People rarely want to take the long way to get somewhere. So unless you’re going for a leisurely Sunday drive, you’ll want to do everything possible to minimize your drive time. Whether you’re planning your daily commute or working out the route for your road trip, apps and online tools that can reduce your drive time are crucial. These apps and tools usually incorporate real-time traffic updates, as well as drive time estimates. Most importantly, however, they will show you the shortest route to your destination. Here are some of the best drive time tools and route optimization apps available in 2021.

1. WAZE

Possibly one of the best-known navigation apps, Waze features real-time traffic information provided by its users. As a result, you can avoid trouble spots on the fly. Additionally, the social route sharing aspect of the app lets you share your route with friends and family so that they can follow your progress.

Waze will automatically change your route based on real-time traffic, construction, accidents, and police presence so you can reach your destination as fast as possible. Furthermore, the more you use the app, the better it gets to know you, and it will customize your routes for you.


2. GOOGLE MAPS

Another well-known navigation tool, Google Maps, offers users real-time traffic and navigation information. When you input your destination, this tool will show you several route options, allowing you to select the drive time map that’s fastest. Additionally, Google Maps will automatically reroute you based on road conditions, traffic, or accidents. You can also add multiple stops or destinations to your route. Furthermore, you can find amenities along with your way, such as gas stations, restaurants, or attractions.

Google Maps also features routes for public transportation, walking, and biking. In some cases, these alternative transportation options may be faster than driving, especially during peak traffic hours.

3. INRIX

INRIX’s online drive time tool measures distance in minutes instead of miles. They base their drive time calculations on typical traffic conditions rather than actual traffic. This includes non-recurring activities like accidents or construction. INRIX allows you to analyze a drive-by day, time of day, and journey length.

INRIX also keeps track of your routes and driving habits and can tell you the best time to leave and the route to take based on traffic and road conditions. Additionally, users can report things like road hazards and accidents. Users will also receive alerts for traffic conditions, closed roads, lane closures, and accidents. Furthermore, it has a parking search option that helps you locate parking for your vehicle.

4. MAPTIVE

Using Maptive’s online route planner, you can quickly determine how much time you’ll need to get to your destination. Alternatively, you can run a proximity analysis to determine how many locations you can reach in a specific timeframe. This tool works by analyzing road networks to determine your drive time. It can also calculate drive time if you need to reach multiple destinations. Additionally, this tool will show you the most efficient route to reach one or more locations, including what order you should make each stop. However, if you prefer to order stops yourself, you can use the drag and drop function. Maptive will then automatically create a new route and drive time. Furthermore, Maptive allows you to plot the best course between as many as 25 locations with up to 73 stops.

Also Read:- Bordio: Free Online Planner to Manage Your Routine

5. MAPQUEST

An oldie but a goody, Mapquest’s online navigation tool can show you how to get to your destination in the shortest amount of time. It shows you real-time traffic information and provides options for alternative routes to take to avoid said traffic. It also has a live traffic camera feature that lets you view how many cars are actually on the road. This tool is available both online and as an Android, iOS, or Windows phone app.

Conclusion

The best way to get where you’re going quickly is to plot your route with an online tool or app. Above, you will find our five best suggestions for tools that will minimize your drive time, freeing you up to spend less time behind the wheel.

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