Open Source Routing Machine (OSRM)

Self-Hosted

High-performance open-source routing engine for maps

Overview

Open Source Routing Machine (OSRM) is a fast routing engine that provides directions for cars, bikes, pedestrians, and limited transit using OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. Key features include matrix routing (distance/duration between points), GPS track matching to roads, and nearest point lookup. Deployable via Docker or source, it supports custom OSM extracts for regional/local use. Ideal for apps needing privacy-focused, cost-free routing without proprietary APIs like Google Maps.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  open_source_routing_machine_osrm:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: open-source-routing-machine-osrm
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

High-speed routing for car, bike, foot, and limited transit
Integrates with OpenStreetMap (OSM) data for global coverage
Matrix routing (distance/duration between multiple points)
GPS track matching to road networks

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Open Source Routing Machine (OSRM) hard to install?

OSRM can be installed via Docker (simpler) or from source (technical). Docker handles dependencies, but processing large OSM datasets needs significant storage/CPU. Documentation offers step-by-step guides for both methods.

? Is it a good alternative to Google Maps Directions API?

Yes—great for privacy, no API costs, or custom routing. Uses free OSM data but lacks Google's real-time traffic (without add-ons) or full multi-modal transit in all regions.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—OSRM is MIT-licensed open-source with no fees. Hosting costs (server, storage) apply if self-hosted, but there are no licensing or usage charges.

Top Alternatives

Google Maps Directions API Search Google

Mapbox Directions API Search Google

Apple Maps Routing Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Maps and Global Positioning System (GPS)

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (no third-party data sharing)
⊕ Free and open-source (MIT License)
⊕ Customizable with local/regional OSM extracts
⊕ Scalable for high-traffic applications

Cons

⊖ Requires technical setup (data processing, server config)
⊖ No built-in frontend (needs mapping library integration)
⊖ Limited real-time traffic (unless paired with external data)
⊖ Less advanced transit support than proprietary alternatives