Distance Matrix APIs
A distance matrix returns travel time and distance between many origins and destinations in a single call, rather than one route at a time. Distancematrix.ai is built around that job and factors in live traffic and transit modes. Stadia Maps, openrouteservice and Mapy.com offer matrices alongside their routing and directions APIs, all behind an API key with a free tier.
| API | Pricing | Auth | Format | Free tier | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Distancematrix.aiTravel time and distance between many origins and destinations at once, with live traffic and transit modes. Location & Mapping › Routing | Freemium | API key | JSON | <100/day | Live |
Mapy.com REST APIMap tiles, geocoding, car/bike/foot routing and route matrices from Czech mapping service Mapy.com. Location & Mapping › Routing | Freemium | API key | JSON | — | Live |
openrouteserviceOpenStreetMap directions, isochrones, matrices, geocoding and elevation, run by a university institute. Location & Mapping › Routing | Freemium | API key | JSON | — | Live |
Stadia MapsTurn-by-turn routing, time/distance matrices, isochrones, map tiles, geocoding and time zone lookups. Location & Mapping › Routing | Freemium | API key | JSON | — | Live |
Distancematrix.aiFreemiumLive
Travel time and distance between many origins and destinations at once, with live traffic and transit modes.
API key · JSON
<100/day
no machine-readable spec
Mapy.com REST APIFreemiumLive
Map tiles, geocoding, car/bike/foot routing and route matrices from Czech mapping service Mapy.com.
API key · JSON
—
OpenAPI spec
openrouteserviceFreemiumLive
OpenStreetMap directions, isochrones, matrices, geocoding and elevation, run by a university institute.
API key · JSON
—
no machine-readable spec
Stadia MapsFreemiumLive
Turn-by-turn routing, time/distance matrices, isochrones, map tiles, geocoding and time zone lookups.
API key · JSON
—
no machine-readable spec
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Choosing a Distance Matrix API
Is there a free Distance Matrix API?
Yes. Distancematrix.ai, openrouteservice, Stadia Maps and Mapy.com REST API have a free tier alongside paid plans.
Which Distance Matrix APIs work without an API key?
All of them need a key or account. Distancematrix.ai, openrouteservice, Stadia Maps and Mapy.com REST API give one out free when you sign up.
Can I use Distance Matrix APIs in a commercial project?
Distancematrix.ai and Mapy.com REST API permit commercial use. Stadia Maps restricts it, for example to non-commercial or attributed use, so read the terms first.
Which Distance Matrix APIs work with AI agents?
Mapy.com REST API publishes an OpenAPI spec for generating clients and tools.
Broader: Routing APIs · Location & Mapping APIs