Best GPS Apps for Cyclists in 2025: Smart Navigation for Road & Trail Riders

Chris Edward -

Best GPS Apps for Cyclists in 2025: Smart Navigation for Road & Trail Riders

Ever found yourself stuck on a highway with no bike lane or pedaling uphill on a route meant for cars? You’re not alone. Many cyclists rely on navigation apps that aren’t built for biking, leading to unsafe detours, unexpected roadblocks, and frustrating rides.

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Cycling is more popular than ever. The global bicycle market hit $113.73 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $274.14 billion by 2032. In the U.S., 20.4 million bicycles were sold in 2023 (Statista). But despite this surge, most navigation apps still prioritize cars—ignoring bike lanes, elevation changes, and real-time cycling conditions.

That’s where cycling-specific GPS apps come in. These tools offer bike-friendly routing, real-time traffic updates, offline maps, and turn-by-turn voice navigation to keep you on the safest, most efficient path.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best GPS apps for cyclists in 2025—whether you’re a road warrior, mountain biker, or daily commuter, you’ll find the perfect app to enhance your rides.

Best GPS Apps for Cyclists

What Makes a Great Cycling GPS App?

Not all GPS apps are designed with cyclists in mind. While general navigation tools may guide you from point A to B, they often lack features that cater specifically to the needs of cyclists, such as safety considerations and route optimization.

When selecting a GPS app for cycling, consider the following essential features:

1. Bike-Specific Route Planning

General navigation apps may direct cyclists onto busy highways or roads lacking bike lanes, increasing the risk of accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 62% of bicyclist fatalities in 2021 occurred at non-intersection locations, often where bike lanes are absent. A dedicated cycling GPS app prioritizes bike-friendly routes, utilizing dedicated lanes and safer roads to enhance your safety.

2. Elevation and Terrain Data

Understanding the elevation profile of your route is crucial, especially for long-distance rides or hilly terrains. Access to detailed elevation data allows cyclists to prepare adequately, reducing fatigue and the risk of overexertion. Apps like Komoot and Ride with GPS provide interactive elevation maps to help cyclists make informed route decisions.

3. Turn-by-Turn Voice Navigation

Distracted cycling can be hazardous. Research shows that using mobile phones while cycling can impair balance and increase the likelihood of accidents. Turn-by-turn voice navigation enables cyclists to stay focused on the road, receiving directions audibly without needing to glance at a screen.

4. Offline Map Support

Many cycling routes traverse areas with limited or no cellular coverage. According to a GSMA report, nearly 40% of the world’s landmass lacks mobile network access, leaving cyclists in remote areas without real-time navigation. A cycling GPS app with offline maps ensures uninterrupted navigation, allowing you to stay on course even in remote locations.

5. Live Traffic and Road Conditions

Staying informed about real-time traffic conditions and road closures is vital for urban cyclists. The NHTSA reports that 85% of bicyclist fatalities occur in urban areas, highlighting the importance of avoiding high-traffic zones. Apps like Google Maps (Cycling Mode) and BikeMap provide live updates to help cyclists navigate safely through the city.

Best GPS Navigation Apps for Cyclists

Best GPS Apps for Cyclists in 2025

Finding the right GPS app for cycling isn’t just about navigation—it’s about safety, efficiency, and an overall better riding experience. Whether you’re a road cyclist, a commuter, or a mountain biker, choosing the right navigation tool can make your rides smoother and more enjoyable.

This list features some of the best GPS apps for cyclists in 2025, each offering unique strengths. Some are great for offline navigation, while others provide real-time traffic updates, route planning, and cycling analytics.

Disclaimer: The recommendations below are based on user reviews, available features, and overall reliability. This is not an official ranking but rather an opinionated list based on research.

1. Komoot

Komoot is a must-have app for cyclists who love off-road adventures. Whether you’re planning a mountain biking route or a long-distance road trip, Komoot helps you map out bike-friendly paths based on elevation, terrain, and difficulty level.

Unlike standard navigation apps, it offers detailed topographic maps and trail recommendations shared by the cycling community.

Key Features

  • Smart Route Planning: Custom routes based on terrain difficulty and elevation.
  • Offline Navigation: Download maps in advance for no-signal areas.
  • Turn-by-Turn Voice Guidance: Keeps you focused on riding.
  • User-Generated Trail Highlights: Discover popular trails and routes.
  • GPX Export & Bike Computer Sync: Connects with Garmin, Wahoo, and wearables.

Pricing

  • Free Plan: Basic route planning.
  • Single Region ($3.99): Offline access for one area.
  • Region Bundle ($8.99): Multiple offline maps.
  • World Pack ($29.99 one-time): Full access to global maps.
  • Komoot Premium ($59.99/year): Multi-day planning, live weather updates.

Download & Website

2. Ride with GPS

Ride with GPS is built for long-distance cyclists and training-focused riders. It offers powerful route customization tools, real-time ride logging, and advanced analytics to track your performance.

Designed for serious cyclists, this app works well with bike computers, smartwatches, and power meters.

Key Features

  • Advanced Route Planning: Elevation profiles, custom routes, and waypoints.
  • Turn-by-Turn Voice Navigation: Hands-free navigation for safer rides.
  • Offline Maps: Save routes for offline cycling.
  • Live Logging: Share ride progress in real-time.
  • Performance Tracking: Monitor speed, distance, cadence, and heart rate.

Pricing

  • Free Plan: Basic route creation and navigation.
  • Basic Plan ($6.99/month or $49.99/year): Offline maps, premium navigation.
  • Premium Plan ($9.99/month or $79.99/year): Live logging, training analytics.

Download & Website

3. Google Maps (Cycling Mode)

Google Maps may not be cycling-specific, but it’s one of the most accessible navigation apps for urban cyclists. It provides real-time traffic updates, bike lane support, and public transit integration, making it ideal for daily commutes.

While it lacks offline route planning for entire regions, it remains a free and convenient option for everyday cyclists.

Key Features

  • Bike Lane Integration: Highlights cycling-friendly roads.
  • Real-Time Traffic Alerts: Avoid congestion and road closures.
  • Public Transit Connections: Plan multimodal trips.
  • Street View & Satellite Imagery: Preview your routes.
  • Offline Maps: Limited to manually saved areas.

Pricing

  • Completely Free: No paid features.

Download & Website

4. Strava

Strava isn’t just a navigation app—it’s a social fitness platform built for performance tracking, competition, and community engagement.

It’s ideal for cyclists who enjoy tracking their rides, competing for leaderboard positions, and participating in challenges with other riders.

Key Features

  • GPS Ride Tracking: Logs speed, distance, and elevation.
  • Live Segments & Leaderboards: Compete with cyclists worldwide.
  • Custom Route Builder: Plan and explore cycling routes.
  • Social Features: Join clubs, share rides, and track progress.
  • Third-Party Integration: Syncs with Garmin, Wahoo, and Apple Health.

Pricing

  • Free Plan: Basic tracking and community features.
  • Strava Premium ($11.99/month or $79.99/year): Advanced analytics, route planning.

Download & Website

5. BikeMap

BikeMap is a navigation tool built for cyclists who frequently explore new cities or go on long-distance rides. With over 9 million cycling routes, it offers a huge collection of paths for urban, mountain, and touring cyclists.

If you love discovering new routes, tracking elevation changes, and navigating offline, BikeMap is a great alternative to standard navigation apps.

Key Features

  • Massive Route Database: Over 9 million cycling routes.
  • Offline Navigation: Pre-download maps for offline use.
  • Elevation & Terrain Data: Plan routes with incline details.
  • Community-Powered Routes: Discover trails from other cyclists.
  • Voice Navigation: Keeps you hands-free while riding.

Pricing

  • Free Plan: Basic navigation and route access.
  • BikeMap Premium ($4.99/month or $29.99/year): Offline maps, advanced planning.

Download & Website

How to Choose the Right Cycling GPS App

Not all cycling GPS apps are built the same, and the best choice depends on how and where you ride. Whether you’re a mountain biker, city commuter, or long-distance rider, your navigation needs will differ.

Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right app based on your cycling style:

  • For mountain bikers and adventure riders – Komoot: Best for off-road navigation, terrain analysis, and trail discovery.
  • For long-distance and road cyclists – Ride with GPS: Ideal for custom route planning, ride tracking, and elevation data.
  • For urban commuters – Google Maps (Cycling Mode): Great for bike lane mapping, real-time traffic updates, and transit integration.
  • For social and competitive riders – Strava: Perfect for tracking performance, setting goals, and competing on leaderboards.
  • For route discovery and exploration – BikeMap: Best for finding and navigating bike-friendly roads worldwide.

Quick tip: Consider whether offline navigation, turn-by-turn directions, or fitness tracking are essential to your rides before choosing an app.

FAQ

Q: What is the best GPS app for cycling in 2025?
A: The best GPS app depends on your cycling needs. Komoot is great for adventure and trail cycling, Ride with GPS is ideal for road cyclists, and Strava is perfect for tracking and social engagement.

Q: Do any cycling GPS apps work offline?
A: Yes, apps like Komoot, Ride with GPS (premium), and BikeMap offer offline navigation, making them great for remote cycling routes.

Q: Is Google Maps good for cycling?
A: Google Maps offers a cycling mode with bike-friendly routes, but it lacks advanced cycling features like elevation data, offline maps, and turn-by-turn voice navigation tailored for cyclists.

Q: Which cycling GPS app has the best route planning?
A: Ride with GPS and Komoot provide excellent route planning features, including elevation tracking, surface type detection, and turn-by-turn navigation.

Q: What is the best free cycling GPS app?
A: Google Maps and BikeMap are among the best free options for casual cyclists. However, Komoot and Ride with GPS also offer limited free features.

Final Verdict

The right GPS app depends on your cycling needs. Komoot is best for adventure riders, Ride with GPS suits road cyclists, and Google Maps Cycling Mode is great for city commuting. Strava adds a social and competitive edge, while BikeMap helps discover new routes worldwide.

Try the free versions of these apps to see which fits your riding style best. A reliable GPS ensures safer, smarter rides—no more wrong turns or unexpected detours!

Looking for more navigation tools? Explore the best offline GPS apps.

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