OpenRoute

You can plan, visualize, and export routes using the OpenRoute MCP server, which integrates with the OpenRouteService API to generate hiking, cycling, and other activity routes through a local MCP client. Note: The routes are for informational purposes and should be validated against official maps and current conditions before use. Always verify safety, legality, and suitability for your journey.

How to use

To use the OpenRoute MCP server, connect a compatible MCP client to the server endpoint exposed by your deployment (typically at /mcp). Start the local MCP server with the provided command, ensure your OpenRouteService API key is available as an environment variable, and then issue route-building requests through your MCP client.

How to install

Prerequisites: You need the MCP client tooling available as an MCP transport (uvx is used in the examples). Ensure you have a valid OpenRouteService API key.

# Step 1: Obtain an API key from OpenRouteService and set it as an environment variable
OPENROUTESERVICE_API_KEY=YOUR_API_KEY

# Step 2: Run the MCP server using the stdio transport shown in examples
uvx openroute-mcp

# Step 3: In your editor, configure the MCP connection to point to the server (example shown for VSCode)

If you are using VSCode, you can add a configuration similar to the snippet below to your mcp.json to start the server from the UI.

## Configuration and usage notes

You can verify and use the server by following these concrete steps: start the MCP server with the environment variable OPENROUTESERVICE\_API\_KEY set, connect your MCP client to the server URL /mcp, and use the available tools to find coordinates, locate points of interest, create routes, and compute reachable areas.

When you create a route, you will receive a GPX file, a PNG visualization, and an interactive HTML visualization that you can open directly in a browser.

## Security and data handling

Only use your own OpenRouteService API key and keep it secure. Do not share your API key in public places. The MCP server stores generated routes if you enable saving in the configuration; otherwise, routes are not saved to disk.

## Tools and capabilities

The MCP server offers several capabilities to support route planning and exploration:

## Disclaimer and best practices

The generated routes are for informational purposes and may not be safe, legal, or suitable for your intended use. Always verify with official maps, local authorities, and current conditions before attempting any journey. You bear responsibility for safety and compliance with local laws.

## About the output artifacts

The route tool returns multiple resource files: a GPX route file, a PNG visualization, and an HTML interactive visualization. You can copy the GPX content to share or load into mapping services for review.

## Available tools

### Find coordinates

Find possible coordinates for a given location by querying a location name and receiving a list of candidate coordinates with descriptions.

### Find locations

Find possible locations (addresses) near given coordinates to help you select a precise starting or ending point.

### Create route

Generate a route from a starting location to a destination with optional waypoints. Returns GPX, PNG visualization, and HTML interactive map files.

### Search POIs

Search for points of interest within a bounding box, with optional filters such as Gas stations or Restaurants.

### Search known routes

Lookup known trails near a start and end coordinate to suggest meaningful waypoints (Swiss API integration).

### Compute reachable area

Compute the area that can be reached within a given time or distance from one or more starting points, returning GeoJSON.