Driving Across America? These 12 Brilliant Apps Make Road Trips Easier, Safer, Cheaper and Way More Exciting

Remember the good ol’ road trips? Paper maps, a huge binder full of CDs, and lots of guessing. It felt freeing, sure, but also frustrating when you got lost, paid way too much for gas, or missed that awesome diner just a few miles back.

These days, road trips are way easier and way more fun. All you need is the right app to help you out. 

I’ve done the work for you and rounded up 12 must-have apps for your next US road trip. From navigation to finding campsites and saving money, these apps will make your trip a whole lot more enjoyable.

Mastering the Route: Navigation and Planning Apps

Knowing where you’re headed is key to any trip. But great navigation is about more than just getting from point A to point B. These three apps team up to give you a smooth, stress-free way to plan and navigate your entire journey.

1. Google Maps: The Must-Have for Everything

Google Maps is the go-to for a reason. It’s reliable, easy to use, and already on your phone. But for road trips, there’s one feature you might not always think about: Offline Maps.

A lot of the American West and national parks don’t have cell service, but with Offline Maps, you can download an entire state’s map ahead of time. This means turn-by-turn directions still work, even when you’re completely out of signal.

Plus, you can create “Lists” of places you want to visit and pin them to your map, making it easy to build a simple, visual itinerary. It’s the perfect safety net when you’re off the grid.

2. Waze: Your Real-Time Road Buddy

If Google Maps is your trip planner, Waze is your on-the-road lifesaver. It pulls in data from millions of drivers to give you the latest info about what’s happening ahead, making it one of the best apps for highway driving.

Waze will warn you about traffic, accidents, road hazards like potholes, and even debris. It’ll reroute you automatically to save time. Plus, it alerts you to police speed traps reported by other users, saving you from getting a pricey ticket. If you’re doing a long drive on the interstate, Waze is a must-have.

3. Roadtrippers: The Ultimate Journey Planner

Roadtrippers is perfect for anyone who thinks the journey is just as important as the destination. This app makes road trip planning a breeze by helping you discover cool spots along the way.

You can plan a route with up to 150 stops, from quirky roadside attractions to stunning scenic viewpoints. If you’re driving an RV, Roadtrippers even adjusts the route based on your vehicle’s size for added safety.

The free version limits you to seven stops, but for $59.99/year, the Premium version unlocks unlimited waypoints, offline maps, and the ability to plan trips with others. It’s all about making your journey unforgettable.

Also Check: California, the King of Road Trips: 11 Scenic Drives You Must Take Once in Your Life

Rest Your Head: Accommodation and Camping Apps

Finding the perfect place to sleep can totally change the vibe of your road trip. Whether you’re camping under the stars or need a last-minute hotel, these apps will have your back.

The Dyrt: Your Go-To Campsite Finder

Known as the “Yelp for camping,” The Dyrt is your ultimate guide to campsites in the US. With millions of user photos, reviews, and tips, you’ll know exactly what to expect before you even get there.

The free version is solid, but for $36/year, The Dyrt PRO unlocks even more. You’ll get maps with thousands of free campsites on public lands (think BLM and USFS), offline map access, and “Dyrt Alerts” that notify you when a spot opens up at a sold-out campground. It’s a game-changer for campers.

5. iOverlander: The App for True Adventurers

If you’re venturing off the beaten path, iOverlander (Android | iOS) is the app you need. It’s a crowdsourced map built by self-reliant travelers, including van-lifers and overlanders.

The app has info on traditional campsites as well as remote spots, plus essential resources like propane refill locations, potable water, mechanics, and laundromats. It works offline, so it’s perfect when you’re deep in the backcountry.

Read: 10 Once-in-a-Lifetime U.S. Road Trips Every Retiree Should Take Before It’s Too Late

6. HotelTonight: For the Spontaneous Traveler

Not every night needs to be planned ahead. HotelTonight is ideal for those times when you’re ready to roll with the punches. The app partners with hotels to offer unsold rooms at big discounts for last-minute bookings.

It’s super easy to use, and you can even get extra deals with the “Daily Drop” feature, which gives you special discounts for 15 minutes. If you like to stay flexible, this app turns spontaneity into savings, making it a must-have for road trips.

Fueling Up: Apps for Saving Money and Finding Great Food

Fuel and food are two of the biggest road trip expenses. But these apps will help you save on both, so you can stretch your budget and enjoy some great eats along the way.

7. GasBuddy: Your Co-Pilot for Cheaper Fuel

Fuel costs can eat up your road trip budget fast, but GasBuddy helps you tackle that. The app shows you a real-time map of gas prices, so you’ll always know where to find the cheapest station near you or along your route.

To save even more, sign up for the free “Pay with GasBuddy” program. They’ll send you a card linked to your bank account, and using it at the pump can save you up to 25 cents per gallon, sometimes even more. It’s a simple way to cut costs and make your road trip more affordable.

You may like: These 10 Breathtaking US Road Trips Will Still Cost You Less Than $500. Here’s How!

8. Yelp: Your Guide to Local Flavors

Why settle for another fast food stop when you can discover amazing local spots? Yelp is the perfect app to help you find hidden gems and avoid the tourist traps.

Go beyond the star ratings; use filters to search for exactly what you’re in the mood for, check out recent reviews, and browse user photos to get a real look at the food.

Whether it’s the best BBQ joint or a cozy bakery, Yelp helps you uncover delicious, authentic local flavors that make your trip unforgettable.

9. iExit: The Highway Efficiency Expert

iExit makes interstate travel so much easier. It uses your GPS to show you exactly what businesses and services are at the upcoming exits—no more guessing or pulling off the highway just to find nothing.

Need gas, a certain restaurant, and a clean restroom? iExit will find the next exit that has all three, saving you time, fuel, and frustration. It’s a simple, yet essential tool for efficient highway travel.

Making it Memorable: Apps for Adventure and Entertainment

The best road trips are about more than just the drive; they’re about exploring new places, having adventures, and rocking out to the perfect playlist. These apps are all about making your trip more fun.

10. AllTrails: Your Ticket to the Outdoors

After hours on the road, it’s time to get out and stretch your legs. AllTrails is the ultimate app for outdoor lovers, with over 450,000 hiking, biking, and running trails to explore.

The free version is perfect for finding trails, but the AllTrails+ subscription ($36/year) is totally worth it. It lets you download maps for offline use and offers off-route alerts to make sure you don’t get lost. It’s the perfect way to add some fresh air and adventure to your trip.

11. Atlas Obscura: The Curator of Curious Sights

Bored of the usual tourist traps? Atlas Obscura is your guide to the weird and wonderful. With over 24,000 unique and offbeat locations, it’ll show you hidden gems you won’t find in any guidebook.

The app doesn’t just list places; it tells you the fascinating stories behind them. Whether it’s a museum of bad art, a poison plant garden, or the world’s largest ball of twine, Atlas Obscura helps you find the quirky spots that make a road trip truly unforgettable.

12. Spotify: Your Road Trip DJ

A road trip without music is just a drive. Spotify is the go-to app for endless playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks to keep you entertained for hours.

For the true road warriors, the premium version is essential. It lets you download your favorite playlists and podcasts for offline listening, perfect for when you’re in the middle of nowhere with no signal.

Plus, the collaborative playlist feature lets everyone in the car add their tunes, so the soundtrack is always on point.

Read: You Haven’t Experienced The TRUE America Until You Visit These 11 U.S. National Parks

Adventure Awaits

The open road is calling, and with these 12 essential road trip apps, you’re ready to answer. Whether it’s navigation, finding the best places to sleep, saving money, or uncovering hidden gems, these apps have you covered.

So, what are you waiting for? Download a few of these must-have apps, pack your bags, and hit the road. Your ultimate app-powered adventure is just a tap away.