Road trips are a great way to explore Europe’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and cuisines. But, planning a road trip can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating unfamiliar roads, finding the best routes, and discovering hidden gems along the way.
Fortunately, there are several apps for your road trip that can help make the planning process easier and the trip as a whole, more enjoyable.
Essential Apps For Navigation
When planning a road trip in Europe, having reliable navigation apps is essential. Here are three types of apps that can help make your journey smoother.
The Best Apps For Offline Maps & GPS
Even if you have a data plan, there may be areas where you don’t have internet access. That’s where offline maps and GPS apps come in handy.
These apps allow you to download maps and use GPS without an internet connection.
Some popular apps in this category include Maps.me, HERE WeGo, and Sygic.
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sygic | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Maps.me | 4.7 | 3.7 | 4.2 |
| HERE WeGo | 3.7 | 3.3 | 3.5 |
The Best Live Traffic Updates Apps
Traffic can be unpredictable, especially in busy cities. Live traffic update apps can provide real-time information on traffic conditions, accidents, and road closures.
This allows you to plan your route accordingly and avoid delays.
Some popular apps in this category include Google Maps, Waze, and TomTom.
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waze | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Google Maps | 4.7 | 4 | 4.35 |
| TomTom | 4.2 | 3.5 | 3.85 |
The Top Route Planning Apps
Planning your route ahead of time can save you time and make your journey more enjoyable. Route planning apps can help you find the best route based on your preferences, such as scenic routes or avoiding tolls.
Some popular apps in this category include Roadtrippers, ViaMichelin, and RouteXL.
Overall, having a combination of these types of navigation apps can help ensure a smooth and stress-free road trip in Europe.
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoadTrippers | 4.7 | 3.6 | 4.15 |
| ViaMichelin | 4.6 | 3.7 | 4.15 |
| RouteXL | Web App Only | Web App Only | Web App Only |
Accommodation & Booking Apps
Travelling around Europe can be exciting and fun, but finding the perfect accommodation can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, there are several apps available to help make the process easier.
Here are some of the best accommodation and booking apps for your European road trip.
The Best Apps For Finding Hotels & Hostels
When it comes to finding hotels and hostels, there are several apps to choose from.
One of the most popular is Booking.com, which offers a wide range of options for all budgets.
The app allows you to filter your search by price, location, and amenities, and it also provides reviews from previous guests.
Another great option is Hostelworld, which is specifically designed for backpackers and budget travellers.
The app offers a large selection of hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels, and it allows you to book directly from your phone.
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostelworld | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.85 |
| Booking.com | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.7 |
The Best Apps For Finding Camping & Caravan Sites
If you prefer camping or caravanning, there are also several apps to help you find the perfect spot.
One of the best is Campercontact, which offers a database of over 27,000 campsites across Europe.
The app allows you to filter your search by location, price, and facilities, and it also provides reviews from other campers.
Another great option is Park4Night, which is designed for motorhome and campervan travellers.
The app offers a database of over 100,000 locations, including campsites, parking areas, and wild camping spots. It also provides reviews and photos from other users.
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park4Night | 4.6 | 3.8 | 4.2 |
| Campercontact | 4.6 | 3.2 | 3.9 |
The Top Apps For Last-Minute Hotel Deals
If you’re travelling on a budget, last-minute deals can be a great way to save money on accommodation.
One of the best apps for this is HotelTonight, which offers discounted rates on hotels and hostels that have unsold rooms.
The app allows you to book up to a week in advance, and it offers a range of options for all budgets.
Another great option is LastMinute.com, which offers last-minute deals on hotels, flights, and activities.
The app allows you to filter your search by location, price, and star rating, and it also provides reviews from previous guests.
Overall, these apps can help make finding the perfect accommodation for your European road trip much easier. Whether you’re looking for a budget hostel or a luxury hotel, there’s an app out there to suit your needs
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| HotelTonight | 4.9 | 4.3 | 4.6 |
| LastMinute.com | 4.5 | 3.3 | 3.9 |
On-the-Road Essentials
When embarking on a road trip in Europe, it’s important to have the right apps to make the journey smoother. Here are some essential apps to consider:
The Best Petrol Station Locator Apps
One of the most important things to keep in mind during a road trip is to make sure you have enough fuel to get to your destination.
Fortunately, there are several apps available that can help you locate petrol stations along your route. Some of the popular ones include PetrolPrices, Fuelio, and GasBuddy.
These apps provide up-to-date information on petrol prices, station locations, and amenities such as restrooms and convenience stores.
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GasBuddy | 4 | 4.7 | 4.35 |
| PetrolPrices | 3.8 | 4.0 | 3.9 |
| Fuelio | 3 | 4.4 | 3.7 |
The Top EV Charging Point Finder App
For those driving electric vehicles, finding charging points can be a challenge. However, there are several apps available that can help you locate EV charging stations along your route.
Some of the popular ones include Zap-Map, ChargeMap, and PlugShare. These apps provide information on charging station locations, availability, and charging speeds.
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlugShare | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.65 |
| Zap-Map | 4.6 | 3.1 | 3.85 |
| ChargeMap | 4.7 | 2.8 | 3.75 |
The Best Apps To Contact Emergency Services Abroad
In case of an emergency, it’s important to have access to emergency services such as police, ambulance, and fire services.
Fortunately, there are several apps available that can help you locate emergency services along your route.
Some of the popular ones include Emergency +, SOS EU, and ICE (In Case of Emergency). These apps provide up-to-date information on emergency service locations and contact numbers.
By using these essential apps, road trippers can have a smoother and stress-free journey across Europe.
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency + | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.1 |
| SOS EU | 4 | 3.8 | 3.9 |
| ICE | 1 | 3.8 | 2.4 |
Entertainment & Leisure Apps
Travelling long distances can be tedious, but with the right entertainment and leisure apps, road trips in Europe can be enjoyable and memorable.
Here are some apps that can keep you entertained and relaxed throughout your journey.
The Best Travel Apps For Music & Podcasts Streaming
Music and podcasts are great ways to pass the time during a long drive.
Spotify, Deezer, and Tidal are some of the popular music streaming apps that offer a vast library of songs and playlists.
For those who prefer podcasts, TuneIn Radio and Pocket Casts are apps that offer a wide range of podcasts on various topics.
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TuneIn Radio | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Spotify | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Deezer | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| Tidal | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.45 |
| Pocket Casts | 4.1 | 3.5 | 3.8 |
The Best Travel Apps For Audiobooks & eBooks
Audiobooks and eBooks are perfect for those who love reading but get car sick while reading in a moving vehicle.
Audible, Kobo, and Google Play Books are some of the apps that offer a wide selection of audiobooks and eBooks that can keep you engaged throughout your journey.
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audible | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.7 |
| Google Play Books | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| Kobo | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.3 |
The Best Travel Apps For Games & Activities
Road trips can be fun for the whole family, especially if you have some games and activities to keep everyone entertained.
Apps like Heads Up! and Trivia Crack offer fun and interactive games that can keep the whole family engaged.
For those who prefer more relaxing activities, apps like Calm and Headspace offer guided meditation and mindfulness exercises that can help you relax and destress during your journey.
Overall, these entertainment and leisure apps can make your road trip in Europe more enjoyable and memorable. So, download them before hitting the road and have a blast!
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headspace | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.65 |
| Calm | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Trivia Crack | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Heads Up! | 4.8 | 3.4 | 4.1 |
Practical Tools For Travellers
The Best Currency Converter Apps
Travelling across Europe means dealing with different currencies, which can be confusing and time-consuming. However, there are many currency converter apps available that can help you with this task.
These apps provide real-time exchange rates, making it easy to convert currencies on the go. Some of the popular currency converter apps for road trips in Europe include XE Currency, Currency Converter Plus, and Oanda Currency Converter.
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| XE Currency | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Currency Converter Plus | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.75 |
| Oanda Currency Converter | 3.4 | 4.2 | 3.8 |
The Best Language Translation Apps
Travelling to countries with different languages can be challenging, especially if you don’t speak the local language.
Fortunately, there are many language translation apps available that can help you communicate with locals. These apps can translate text, voice, and even images.
Some of the popular language translation apps for road trips in Europe include Google Translate, iTranslate, and TripLingo.
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| iTranslate | 4.7 | 3.7 | 4.2 |
| Google Translate | 3.8 | 4.3 | 4.05 |
| TripLingo | Web App Only | Web App Only | Web App Only |
The Most Accurate Weather Forecast Apps
Weather can play a crucial role in your road trip, especially if you are planning outdoor activities. It’s essential to have accurate weather information to plan your trip accordingly.
There are many weather apps available that can provide real-time weather forecasts for your destination. Some of the popular weather apps for road trips in Europe include AccuWeather, Weather Underground, and The Weather Channel.
Overall, having these practical tools on your phone can make your road trip in Europe more enjoyable and stress-free.
| App | Apple App Store Rating /5 | Google Play Store Rating /5 | Average Rating /5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Weather Channel | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Weather Underground | 4 | 4.7 | 4.35 |
| AccuWeather | 4.6 | 3.6 | 4.1 |
Our Must Have Road Trip Apps For Europe
Below is our full list of recommended apps to cover all bases on your European road trip. You can also find our top Europe road trip tips to make sure you are extra prepared for your upcoming journey.
| App | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sygic | Offline Maps & GPS 🗺️ |
| Waze | Live Traffic Updates 🚘 |
| RoadTrippers | Route Planning 📍 |
| Hostelworld | Find Accomodation 🏠 |
| Park4Night | Camping & Caravan Sites 🏕️ |
| HotelTonight | Last Minute Deals 🏨 |
| GasBuddy | Petrol Station Locator ⛽ |
| PlugShare | EV Charging Finder 🔌 |
| Emergency + | Emergency Services 🚑 |
| TuneIn Radio | Entertainment 🎵 |
| Audible | Audiobooks 📖 |
| Headspace | Calming & Meditation 🧘 |
| XE Currency | Converting Currency 💰 |
| iTranslate | Translation 🌍 |
| The Weather Channel | Weather Forecasts 🌤️ |