examples include Google Maps and Waze.
  • GPS-Enabled Route Planners: This set of route planners uses GPS technology to provide turn-by-turn directions and real-time updates. Examples include TomTom and Garmin.
  • Map-Based Route Planners: This planner lets you plan your routes visually on a map interface. Examples include Mapize and Bing Maps.

Factors To Consider When Choosing the Multi Stop Route Planners for Personal or Business Purpose

Planning a trip with multiple stops can be overwhelming. However, choosing the right multi stop route planner can make it much more effortless. Whether you need them for personal or corporate purposes, here are factors you should consider while selecting a route planner.

  1. Features and Functionalities

This refers to the route planner’s tools and capabilities. When choosing a route planner, one key element is its ability to add multiple stops and optimize routes. Another feature to consider is the ability to provide real-time traffic information. For example, Waze is famous for its real-time traffic updates and provides alternative routes to avoid traffic.

A mug, planner, and a smartphone on a table.

2. User Interface and Ease of Use

This is an essential factor to be considered for a multi stop route planner. A good route planner should have a simple and intuitive interface that allows you to add, remove, and rearrange stops easily. For example, Mapize offers a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality for easy route planning.

3. Compatibility with Mobile Devices

Since many people use their phones or tablets to navigate, choosing a route planner compatible with mobile devices is essential. The route planner should have a mobile app that can be easily downloaded and used. For example, Google Maps has a mobile app that you can use to plan and navigate multiple stops on the go.

4. Price and Value for Money

While some route planners are free, others charge a fee. It’s important to consider the price and value for money when choosing a route planner. For example, MyRouteOnline charges a fee for certain features, such as optimizing routes with unlimited stops.

The Best Multi Stop Route Planners in the Market Today

There are many multi stop route planners available today. Each of them has their fair share of benefits and limitations. Without further ado, let’s quickly discuss the four best multi stop route planners available today.

  1. Google Maps

This is one of the most popular route planners, thanks to its extensive mapping data and features. It allows you to plan a route with multiple stops easily. It also has options for various modes of transportation. Google Maps provides real-time traffic information and suggestions for the most efficient routes.

  1. Waze

This app is famous for its community-driven approach to traffic updates and route planning. It provides real-time traffic updates and alerts for hazards and road closures. Waze allows users to customize their route preferences and add multiple stops easily. 

Waze’s community-driven data is one of its major advantages. To give accurate traffic information and suggestions for the best routes, the app depends on real-time updates from users. This makes it an outstanding tool for avoiding traffic jams and finding the fastest routes.

  1. Badger Maps

Badger Maps is a route planner that specifically caters to sales teams. It has a number of advantageous functionalities. For instance, it can help with lead generation, CRM integration, and territory management. In addition, Badger Maps enables users to enter several stops easily and creates an optimized route based on calculated variables. It also provides real-time traffic updates and integrates with popular software applications like Google Maps.

  1. Route4Me

This is another multi stop route planner that helps users optimize their routes and offers a range of features. These features include real-time traffic information and drag-and-drop route editing. Route4Me also allows users to save and customize their route preferences.

Examples of Free Multi Stop Route Planners

It is important to note that most free multi stop route planners usually have basic features and limited route optimization capabilities. On the flip side, their subscription-based counterparts offer advanced features and functionalities. These functionalities include unlimited stops, multiple route optimization options, and integration with other tools and software.

The choice between free and paid depends on your specific needs and budget. However, here are a few multi stop route planners that you can use for free.

  • Google Maps
  • Waze
  • Apple Maps 
  • MapQuest 
  • HERE WeGo
  • Speedy Route
A young lady planning her next trip with a multi stop route planner on her mobile phone.

How To Plan Your Trips via a Multi Stop Driving Route Planner

Without any doubt, planning a trip that involves numerous destinations can be daunting. However, you can easily schedule an efficient multi stop driving route with the right tools and techniques. When using a multi stop route planner, here are the steps to take to save you time and make your trip easy.

  1. Choose Your Desired Multi Stop Planner

The first step to take when planning a trip is to choose your desired multi stop driving route planner. As we’ve discussed earlier, there are numerous route planners you can choose from. However, it is important to pick one that suits your needs. For instance, certain planners enable users to enter an uncapped number of stops, while others are much more limited. Furthermore, some are free to use, while others are subscription-based. 

  1. Input Your Starting Point, Stops, and Final Destination

The next step is to input starting point, stops, and destination. These stops can include landmarks, shops, or customer locations where you want to deliver. You can use this to plan your itinerary and calculate the travel time and distance to each location.

  1. Optimize Your Route

Once you input your starting point, stops, and final destination, the multiple stop planner will optimize your routes based on certain variables. These variables include traffic, time, and distance. This will help you maximize time and reach your destinations most efficiently.

  1. Review Your Route and Make Modifications

Checking your route and making any required modifications after the route planner has optimized it is crucial. This could imply adjusting your route to circumvent traffic, adding or removing stops, or rearranging your destinations. Voila! You’ve successfully planned a trip with multiple stops. 

A woman in her car navigating through her driving route.

Mapize Is the Right Mapping Platform To Help Plan Your Routes

Multi-stop route planners are essential for personal and business use. They help to save time, reduce stress, and optimize travel plans. This guide has covered the types, factors to consider, and the best route planners you can use. 

Interestingly, one platform that can make multi-stop route planning even easier is Mapize. This innovative mapping platform provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to generate custom maps, add makers, and optimize routes between multiple destinations. 

A notable feature of Mapize is its integration with other navigation applications like Google Maps. This integration makes it easier for you to import and export data from these platforms, which you can use to create routes effectively. 

Overall, Mapize provides the best services as a multi-stop route planner, saves you time, and increases productivity. Try Mapize out today, create your first map for free, and see the difference for yourself.

Start creating map

Drag and drop your file (xls, xlsx or csv) Use our sample data, by clicking here. Or

AddressCityStateZipcodeNamePhone NumberGroupURLEmail
12032 SE Sunnyside rdClackamasOR97015Safeway Clackamas(503) 698-1121Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/clackamas/12032-se-sunnyside-rd.html[email protected]
4715 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez BlvdPortlandOR97202Trader Joe's Portland SE(503) 777-1601Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/portland/143/[email protected]
3380 Lancaster Dr NESalemOR 97305Safeway Salem(503) 399-1502Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/salem/3380-lancaster-dr-ne.html[email protected]
12220 SW Scholls Ferry RdTigardOR97223Whole Foods Market Greenway(971) 371-7000Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/greenway[email protected]
8145 SW Barbur BlvdPortlandOR97219Safeway Barbur(503) 452-6068Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/portland/8145-sw-barbur-blvd.html[email protected]
1550 NW 9th St Ste 100CorvallisOR97330Trader Joe's Corvallis(541) 753-0048Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/corvallis/154/[email protected]
1210 NW Couch StPortlandOR97209Whole Foods Market Pearl(503) 525-4343Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/pearl[email protected]
353 E Broadway EugeneOR97401Whole Foods Market Eugene(541) 434-8820Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/eugene[email protected]
3527 SE 122nd AvePortlandOR97236Safeway 122nd(503) 760-5448Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/portland/3527-se-122nd-ave.html[email protected]
9940 NE Cornell RdHillsboro OR97124Whole Foods Market Tanasbourne(503) 645-9200Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/tanasbourne[email protected]
15391 Bangy RdLake OswegoOR97035Trader Joe's Oswego(503) 639-3238Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/lake-oswego/142/[email protected]
2490 OR-99WMcMinnivilleOR97128Safeway McMinniville(503) 435-3120Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/mcminnville/2490-n-hwy-99-w.html[email protected]
4121 NE Halsey StPortlandOR97232Trader Joe's Portland Hollywood(503) 284-4232Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/portland/144/[email protected]
Drag and drop your file here

- OR -

Copy + paste your data include column files

AddressCityStateZipcodeNamePhone NumberGroupURLEmail
12032 SE Sunnyside rdClackamasOR97015Safeway Clackamas(503) 698-1121Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/clackamas/12032-se-sunnyside-rd.html[email protected]
4715 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez BlvdPortlandOR97202Trader Joe's Portland SE(503) 777-1601Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/portland/143/[email protected]
3380 Lancaster Dr NESalemOR 97305Safeway Salem(503) 399-1502Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/salem/3380-lancaster-dr-ne.html[email protected]
12220 SW Scholls Ferry RdTigardOR97223Whole Foods Market Greenway(971) 371-7000Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/greenway[email protected]
8145 SW Barbur BlvdPortlandOR97219Safeway Barbur(503) 452-6068Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/portland/8145-sw-barbur-blvd.html[email protected]
1550 NW 9th St Ste 100CorvallisOR97330Trader Joe's Corvallis(541) 753-0048Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/corvallis/154/[email protected]
1210 NW Couch StPortlandOR97209Whole Foods Market Pearl(503) 525-4343Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/pearl[email protected]
353 E Broadway EugeneOR97401Whole Foods Market Eugene(541) 434-8820Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/eugene[email protected]
3527 SE 122nd AvePortlandOR97236Safeway 122nd(503) 760-5448Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/portland/3527-se-122nd-ave.html[email protected]
9940 NE Cornell RdHillsboro OR97124Whole Foods Market Tanasbourne(503) 645-9200Group Ahttps://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/tanasbourne[email protected]
15391 Bangy RdLake OswegoOR97035Trader Joe's Oswego(503) 639-3238Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/lake-oswego/142/[email protected]
2490 OR-99WMcMinnivilleOR97128Safeway McMinniville(503) 435-3120Group Bhttps://local.safeway.com/safeway/or/mcminnville/2490-n-hwy-99-w.html[email protected]
4121 NE Halsey StPortlandOR97232Trader Joe's Portland Hollywood(503) 284-4232Group Chttps://locations.traderjoes.com/or/portland/144/[email protected]
Copy + paste your data
Configuration

Map Fields

+ Add Custom Field
Show More

    Oh no!

    On the free tier you can only map up to 150 locations at one time. Please add a plan if you wish to map more than 150 locations.

    Related Articles