One of the most common frustrations with route planning apps is hitting the stop limit right when you need one more. Google Maps caps out at 10. Apple Maps is even lower. Some tools advertise "unlimited" but throttle you once you're past 20.
Here's a clear breakdown of what different planners actually support, and what to do if you need more.
Stop limits by tool
| Route Planner | Free Stop Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | 10 | Requires manual reordering; no optimization |
| Apple Maps | 15 | iOS 18+; limited optimization |
| MapQuest.com | 26 | Consumer web app |
| Free Route Planner | 25 | Optimized; optional account to save |
| Waze | 3 | Navigation only, not multi-stop |
| RouteXL | 20 | Stops beyond 20 require paid plan |
| Circuit | 10 | Free tier; paid plans for more |
| Routific | No free tier | Enterprise pricing |
Most free tools max out between 10 and 26 stops. Free Route Planner sits at 25 — enough for the vast majority of personal and small-business use cases.
Why is there a stop limit at all?
Route optimization is computationally expensive. The Traveling Salesman Problem — which underlies all multi-stop optimization — grows in complexity faster than the number of stops. Providers limit stops to:
- Control API costs: Each optimization call to a routing API costs money
- Protect performance: Very large optimization jobs take longer and use more server resources
- Manage free-tier abuse: Unlimited stop plans are typically paid features
For context, the MapQuest Optimized Route API — which powers Free Route Planner — has a maximum of 25 locations per request. That limit reflects real computational trade-offs, not arbitrary restrictions.
What if you need more than 25 stops?
Split into segments
The most practical free approach: split your route into segments of 25 or fewer stops. End each segment close to where the next one begins.
For example, if you have 50 deliveries across a city:
- Segment A: 25 stops on the north side
- Segment B: 25 stops on the south side
- Plan segment B to start near where segment A ends
You lose some optimization efficiency at the segment boundary, but you gain it back within each segment.
Use a logistics platform
If you regularly need 50+ stops, or manage multiple drivers, you need a proper logistics tool:
- Routific: Best for delivery teams; strong optimization; paid.
- OptimoRoute: Good for field service and delivery; route history and analytics.
- Circuit: Driver-friendly; scales to hundreds of stops; paid tiers.
- Google Route Optimization API (developer): 1,000+ stops; requires technical setup.
These tools are overkill for individuals but essential for businesses doing serious volume.
Export and use a nav app for each segment
Once you have your optimized order in Free Route Planner, you can export the address list and paste it into Google Maps or a navigation app segment by segment. Not seamless, but it gets the job done.
The sweet spot for most people
For the vast majority of everyday use cases — errands, sales visits, small-batch deliveries, road trips — 25 stops is more than enough:
- Average grocery run: 3–5 stops
- Sales rep daily visits: 8–15 stops
- Small courier shift: 15–25 stops
- Moving day errands: 6–10 stops
If your typical route fits within 25 stops, Free Route Planner handles it for free with full optimization, turn-by-turn directions, and an interactive map.
Getting the most out of your stops
Regardless of the limit you're working with, you can stretch efficiency further:
- Remove redundant stops: Can two nearby errands be combined into one? Is one stop worth adding if it's 20 minutes out of the way?
- Batch by day: If you have 40 stops to make this week, split them over two days instead of two segments in one day.
- Pre-sort geographically: Even before optimization, roughly grouping stops by neighborhood makes the optimizer's job easier and results more predictable.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add more than 25 stops to Free Route Planner? Not in a single route. For longer routes, split into two segments and plan each separately.
Does the stop count include start and end points? Yes. With Free Route Planner, the 25-location limit includes your origin and destination. So you have up to 23 free intermediate stops.
What's the most stops any free tool supports? As of 2026, 26 stops (MapQuest.com consumer app) and 25 stops (Free Route Planner) are the highest free limits with optimization. Most others cap at 10–20.
Start planning your route — up to 25 stops, free to use, optional account to save.