11 Best Apps for Your Next Road Trip

If you're a car enthusiast and road trip aficionado – or even a casual driver – you probably want to know about the best apps for your next road trip. Whether it's great apps for getting about, the best apps for road trip games or general fun apps for road trips, we've got you covered. So read on and learn about the apps ready to make your road trip even more enjoyable. 

The Practical Apps

The apps you need.

Google Maps

First on the list is good ol' Google with Google Maps, a free navigation app that's a must-have for any road trip. Google Maps provides real-time traffic updates, directions and estimated travel times, making it easy to find your way around. You can also use the app to search for nearby attractions, restaurants and petrol stations. With its comprehensive database of roads and landmarks, Google Maps is an indispensable tool for any road trip. 

Waze

Next up is Waze, another navigation app that uses real-time data from other drivers to provide information about traffic, accidents and road closures. The app also includes features like voice-guided navigation and alerts for speed cameras and police checkpoints. Waze's community-based approach to navigation makes it an excellent choice for drivers who want to stay informed about the latest traffic conditions.

Roadtrippers

If you're looking to plan a road trip itinerary, Roadtrippers will help you discover new and exciting destinations. The app suggests scenic routes, attractions and accommodations, allowing you to create a customised trip plan tailored to your interests and preferences. You can also save your favourite destinations and share trips with others.

AA

For drivers who want to make sure they are prepared for anything, the AA app is an essential tool. It provides a range of valuable features, including breakdown assistance, fuel prices and parking information. AA has also included a route planner and a tool for estimating the cost of your trip – ideal when the fuel price is through the roof. With the AA app, you can rest assured that you are ready for any eventuality.

Parkopedia

Parking can be a challenge in many UK cities, but Parkopedia makes it that little bit easier to find a spot. The app provides information about parking availability, prices and restrictions while allowing you to book and pay for parking in advance. Parkopedia helps you avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot so you can focus on enjoying your road trip.

TripAdvisor

Everyone's favourite travel app, TripAdvisor offers reviews and recommendations for hotels, restaurants and attractions. You can use it to source the best places to visit along your road trip route and make use of a vast database of user-generated content. TripAdvisor is an excellent resource for travellers who want to make the most of their road trip.

Airbnb

Airbnb may be an obvious choice for a road trip app, but it offers a multitude of benefits beyond simply booking accommodation. Along with providing a place to stay, Airbnb now features city guides penned by knowledgeable locals, workshops and other unique experiences you can book. You can even arrange to meet up with fellow travellers and access audio walking guides. Whether you're visiting for a short or long period, Airbnb helps you experience local life meaningfully. 

The Fun Apps and Games

Maybe let the passenger take control of these apps. 

Netflix

Some road trips are extra long, and if you're taking turns to drive, Netflix is the app you need for some quiet downtime. Yes, it can burden your battery life and data plan, but there's good news: Netflix now offers the option to download and save a large portion of its content, so you can watch it later without any hassle. Binge-watch your favourite series during a road trip (while not driving, of course) or let your kids enjoy a Disney flick without guilt. Trust us; this app will be a lifesaver.

Spotify

A travel playlist is essential to any road trip, and Spotify is one of the best apps to help you plan it. You can easily connect your tunes to the stereo by purchasing an auxiliary cord for as little as £5 from most service stations and jam out to your favourite tracks. And if you haven't already, consider upgrading to Spotify Premium – the benefits are worth it. Plus, you can even keep everyone entertained by playing podcasts during the journey, whether it's the best podcasts or the latest jams. 

Threes

Prepare to be surprised at how much time you can pass during a road trip with the help of Threes, an engaging yet straightforward puzzle game. This offline number puzzle requires you to slide numbered tiles around a 3×3 grid and add them up. If you're not convinced yet, perhaps its accolades will persuade you. With a quick learning curve, you'll be hooked for life.

What If

An enjoyable road trip game to try out is "What If." You only need one person in the car to run it on their phone, with that person asking a question and either taking a majority poll from everyone in the car or asking one person each question in turn.

That's Quite the Application

These apps are some of the best available for road trips in the UK and beyond. Whether you're looking for navigation assistance, trip planning tools, parking information or just some good fun, the apps on our list have you covered. So why not download them today and start planning your next road trip adventure?

Need to upgrade your ride before a special road trip? Why not check out the cost of borrowing a little to help you on your way - have a look at our Carmoola Calculator!