# Routing

The Routing API calculates the best path connecting two or more points, where the meaning of ''best'' depends on the vehicle profile and use case.
Besides path coordinates it can return turn-by-turn instructions, elevation, [path details](https://www.graphhopper.com/blog/2019/11/28/routing-api-using-path-details/) and other useful information about the route.

Use our [API Explorer](https://explorer.graphhopper.com/) to explore the Routing API.


## Calculate a route

 - [POST /route](https://docs.graphhopper.com/openapi/routing/postroute.md): This POST endpoint accepts routing requests as JSON and returns the computed route as JSON. It offers a high degree of customization through the custom model to account for 
vehicle constraints such as height or weight, avoidance or exclusion of specific areas. It also provids rich route information including elevation data, turn-by-turn instructions,
toll information, and other detailed path details.

## Calculate a route

 - [GET /route](https://docs.graphhopper.com/openapi/routing/getroute.md): For the GET request you specify the parameters in the URL and can try it directly in every browser.
However, it has some disadvantages when using many points (URL length limit) and the custom_model Feature cannot be used. 
Therefore, our recommended endpoint is the POST route endpoint.