High-performance C++ routing engine that computes routes, distance tables, GPS map matching and more on OpenStreetMap data.
8.2K+11 this week4KC++BSD-2-ClauseWell maintainedUpdated 6 days ago
3 alternatives
3 best open-source alternatives to Google Maps Platform Directions API (2026)
Looking for a free, open-source alternative to Google Maps Platform Directions API? These 3 projects can replace it. Each one passed our quality screening and is explained in plain words, so you can compare stars, license and maintenance at a glance.
How to choose
All three run your own routing on OpenStreetMap data in place of the Directions API, so the first decision is the job you need done: plain routes, distance tables and GPS map matching, or also isochrones and snapping. Next, decide whether you want a Java library inside your app or a standalone server. openrouteservice is GPL-3.0, a copyleft license, so check that it fits before building it into a closed-source product.
- osrm-backendBest for teams that want a high-performance C++ engine for routes, distance tables and GPS map matching.
- graphhopperBest for developers who want to embed routing as a Java library or run it as a standalone web server, with isochrones and map matching available.
- openrouteserviceBest for people who need isochrones, matrix and snapping services alongside directions, and are fine with a GPL-3.0 license.
Quick comparison
| Project | Stars | License | Last commit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project-OSRM/osrm-backend | ★ 8.2K | BSD-2-Clause | 6 days ago |
| graphhopper/graphhopper | ★ 6.8K | Apache-2.0 | yesterday |
| GIScience/openrouteservice | ★ 2K | GPL-3.0 | yesterday |
Open source routing engine for OpenStreetMap, usable as a Java library or a standalone web server for route, isochrone and map matching queries.
6.8K+6 this week2KJavaApache-2.0Well maintainedUpdated yesterday
Open source routing engine in Java offering directions, isochrones, matrix, and snapping services built on OpenStreetMap data.
2K+2 this week488JavaGPL-3.0Updated yesterday
FAQ
- Is there a free, open-source alternative to Google Maps Platform Directions API?
- Yes. The most popular open-source alternatives to Google Maps Platform Directions API on Repolode are osrm-backend, graphhopper, openrouteservice.
- Which Google Maps Platform Directions API alternative should I choose?
- osrm-backend has the most GitHub stars and is released under BSD-2-Clause. Compare the license and last commit of each option in the table above before choosing.
How this list is made: AI reads each project's documentation to match it with products it can replace, every project passes our quality screening, and the list is ranked by GitHub stars. Stars updated Nov 6, 2026. How Repolode works