GraphHopper review covering the open source routing engine, Directions API, route optimization pricing tiers and top alternatives for developers in 2026.
Category
Productivity
Pricing
Freemium / Usage-based, from Free (500 credits/day, non-commercial use)
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 18, 2026
Founded
2014
Headquarters
Munich, Germany
Free PlanAPIOpen SourceFreemiumSelf-Hosted
Overview
GraphHopper is a routing engine built on OpenStreetMap data, available as a free open source Java library or as a commercial hosted Directions API. The open source project began in 2014, and GraphHopper GmbH was incorporated in Munich, Germany in January 2016 to commercialize it.
The company remains small and independent, reportedly around four employees working remotely, with no public venture funding, sustained instead by paid API subscriptions and enterprise licensing.
Key Features
The Directions API bundles a Routing API, a Matrix API for many-to-many travel calculations, an Isochrone API for reachability polygons, and a Map Matching API for snapping GPS traces to roads, all built on the same OpenStreetMap-based graph.
A separately priced Route Optimization API, built on the jsprit vehicle-routing solver, targets last-mile delivery and fleet dispatch, while custom vehicle profiles let developers tune routing for trucks and specialized vehicles.
Pricing
A Free tier offers 500 credits per day for non-commercial use, capped at five locations per request. Paid tiers scale from Basic at 69 euros per month through Standard at 199 euros and Premium at 479 euros per month.
A custom Enterprise tier supports up to 10,000 locations or 200 vehicles per request with dedicated support, and the underlying open source engine can also be self-hosted entirely for free.
Key Features
Turn-by-Turn Routing API — Point-to-point navigation with turn-by-turn instructions for cars, trucks, bikes and pedestrians.
Matrix API — Calculate many-to-many travel times and distances in a single request.
Isochrone API — Generate reachability polygons showing how far someone can travel within a given time.
Map Matching — Snap noisy GPS trace data onto the actual road network.
Route Optimization API — Vehicle-routing-problem solving for last-mile delivery and fleet dispatch, built on jsprit.
Custom Vehicle Profiles and Models — Tune routing costs for trucks or specialized vehicles through configuration, not code forks.
Self-Hostable Open Source Engine — The core routing engine can run as a Java library or standalone server at no cost.
Global OpenStreetMap Coverage — Routing graphs built directly from OpenStreetMap data worldwide.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Open source core can be self-hosted for free with no per-call fees
Significantly cheaper than Google Maps Platform or Mapbox at scale
Covers routing, matrix, isochrone, map matching and optimization in one API family
Fine-grained custom routing profiles for trucks and specialized vehicles
Cons
Free tier is limited to non-commercial use and low request volume
Small company size, reportedly around four employees, means limited support bandwidth
Routing quality depends on OpenStreetMap data coverage, which can vary by region
Self-hosting the engine requires Java and infrastructure expertise
Pricing
Free Free Monthly
Basic EUR69/month Monthly
Standard EUR199/month Monthly
Premium EUR479/month Monthly
Custom / Enterprise Custom pricing Annual
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GraphHopper free?
The open source routing engine is free to self-host, and the hosted Directions API offers a free tier for non-commercial use with 500 credits per day.
What is the difference between GraphHopper open source and the Directions API?
The open source project is a self-hosted Java library or server; the Directions API is GraphHopper GmbH's fully hosted commercial service built on the same engine.
Does GraphHopper support truck routing?
Yes, through custom vehicle profiles that account for truck-specific restrictions like height, weight and toll avoidance.
What is the Route Optimization API?
A separately priced endpoint built on the jsprit solver for planning efficient multi-stop routes across a fleet of vehicles.
What map data does GraphHopper use?
GraphHopper builds its routing graphs from OpenStreetMap data.
Who owns GraphHopper?
GraphHopper is owned by the independently held GraphHopper GmbH, headquartered in Munich, Germany.