Navigating the roads with confidence requires an efficient and reliable route planner. For years, MapQuest has been a go-to resource for travelers, offering driving directions, maps, and a host of route-planning features. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or simply looking for the quickest way to your destination, the MapQuest Route Planner can make the task simpler and more efficient. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using the MapQuest Route Planner, including its features, how to use it for calculating mileage, and addressing common questions like whether it’s still free and functional.
Table of Contents
What Happened to MapQuest Route Planner Driving Directions?
Once a dominant player in the online mapping and navigation industry, MapQuest faced stiff competition with the rise of Google Maps and other GPS-based services. This shift led many to wonder if MapQuest is still available and whether its features, such as driving directions, are still active.
The good news is that MapQuest Route Planner continues to operate, providing users with robust driving directions and routing capabilities. While it may not have the same dominance as in the early 2000s, MapQuest has adapted and evolved to offer modern features, including interactive maps, real-time traffic updates, and turn-by-turn navigation. It still serves a significant user base who prefer its simple and intuitive interface over other platforms.
Is MapQuest Route Planner Free?
One of the biggest draws of MapQuest is that its Route Planner is free to use. There are no subscription fees or paywalls preventing users from accessing its essential tools. Users can easily access driving directions, route planning, and maps without any hidden costs.
However, while the basic service is free, MapQuest does offer additional services that may incur a fee, particularly for businesses. For example, companies that require extensive mapping or API integration for their websites may be required to purchase premium services. For the everyday user, though, MapQuest Route Planner remains a free and accessible tool.
How to Use the MapQuest Route Planner
Using the MapQuest Route Planner is straightforward and user-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Access the MapQuest Website
To begin using the MapQuest Route Planner, navigate to MapQuest’s website. Once you’re on the homepage, you’ll see a search bar where you can enter your starting point and destination. This is the key tool for planning your route.
Step 2: Enter Your Starting Point and Destination
In the search bar, input your starting location and your destination. You can enter an exact address, a city, or even a landmark, and MapQuest will generate the best possible routes. If you’re planning multiple stops on your journey, you can easily add these along the way by clicking the “Add Stop” option.
Step 3: Choose Your Route
Once you’ve entered your destinations, MapQuest will display a few route options. Typically, you’ll be shown the fastest route, along with alternate options that may be longer but have less traffic or avoid tolls. Each route option will show estimated driving times and distances, helping you choose the best path based on your priorities.
Step 4: Customize Your Route
One of the great features of MapQuest Route Planner is its customization options. You can adjust the route by adding stops, avoiding highways or toll roads, and even recalculating based on live traffic data. If you’re looking for the most scenic route or want to bypass busy city streets, these customization features can make your journey more enjoyable and less stressful.
Step 5: Save, Print, or Share Your Route
After planning your route, MapQuest allows you to save it for future reference. You can also print it out or share the route via email or text, making it easy to share with travel companions. The printed directions include step-by-step instructions with detailed landmarks, which can be especially helpful if you’re traveling in areas with poor internet connectivity.
How to Use the MapQuest Route Planner Mileage Calculator
In addition to driving directions, MapQuest offers a handy Mileage Calculator that can be particularly useful for road trips, business trips, or delivery routes where tracking mileage is important. Here’s how to use this feature:
Step 1: Access the Mileage Calculator
You can find the Mileage Calculator feature directly on the MapQuest Route Planner page. Begin by entering your starting and ending points, just as you would when planning a regular route.
Step 2: Calculate Mileage
Once you’ve input your locations, MapQuest will automatically calculate the total distance in miles. If you have multiple stops, the tool will calculate the mileage for each leg of the trip, as well as the overall mileage for the entire journey.
Step 3: Use Additional Features
For businesses or long-distance travelers, the MapQuest Mileage Calculator offers additional features. You can estimate fuel costs based on the mileage, as well as track fuel efficiency. These features are helpful for budgeting and ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the travel expenses involved.
Why Use MapQuest Route Planner?
While there are many other route planners available today, MapQuest still offers several benefits that set it apart:
- User-Friendly Interface: MapQuest’s interface is simple and easy to navigate, making it accessible to users of all ages and tech expertise.
- Customizable Routes: Unlike some other navigation tools, MapQuest allows for greater route customization, including multiple stops, alternate routes, and avoiding tolls.
- Free to Use: For the average user, all the core features of the MapQuest Route Planner are available at no cost, making it an affordable option for travelers.
- Mileage Calculator: This built-in tool is ideal for those who need to keep track of distances, whether for business or personal use.
Conclusion
The MapQuest Route Planner remains a valuable tool for anyone looking to plan a trip, calculate mileage, or get detailed driving directions. Its user-friendly interface, customizable options, and mileage calculator make it a solid choice, even in a world dominated by Google Maps and other GPS services. Best of all, it remains free to use for most users, ensuring that you can plan your next trip without breaking the bank.
