There are a lot of ways to plan a run: draw it on a map, let an app pick a loop, or copy a route someone else ran. Most "best running route planner" lists don't tell you the part that matters day to day: what is free, whether the route sticks to footpaths, and whether your phone can guide you while you run. This comparison does. We make Runplanner, so we've kept to facts you can check, and we say where another tool is the better pick.
The short version
Want a free planner with no account? Use Runplanner's running route planner in your browser, or the app on iPhone or Android. Already pay for Strava? Its route builder uses where people actually run. Going off-road or hiking? Komoot has the better trail maps. Own a Garmin? Garmin Connect sends courses straight to your watch.
What to look for
- Snapping to paths. A good planner follows pavements, park paths and trails, not just roads, so the distance you plan is the distance you run.
- Distance as you draw. You should see how far the run is with every click, in km or miles, plus how much climbing there is.
- GPX export. So the route can go to your watch or another app.
- Guidance on your phone. Turn-by-turn directions while you run, so you don't have to stop and check the map.
- What it costs. Several planners keep route creation, navigation or export behind a subscription.
The comparison
| Planner | Plan for free | Where | Best at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runplanner | Yes, no account, no ads | Web, iPhone, Android | Quick planning with path snapping, loops, GPX and phone navigation |
| Strava | Limited; the full route builder is paid | Web, iPhone, Android | Routes based on where other athletes run |
| Komoot | Yes; offline maps beyond one region are paid | Web, iPhone, Android | Trails, hiking and off-road routes |
| plotaroute | Yes, with ads and an account | Web, works on phones | Detailed desktop planning and printable maps |
| Footpath | Yes, up to 5 saved routes | iPhone, Android | Drawing a route with your finger |
| Garmin Connect | Yes, for Garmin owners | Web, iPhone, Android | Sending courses to a Garmin watch |
Based on each app's published plans in October 2026. Plans and prices change, so check before you subscribe.
Runplanner
Click or tap the map and the route snaps to pavements, paths and trails. Distance, time at your pace and climbing update as you go, in kilometres or miles. On the web you can map a run, make it an out-and-back and download the GPX. The free app for iPhone and Android adds loop generation from where you are, a route library, run reminders with the weather, and turn-by-turn navigation while you run. There is no account, and routes stay on your phone.
Pick it if you want to plan a road or park run quickly and for free, on any device.
Look elsewhere if you mostly run technical trails (Komoot's maps are better there) or want routes based on what other runners do (Strava).
Strava
Strava's route builder uses its heatmap of where people actually run, which is good at finding popular, safe-feeling routes. Creating routes is mainly a subscription feature; free members can browse and follow existing routes.
Pick it if you already pay for Strava. Skip it if you only want a planner.
Komoot
Komoot plans for hiking, cycling and running with strong trail data, and navigation is free while you have a data connection. Offline maps come free for one region; more regions are a one-off purchase, and Komoot Premium adds extra features on top.
Pick it if you run trails or combine running with hiking. Skip it if you want a quick road loop without an account.
plotaroute
A long-running web planner with lots of options, including automatic route suggestions and printable maps. The free account shows ads and has usage limits; Premium removes them.
Pick it if you plan on a desktop and like detailed controls.
Footpath
Footpath lets you trace a route with your finger and snaps it to the paths. The free version saves up to 5 routes; turn-by-turn directions, offline use and GPX export are part of the paid Elite plan.
Pick it if you like drawing routes by hand on a phone and don't mind paying for navigation.
Garmin Connect
Garmin's free course creator is the simplest way to get a route onto a Garmin watch. It needs a Garmin account and is built around Garmin devices. If you plan elsewhere, you can still import a GPX file into Garmin Connect.
How to choose
- Free, no account, road and park runs: Runplanner.
- You already pay for Strava: Strava's route builder.
- Trails and hiking: Komoot.
- Detailed desktop planning: plotaroute.
- Garmin watch, nothing else: Garmin Connect.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free running route planner?
For planning on a computer, Runplanner's web planner and plotaroute are free; Runplanner needs no account and shows no ads. On a phone, Runplanner is free on iPhone and Android with turn-by-turn navigation, and Komoot is free for planning with online navigation.
Can I plan a running route on Strava for free?
Mostly not. Strava's full route builder is part of its paid subscription. Free members can browse and follow existing routes, with limited route creation in the app.
Which running route planner exports GPX for free?
Runplanner exports GPX for free on the web and in the app. plotaroute and Komoot also let you download routes. Footpath keeps GPX export for its paid Elite plan.
Want to try it now? Open the free running route planner and map your next run.