Save Time with the AA Route Planner: A Beginner’s GuidePlanning a trip—short commute or long-distance drive—can take time and mental energy. The AA Route Planner is designed to simplify that process: it helps you map routes, estimate travel times, avoid delays, and find useful stops along the way. This beginner’s guide walks you through the planner’s core features, step-by-step instructions, practical tips to save time, and common pitfalls to avoid so you can get on the road faster and with more confidence.
What is the AA Route Planner?
The AA Route Planner is an online route-planning tool provided by The AA (Automobile Association). It offers turn-by-turn directions, journey time estimates, multiple-route options, and the ability to add stops and waypoints. It’s geared toward drivers in the UK but can be useful for planning routes elsewhere if mapped roads are available.
Key benefits at a glance
- Quick route calculation for point-to-point journeys
- Multiple route options (fastest, shortest, avoid motorways)
- Turn-by-turn directions and printable route cards
- Stops and waypoints for breaks, fuel, or attractions
- Integration with AA services like breakdown cover and member offers
Getting started: Accessing the planner
- Open your web browser and go to the AA Route Planner page (search “AA Route Planner” if you don’t have the direct URL).
- No special software is required—just a modern browser. Some features may require an AA membership for advanced options, but the basic planner is usable without logging in.
Step-by-step: Planning your first route
- Enter start and end locations: type town names, postcodes, or landmarks. The planner typically autocompletes addresses.
- Add stops (optional): click “Add stop” or “Add waypoint” to include fuel, rest, or sightseeing breaks.
- Choose route preferences: pick between fastest, shortest, or quiet routes; opt to avoid motorways or tolls.
- View the route: the map shows the path and a sidebar lists turn-by-turn instructions with estimated times and distances.
- Print or send directions: print a route card for the glovebox or email directions to yourself or passengers. Some versions offer smartphone links.
Features that save time
- Route optimization for multiple stops: the planner can reorder stops to create a time-efficient sequence.
- Traffic-aware timing (where available): estimates that account for typical traffic patterns help you choose departure times.
- Avoidances and preferences: skipping tolls, ferries, or motorways can prevent unexpected delays.
- Quick adding of POIs: add petrol stations, services, or attractions without leaving the planner.
Practical tips for faster planning
- Use postcodes when possible — they pinpoint locations more accurately than town names.
- If you have many stops, let the planner optimize the order to minimize backtracking.
- Check journey times for different departure times to avoid rush hour.
- Combine with live traffic apps (e.g., Google Maps, Waze) if you need minute-by-minute traffic updates en route.
- Save frequent routes or email directions to access them quickly later.
Integrations and mobile use
The AA Route Planner works best as part of a broader toolkit: export or email routes to your phone, or use printable route cards in areas with spotty mobile reception. Some AA membership tiers offer mobile-friendly features or integration with AA breakdown services that make on-the-road adjustments quicker.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Overreliance on estimated times: leave buffer time, especially for long journeys or when crossing urban areas.
- Not updating stops: roadworks or closures can make a planned waypoint inaccessible—re-check before leaving.
- Ignoring local knowledge: small country roads may have seasonal issues not reflected in the planner.
Example scenarios
- Daily commute: save a regular route and check alternative routes for incidents.
- Weekend trip with multiple stops: enter all destinations and use optimization to reduce driving time.
- Long-distance drive: plan rest stops and fuel breaks at appropriate intervals, printing a route card for the passenger to follow.
Alternatives and when to use them
If you need live, crowd-sourced traffic incidents, apps like Waze can complement AA’s planner. For international travel or multimodal trips (train + car), Google Maps or dedicated GPS devices might offer broader coverage.
Final checklist before departure
- Confirm start/end postcodes.
- Add and verify any stops or waypoints.
- Choose route preferences (fastest/avoid motorways).
- Print or send directions to your phone.
- Allow extra time for traffic and breaks.
The AA Route Planner is a simple but powerful tool for reducing the time you spend planning journeys and for making drives smoother. With accurate locations, optimized stop ordering, and a few pre-trip checks, you’ll spend less time planning and more time on the road.