Viajero2

I have used them dozens of times for the route descriptions, but not once have they been nowhere near accurate on their estimated driving time. I always add a 25%+ allowance. What (other) European route planner would you recommend?

ira

Hi via,

I use both www.mappy.com and www.viamichelin.com.

They don't always show the same suggested routes, and they often give different drive time estimates.

Viajero2

Thanks Ira, I checked mappy.com. I liked the dragging map feature. We'll be driving Sweden (Stockholm) to Norway (Bergen) and are debating the Oslo-Bergen portion. Both mappy and michelin estimate a 7+hrs trip, which probably means more like 9-10 hours. Desicions, desicions.

RufusTFirefly

Actually, we always subtract time from the Michelin estimates--thinking back, about 10%. No website (or any other source) could come up with one estimated driving time for a route that would fit everyone's driving style.

ezlivin

Are you sure ypu're not adding on meal and sightseeing stops to your driving times?

I've used viamichelin.com many times before and found it to be either almost just right or overestimated.

bobthenavigator

I prefer viamichelin but always add 10% to times. Sometimes they will select secondary roads that I may choose not to use, but overall it is a good program.

NYCFoodSnob

Like Rufus, I drive fast. Michelin is always an overestimate for me. Driving style, time-of-day, traffic, and accidents (caused by others) have to be considered.

I'm not sure why anyone would like to calculate these times as an exact science unless you're one of those obsessive trip planners where every second of the itinerary counts. (Been there, done that. Oh yeah.)

The biggest mistake with all these estimates is trying to cram too many things into your day plan. I call this "a rush to forget everything you saw and experienced." Take a breath and give yourself three hours to get lost. Now we're talkin' fun.

nytraveler

Agree that Michelin times are too long if anything. Are you adding on the time for meals and gas/potty stops when considering the total travel time? Or do you drive really slowly? (I believe these times are based on the assumption that you are driving at least the legal limit at all times.)

Luttrell

I have found the “Autobahn Tank & Rast” site, (http://www.tank.rast.de/standorte/index_en.html) English version, to be very helpful and I bounce it against the Michelin site to compare. The directions can be a little confusing to an American, who is raised using route numbers more than town signs to guide them. Although the time and day of travel would be a great factor in traveling around metropolitan areas.

Luttrell

Sorry forgot to add....
I have found the “Autobahn Tank & Rast” site, (http://www.tank.rast.de/standorte/index_en.html) English version,
You go to the “Services,” then “Route Planner.” I gives you variables to enter, as in driving style or choice of routes...found the site informative and helpful, and differs from the Michelin site on routes at times.

Clifton

The driving time from viamichelin depends on what country is being estimated and even area. I'm not sure the formula, but it's definitely over-optimistic for both Ireland and Romania, and too conservative for Hungary.

Better bet I think is to find out the distance and then find out what the speed limit is and what possible slowdowns and obstacles you might face in your destination country.

Viajero2

Thank you all for the helpful discussion. Reliable drive time estimating is not about "calculate as an exact science", but to use it to plan a safe trip where dusk driving is minimize (or prevented) and lunch stops experiences can be combine with great sightseeing. We've done the drives when we were on God's Good Humor as well..