Anyone who wants to cycle for a day can use various navigation apps for cycling routes. In this blog we help you make a choice from the varied range by listing 9 cycling route apps.

Overview of cycling route apps

Cycling route apps have a number of things in common. For example, every GPS with cycling route app shows you a route map with the number of kilometers you will ride and the approximate time it will take. The main differences are the option to create your own cycling route or not and the amount of extra features you have to pay for.

Routiq app

Routiq is the new name of route.nl. This is by far the most extensive cycling route app: it has a database with more than 150,000 routes in the Benelux. Because Routiq is a Falk initiative, the maps are always up to date. With Routiq you can easily create your own cycling route. You can run this along cycling junctions, but also on regular roads and dirt paths. You can also plan the route along terraces, sights and charging points for E-bikes. The premium subscription costs €15 per year. This allows you to enjoy ad-free routes and you can save and download your own routes without limits, so you can navigate offline. Routiq is available for iOS and Android .

Cycling network app

You cannot create routes yourself with this app. The Cycling Network app is limited to offering ready-made routes based on the cycle junction network. These routes usually pass nice stopping places, such as a cycling café. With the free version of the app, the routes are updated every day so that they are current. If you choose the premium version, the routes are ad-free. You also unlock additional functions, such as voice guidance, saving routes and the freedom to determine in which direction you drive a route. A monthly subscription costs € 2.99, for an annual subscription you pay € 11.99. This app is both in the App Store as in Google Play to download.

Strava app

Strava is a global community of (endurance) athletes, such as cyclists and runners. The Strava app was mainly developed with a view to tracking, analyzing and sharing sports performance. You can optionally connect a heart rate monitor to the app for an even more extensive analysis. The free version of the app gives you access to the Strava community and the ability to save your activities. When you download the app for the first time, you get a 30-day trial of the Premium version. This allows you to create and share routes, among other things. With annual depreciation, this subscription will cost you €69.96. You can download the Strava app in the App Store and in Google Play .

ANWB Out and about app

This app gives you the opportunity to plan your own cycling routes based on junctions. You also get access to more than 750 controlled cycling routes. As an extra, the app gives you plenty of tips for a day out in the Netherlands, where you can enjoy exclusive benefits as an ANWB member. In the event of a breakdown along the way, ANWB members with a Roadside Assistance Service or Roadside Assistance Bicycle Service can call on the ANWB repair service. The app is free to use and is available for Android and iOS .

Cycling route network app

With this app you can plan your own routes based on the more than 9,000 cycling junctions in the Netherlands, Belgium and the border region with Germany. In addition, this app also offers existing routes. These include various catering and overnight accommodation options. The app is completely free and suitable for both iOS as Android .

Komoot app

Komoot focuses mainly on the sporty cyclist. The app offers ready-made routes throughout almost all of Europe. When searching, you can filter by difficulty level, duration and which bike you ride: a touring bike, racing bike or mountain bike. You can also create routes yourself, taking into account height profiles and the type of surface you want to cycle on. You can keep a logbook and share your experiences and routes with others. The free version of the app includes voice navigation, offline maps and weekly updates. Komoot works with map packages. With the free version you receive one regional map as a gift. The cost for a card package varies from €3.99 to €29.99. With the Premium subscription (which costs €59.99 per year) you automatically get access to all available maps. The app is available for iOS and Android .

Cycling123 app

This app gives you access to more than 1200 ready-made routes from Fietsen123. You can also create routes yourself via the Fietsen123 site and send them to your smartphone. Would you like to make a pit stop to charge the battery of your E-bike or yourself? You will find charging points and catering establishments on the map. There are no costs associated with this app. It can be downloaded in Google Play and in the App Store .

Cycling sports app

The Cycling Sports app is an initiative of the Dutch Touring Cycling Union (NTFU), the umbrella organization of cycling clubs in the Netherlands. This app is mainly intended for the sporty cyclist. The app offers you a choice of more than 1000 routes, where you can choose from tough climbs, cobblestone routes, gravel strips and cycling cafes. This app also contains the routes of the more than 2,500 tours that are on the NTFU calendar annually. The Basic subscription is free. This allows you, among other things, to zoom in as much as possible on maps, save routes as favorites and join a cycling club without obligation. The Plus subscription gives you access to all routes as a GPX download and offers you bicycle insurance. This subscription costs €43 per year. The app is available for iOS and Android .

Google Maps

Okay, strictly speaking, Google Maps is not a cycling route app. Yet this free navigation system is often used as a cycling route planner. You can read how best to do this in our blog post create your own cycling route with Google Maps . Google Maps is available for Android and iOS .

More facts for cyclists

Have you found a nice route or put it together yourself? Then of course you also want to know how healthy cycling actually is – even if you go out with an electric bicycle. Our blog page contains a number of fun and informative articles about this.