Top 5 Best Free Travel Management Software in 2024

For startups and small businesses, managing business travel can feel like a catch-22. You need to travel to grow your business, but you don't have the budget for the expensive, enterprise-level software that large corporations use to manage their travel programs. The good news is that the industry has evolved. Several modern travel management software providers now offer powerful, feature-rich platforms with a free pricing tier, making professional travel management accessible to everyone.

A free travel management software can provide the core tools you need to move away from chaotic, unmanaged travel and gain control over your spending, ensure policy compliance, and streamline your booking process. This guide reviews the top 5 best free travel management software options available in 2024.

What to Expect from a Free Plan

Free plans are designed to give small businesses access to the essential tools. While they may have limitations on the number of bookings or users, a good free plan should include:

• An online booking tool (OBT) for flights and hotels.
• The ability to set a basic travel policy.
• An approval workflow system.
• Basic reporting and dashboards.
• Access to 24/7 traveler support.

The Top 5 Free Travel Management Software Solutions

1. Routespring

• Why it's #1: Routespring's free "Basic Plan" is arguably the most robust and feature-rich free offering on the market. It provides access to a comprehensive travel inventory, powerful policy and approval controls, and essential Duty of Care features. Unlike many competitors, Routespring's free plan is designed to be a truly viable long-term solution for small businesses.
• Free Plan Highlights:
  • Up to 5 free bookings per month, with a competitive fee structure thereafter.
  • Unlimited users.
  • Powerful, customizable policy and approval workflows.
  • 24/7 expert traveler support.
  • Access to a comprehensive global inventory of flights and hotels.
• Best for: Startups and small businesses that want enterprise-grade control and a great user experience without an upfront cost.

2. TravelPerk

• Why it's on the list: TravelPerk's "Starter" plan is free and offers a solid set of basic features, including access to their large travel inventory and a user-friendly booking tool.
• Free Plan Highlights:
  • Free to sign up, but charges a per-trip booking fee.
  • Good for booking and basic travel management.
• Considerations: Advanced features like detailed reporting, policy controls, and integrations are reserved for their paid premium plans.

3. Navan (formerly TripActions)

• Why it's on the list: Navan offers a free version of its platform that provides access to its booking tool and some basic management features.
• Free Plan Highlights:
  • Access to a modern online booking tool.
  • Basic expense management capabilities.
• Considerations: The free plan is quite limited. The core value of the Navan platform is tied to its corporate card and more advanced spend management features, which are part of its paid offerings.

4. TravelBank

• Why it's on the list: TravelBank has long offered a free plan aimed at small businesses, making it a popular entry-level choice.
• Free Plan Highlights:
  • Includes both travel booking and expense management.
  • Simple, easy-to-understand interface.
• Considerations: User reviews often note that the inventory can be limited and that the platform lacks the robust policy and control features of more advanced competitors.

5. CWT (formerly Carlson Wagonlit Travel)

• Why it's on the list: While primarily focused on large enterprise clients, CWT offers solutions for small and mid-sized businesses that can sometimes include trial periods or basic free tiers.
• Free Plan Highlights:
  • Access to the resources of a major global TMC.
• Considerations: CWT's platform and service model are geared toward large corporations, and their offerings for small businesses can be less flexible and more complex than modern, tech-first platforms.

Conclusion

For a small business, implementing a free travel management software is a strategic and risk-free way to gain immediate control over your T&E spend. It allows you to establish a professional, scalable travel program from day one. While all the platforms on this list offer a good starting point, Routespring's free Basic Plan stands out for the depth of its policy controls and enterprise-grade features, making it the top choice for businesses looking for a solution that can grow with them.