What's the ideal drive time between tour stops?

3–4 hours is the sweet spot for most indie tours. This leaves time for load-in, soundcheck, a proper show, and reasonable sleep. Anything over 5 hours should be treated as an exception, not the norm.

How do I route a tour when I don't know which venues will confirm?

Start with your anchor dates (the shows most likely to confirm) and build the route around them. Reach out to 2–3 venue options per market so you have flexibility.

Is there software that automates tour routing?

Yes. Tour Buddy's routing engine generates optimized multi-city routes based on your target markets, available dates, and starting location.

Should I prioritize more shows or shorter drives?

It depends on your goals. Revenue-focused tours should maximize show count with reasonable drives. Fan-building tours should prioritize quality shows over quantity.

How many dates should a first tour have?

5–7 dates over 7–10 days is a good first tour. This gives you enough shows to learn the logistics without the burnout of a 2–3 week run.

Tour Routing for Independent Artists: Strategies That Save Money and Miles

Tour routing is one of the most underrated skills in the indie music world. The difference between a well-routed tour and a poorly routed one can be thousands of dollars in gas, lodging, and lost revenue.