If you’re traveling by car this summer, Bing has added three new tools to Bing Maps that should make your trip a little easier.

Above is a screenshot of one of the three — a Distance Calculator tool. Let’s say, for example, that I’m thinking about driving to see U2′s concert in Oakland next month (which, if my wife is reading this, I’m not; I’d totally fly). This tool would tell me that I’m a good 736 miles by car from home to Oakland. It also shows distance by air, too, for comparison. You can drop additional flags/locations onto the map if you’re planning to make several stops during your trip.

The other two tools complement this idea. One is a Gas Prices app that shows the cost of gas within a five-mile radius of where you’re searching. The last addition is a Parking Finder app that works with BestParking.com to show not only the location of parking lots/garages, but also additional details like hours, payment types accepted, and whether it’s outdoor or indoor parking. There’s also a cool tool that lets you calculate how much it’ll cost to park at your preferred spot.

Late last year, Greg Sterling wrote that Bing Maps had stolen the “cool” crown from Google with its apps gallery and other features like Street Side. I’d say that this latest batch of apps only adds to the cool factor.

Related Topics: Channel: Local | Microsoft: Bing Maps & Local

About The Author: Matt McGee is Editor-In-Chief of Search Engine Land. His news career includes time spent in TV, radio, and print journalism. His web career continues to include a small number of SEO and social media consulting clients, as well as regular speaking engagements at marketing events around the U.S. He blogs at Small Business Search Marketing and can be found on Twitter at @MattMcGee and/or on Google Plus. You can read Matt's disclosures on his personal blog. See more articles by Matt McGee

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