With the growing popularity of road trips and overland adventures, tools that help travelers plan routes, discover attractions, and make the most of their journey have become essential. Among the most popular apps in this space is Roadtrippers. Designed for wanderers and spontaneous explorers, Roadtrippers promises to turn every drive into an adventure. But one of the most frequently asked questions users have is: Is the Roadtrippers app free?
The short answer is yes—Roadtrippers offers a free version. However, diving deeper reveals a tiered model with both free and paid features. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about Roadtrippers’ pricing structure, capabilities, and overall value to help you decide whether it’s worth upgrading to a paid plan or sticking with the free version.
Understanding Roadtrippers: What the App Offers
Before examining the cost of Roadtrippers, it’s crucial to understand what the app actually does. Roadtrippers is a route-planning tool tailored for road trips, helping users discover points of interest, plan scenic routes, estimate fuel costs, and find unique stops along the way.
Imagine driving cross-country and not just following the fastest route on a navigation app—but discovering quirky roadside attractions, national parks, local diners, and hidden gems that make the journey as memorable as the destination. That’s where Roadtrippers shines.
Core Features of Roadtrippers
- Route Planning: Create custom routes with multiple stops, adjust detours, and compare different travel paths.
- Point-of-Interest (POI) Discovery: Access a database of over 4.5 million unique attractions, including parks, museums, diners, and more.
- Offline Maps: Access maps without an internet connection, crucial for rural or remote areas.
- Travel Time & Fuel Cost Estimator: Get accurate predictions on how long your trip will take and how much fuel you’ll consume.
- Integration with Rentals & Campgrounds: Book RVs, campgrounds, and accommodations directly through the app.
Now, the million-dollar question: can you access these tools without paying? Let’s unpack the free version and its limitations.
Roadtrippers Free Plan: What You Get at No Cost
The Roadtrippers free plan is robust and ideal for casual users or travelers who plan occasional road trips. It includes many of the core functionalities that make the app stand out.
What Features Are Included in the Free Version?
While Roadtrippers doesn’t lock all its valuable tools behind a paywall, the free tier comes with certain restrictions. Here’s a detailed look:
1. Basic Route Planning
With the free plan, you can create and customize up to 3 multi-stop routes per month. This is enough for many users who plan quarterly trips or weekend getaways. Each route can include multiple points of interest, and you can rearrange the order with drag-and-drop functionality.
2. Access to Millions of Attractions
Users can search and view the full database of attractions, from famous landmarks to roadside oddities. Whether it’s the world’s largest ball of twine or a hidden waterfall, the free version lets you discover it.
3>Travel Time and Distance Estimates
The app calculates estimated drive time and distance between destinations, helping you budget your road trip timeline. However, advanced features like dynamic estimates that factor in traffic or weather require a subscription.
4. Limited Offline Access
While the free version supports some offline functions, full offline map access is restricted. You may be able to view previously visited routes offline but cannot download new ones.
5. Ads and Limited Customization
A noticeable downside of the free version is the presence of advertisements. These ads appear in the form of sponsored listings and may subtly influence the visibility of certain attractions or accommodations.
Additionally, customization options are minimal—you can’t create unlimited road trip collections or use advanced filters to search only pet-friendly stops, for example.
Limitations of the Free Version
Despite its strengths, the free plan has significant limitations that may affect frequent or power users:
- Only 3 multi-stop routes per month
- No real-time traffic or detour suggestions
- Ads and sponsored content appear in search results
- Limited access to RV-specific features
- No personalized trips collections beyond a few saved routes
If you’re planning only a couple of road trips a year, the free version may be perfectly adequate. But for more in-depth planning, especially for long journeys or full-time travelers, you’ll likely want more functionality.
Roadtrippers Plus: The Paid Subscription Explained
Recognizing the limitations of the free version, Roadtrippers offers a subscription upgrade called Roadtrippers Plus. This premium tier unlocks advanced tools and removes restrictions that hamper usability.
How Much Does Roadtrippers Plus Cost?
As of the latest update, Roadtrippers Plus is available at several different price points depending on the subscription term:
| Subscription Tier | Price | Billing Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Roadtrippers Plus Monthly | $29.99/month | Monthly |
| Roadtrippers Plus Annual | $199.99/year | Annual (approx. $16.67/month) |
| Roadtrippers Premier (RV-focused) | $349.99/year | Annual |
Note: Prices may vary based on platform (iOS vs. Android vs. web) and ongoing promotions. Roadtrippers occasionally features discounted rates for new subscribers.
What You Get with Roadtrippers Plus
Upgrading to Roadtrippers Plus significantly enhances the experience. Here’s a breakdown of the premium features:
1. Unlimited Multi-Stop Routes
No more monthly limit—create as many routes as you want. This is ideal for complex road trips, cross-country tours, or planning multiple itineraries for different groups.
2. Offline Maps and Navigation
Download entire road trip routes for offline use. This is a game-changer for travelers heading into areas with spotty or no cell service. You won’t lose your route just because you’ve ventured off the grid.
3. Personalized Trip Collections
Save and organize your favorite destinations into collections—like “Best National Parks” or “Dog-Friendly Campgrounds.” This helps you plan faster in the future and revisit memorable spots.
4. Advanced Search & Filters
Filter attractions by pet-friendliness, wheelchair accessibility, admission cost, and opening hours. This adds a layer of precision that’s priceless for families, RV travelers, and people with specific needs.
5. Real-Time Traffic & Road Condition Alerts
The paid version includes updated traffic data, accident alerts, and weather conditions that impact your drive. These features help you avoid congestion and stay safe on long hauls.
6. RV and Camper-Specific Tools
Roadtrippers Plus includes RV stop planning, with filters for dump stations, pet-friendly parks, and locations compatible with large vehicles. The Premier plan takes this even further, offering load-based routing and detailed campground reviews from the community.
7. Ad-Free Experience
Say goodbye to sponsored listings cluttering your search results. You’ll get unbiased recommendations based purely on your preferences.
8. Trip Sharing & Collaboration
Premium users can share trip plans with family and friends, allowing real-time collaboration. This is especially useful when traveling in a group and everyone wants input on the itinerary.
Is Roadtrippers Plus Worth the Price?
The value of upgrading depends on your travel habits. Consider these factors:
For Occasional Travelers
If you plan one or two road trips a year—perhaps a summer vacation or a holiday drive—the free version may be sufficient. You’ll still access powerful planning tools and enjoy discovery-focused navigation without needing the premium bells and whistles.
For Frequent or RV Travelers
For those who travel monthly, spend extended time on the road, or operate an RV, Roadtrippers Plus is almost essential. The ability to download offline maps, filter for RV-specific needs, and plan complex routes without monthly limits adds real value.
Let’s do a quick cost-benefit analysis:
At $199.99/year, Roadtrippers Plus averages about $5.48 per week. Compare that to:
- The cost of a single roadside meal or unexpected detour due to poor route prep
- Time saved by not manually researching pet-friendly stops or dump stations
- Peace of mind knowing you have reliable offline maps during emergencies
From this perspective, the investment pays for itself in reduced stress, improved safety, and richer travel experiences.
How Roadtrippers Compares to Other Travel Apps
Is Roadtrippers the only choice for road trip planning? Let’s see how it stacks up against competitors—especially when weighing free access versus paid features.
Google Maps vs. Roadtrippers
Google Maps is free and offers turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic, and multi-stop routes. However, it lacks a discovery engine focused on quirky or scenic attractions. While Google can show restaurants and gas stations, it doesn’t curate unique experiences the way Roadtrippers does.
Additionally, Google Maps doesn’t deeply integrate booking options for campgrounds or RV rentals. Roadtrippers’ network of travel partners gives it an edge in experiential planning.
Waze and Apple Maps
Waze excels in real-time traffic and community-based alerts but is not designed for long-distance trip planning. Apple Maps now supports multi-stop routing but still lags in POI discovery and off-the-beaten-path recommendations.
Dedicated RV Apps
Apps like “AllStays” or “RV LIFE” offer strong RV-specific features. However, they often lack the broad, user-friendly interface and scenic exploration focus that Roadtrippers provides. Where Roadtrippers differentiates itself is in making every drive feel like an adventure, not just logistics.
Who Should Use Roadtrippers for Free?
The free version of Roadtrippers suits specific user profiles well. Consider using it if:
- You travel 1–3 times per year and mostly for short-to-moderate road trips.
- You enjoy exploring on a whim and discovering new places without strict scheduling.
- You’re on a budget and want to avoid subscription costs without sacrificing all functionality.
- You use the app in tandem with other navigation apps like Google Maps for real-time tracking.
Moreover, students, young travelers, or couples planning weekend escapes may find the free tier more than sufficient. It still provides an engaging, visual, and interactive way to craft itineraries.
When to Upgrade to Roadtrippers Plus
While the free app is strong, you should consider upgrading if:
- You’re planning a multi-week or cross-country journey and need detailed route planning.
- You’re an RV or van lifer who relies on dump stations, pet-friendly policies, and large-vehicle accommodations.
- You frequently travel with pets or children and need filtered attractions that suit your needs.
- You venture into remote areas where offline maps and pre-downloaded routes are critical.
- You want an ad-free, distraction-free planning experience with smooth performance.
Roadtrippers Plus also shines for content creators, travel writers, and influencers who document road trips in real time. The ability to save and share detailed itineraries helps with consistency, storytelling, and engagement.
Tips for Maximizing the Free Version
Even if you’re not ready to pay, you can still get excellent mileage out of Roadtrippers. Here are practical tips:
1. Plan Ahead Within the 3-Routes Limit
Use your three monthly routes strategically. Break a long trip into segments—for example, plan “Leg 1: Midwest,” “Leg 2: Rockies,” and “Leg 3: West Coast” as separate routes. This works especially well if you’re not planning trips in quick succession.
2. Bookmark Attractions for Later
Even if you can’t create a new route, browse attractions and save them to favorites. Later, you can combine them into a trip when your monthly counter refreshes.
3. Use External Tools for Navigation
Pair Roadtrippers with Google Maps or Waze. Plan the stops and order of destinations in Roadtrippers, then export the route or manually enter it into navigation apps for real-time guidance.
4. Focus on High-Value Free Features
Prioritize the tools that don’t require a subscription—attraction search, distance/time estimates, and photo-rich listings. These alone can enhance any road trip.
5. Watch for Promotions and Trials
Roadtrippers sometimes offers free trials of Plus or discounted annual rates during holidays or travel seasons. Sign up for their newsletter to get notified.
The Verdict: Is Roadtrippers Free or Worth Paying For?
After reviewing all aspects, the answer to “Is the Roadtrippers app free?” is nuanced. Yes, Roadtrippers has a free version that provides meaningful functionality for occasional travelers. It includes route planning, millions of attractions, and trip estimation tools—enough to plan a great road adventure without paying a dime.
But the app’s true potential shines in its paid version, Roadtrippers Plus. For frequent travelers, RV enthusiasts, and those who want rich, ad-free, and fully customizable road trip planning, the subscription is a smart investment.
Final Thoughts
Roadtrippers strikes an admirable balance between accessibility and premium innovation. It doesn’t bait users with a limited free trial and then lock everything behind a paywall. Instead, it offers a functional free tier while giving power users clear reasons to upgrade.
Whether you’re hitting the highway for a weekend or embarking on a year-long nomadic journey, Roadtrippers can adapt to your needs. The free version opens the door to adventure—you just have to decide how far you want to go.
Bottom Line
- Want essential route planning and discovery? Free Roadtrippers works.
- Need offline maps, unlimited routes, and advanced tools? Upgrade to Plus.
- Traveling in an RV or full-time? Consider Premier for maximum value.
The road is open. Which version of Roadtrippers will you take with you?
Is the Roadtrippers App completely free to use?
Yes, the Roadtrippers App offers a free version that allows users to plan road trips, search for points of interest, and access basic map features. This free tier includes essential tools like route planning, turn-by-turn directions, and the ability to save a limited number of locations and trips. However, some advanced features and content are restricted, encouraging users to upgrade for a more comprehensive experience.
While the free version is excellent for casual users or those planning simple trips, it does include ads and lacks premium functionalities such as offline access, ad-free navigation, and highly detailed route customization. For travelers seeking deeper insights, more search filters, and enhanced planning tools, Roadtrippers+ (the paid subscription) becomes a more appealing option. The free tier serves as a solid introduction, but serious road trippers often find the upgrade worthwhile.
What features are included in the free version of Roadtrippers?
The free version of Roadtrippers provides core functionality that meets the needs of many travelers. Users can build custom road trip itineraries, calculate driving distances and times, and discover millions of points of interest such as campgrounds, restaurants, attractions, and scenic routes. The app integrates with Google Maps to offer turn-by-turn navigation and allows the saving of up to five favorite places and a limited number of trips.
Additionally, the free version features basic search filters to help narrow down results by category, distance, and user ratings. While this version includes ads and limited customization options, it still offers a robust starting point for planning trips across North America. It’s ideal for short getaways or users who want to explore the app’s capabilities before committing to a subscription.
What is Roadtrippers+ and how much does it cost?
Roadtrippers+ is the premium subscription tier that unlocks the app’s full potential with enhanced features and an ad-free experience. Pricing varies depending on the subscription plan—users can choose a monthly option at around $29.99 or save significantly with an annual subscription of approximately $99.99, which breaks down to under $8.33 per month. The subscription includes access to exclusive tools that optimize road trip planning.
With Roadtrippers+, users gain features such as offline map access, advanced search filters, higher limits on saved places and trips, custom route layers, and exclusive content like curated road trip guides and hidden gems. The subscription also enables priority customer support and deeper integration with RV trip planning, making it especially valuable for frequent travelers or those embarking on extended journeys.
Are there any hidden fees associated with using the Roadtrippers App?
No, there are no hidden fees with the Roadtrippers App. The free version is genuinely free, with no charges to access its core route planning and discovery features. Any additional costs are entirely transparent and occur only if you choose to upgrade to Roadtrippers+, which is a clearly advertised subscription service. The app does not use in-app purchases beyond the subscription model.
Users are not charged automatically unless they explicitly sign up for the paid version. Roadtrippers provides a free trial for Roadtrippers+ to let users test the premium features before committing. The trial period is clearly stated, and users must enter payment information only if they wish to continue after the trial ends. This ensures full transparency and prevents unexpected charges.
Is the free version sufficient for long road trips?
For short or moderately complex trips, the free version of Roadtrippers can be adequate, allowing users to plan routes and find nearby attractions. It provides essential navigation tools and access to a large database of points of interest across the U.S. and Canada. However, limitations such as ad interruptions, lack of offline access, and fewer saved trip slots may hinder the experience on longer journeys.
Long road trips often require detailed planning, offline capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple destinations efficiently—features available only in Roadtrippers+. Without offline maps, users may struggle in areas with poor connectivity. Additionally, the ability to customize routes with specific filters (like pet-friendly stops or EV charging stations) is limited in the free version. For an uninterrupted and more detailed experience, the upgrade is recommended.
Can I switch from the free version to Roadtrippers+ later?
Yes, users can upgrade from the free version to Roadtrippers+ at any time through the app’s settings or subscription page. The process is straightforward and only requires selecting the preferred plan (monthly or annual) and entering payment information. All saved trips and preferences from the free version carry over seamlessly, ensuring no data loss during the transition.
Upgrading unlocks premium features immediately, including ad-free browsing, offline maps, and advanced search tools. Roadtrippers often offers promotional deals or free trial periods for new subscribers, allowing users to evaluate the benefits before paying. This flexibility makes it easy for travelers to start with the free version and enhance their experience as their trip planning needs grow.
Is Roadtrippers+ worth the cost for occasional travelers?
For occasional travelers, the value of Roadtrippers+ depends on the complexity and frequency of trips. If you plan road trips only once or twice a year and are satisfied with basic navigation and fewer features, the free version may be sufficient. The ads and limits on saved places are manageable for short-term use, especially if you don’t need offline access or detailed route planning tools.
However, even occasional travelers might find value in Roadtrippers+ for specific scenarios—such as planning a cross-country family vacation or a scenic RV journey—where ad-free navigation, curated content, and offline maps enhance convenience and safety. The annual subscription breaks down to a small daily cost, which may be justifiable for a memorable trip. Ultimately, it’s about balancing cost with the desire for a smoother, more insightful travel experience.