Top 6 Places to Get Free Driving Directions Online

1. MapQuest Directions

On the Web since 1996, MapQuest is still the standard-bearer in online driving directions and the first site I usually turn to when I need to find my way. Getting driving directions is as simple as entering starting and ending addresses. The directions generated are easy to follow, and I've found them to be mostly accurate. MapQuest's driving time estimates, however, can be a bit generous: You're likely to arrive faster than indicated. Print your directions, email them or transfer them to a PDA... even send them straight to your car if you have OnStar. MapQuest offers a free iPhone map app, too.

2. Google Maps

Google is a relatively new player in the world of online mapping, but wow. The detail and accuracy of Google's road maps is unparalleled, which is particularly helpful if you'd like to plot a scenic route rather than driving Interstates. The driving directions component occasionally produces some rather convoluted routes. But this is Google, so expect continuous improvements. Use Google's detailed maps to help you navigate New England's twists and turns. And click "Street View" for amazing, street-level visuals that can help you to effectively pinpoint landmarks and locations.

3. Yahoo! Driving Directions

The free driving directions that you can get from Yahoo! are good and, in fact, I often compare the directions I get from both MapQuest and Yahoo! before setting out on a trip. I'm not crazy about the printing layout for Yahoo!'s directions. And, on the whole, I think that MapQuest tends to find the more direct route. It's not a bad idea, though, to compare options, particularly if your destination is unfamiliar or the route prone to traffic congestion.

4. Rand McNally Online Driving Directions

Rand McNally has a map-making history that dates back to 1856, but the company was a bit slow to the dance and didn't offer free driving directions online until 1999. If you haven't tried Rand McNally for directions, you should, particularly if you are planning a long trip with multiple segments. I like the customization possibilities, particularly the ability to track total accumulated distance for each step of a trip. An advanced road trip planning tool allows you to add stops along a route.

5. Bing Maps

First, Microsoft gave us MSN's Map Blast, which looked like something that was created by a high school kid, not the techie folks in Redmond. Then, they introduced Windows Live Local Driving Directions, a slow-loading tool that was better than its precursor. Now, in 2009, Microsoft hopes to get mapping right with Bing Maps. I've only experimented a bit with this new driving directions alternative, and so far, I like the clean, easy-to-read layout and color scheme, I haven't found the speed to be clunky, and I'm intrigued by the option to use Clearflow to route based on traffic. The quick "clear" functionality is also helpful when you need to map multiple routes.

6. AAA Driving Directions

My dad sometimes uses AAA for driving directions, but I often forget that AAA offers this service free online for anyone. That's probably for the best, as AAA is slower than other driving directions sites, and it even hiccups when trying to find my home address as a starting point. The directions generated can be rather convoluted, so while they might get you there, it certainly won't be via the easiest route. The dense type in the printing layout is almost unreadable. AAA also has this annoying habit of demanding to know your zip code every time you visit before it will allow you to access content.