Claude Desktop

Claude Desktop Integration Guide

This guide explains how to set up the TomTom MCP Server in Claude Desktop. The quickest way is to install the pre-built extension — no Node.js or command-line setup required.

Prerequisites

• Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
• A valid TomTom API key
• Ensure that your key has access to the different APIs available through the MCP, e.g. by ticking “All” under “Edit key”.

Option 1: Install the Extension (Recommended)

Download the pre-built TomTom MCP extension for your platform:

Step 1: Install

Open the downloaded .mcpb file. Claude Desktop will show a preview of the extension with the available tools.

Click Install to add it.

Step 2: Configure your API key

After installation, a dialog will prompt you to enter your TomTom API key. Paste your key and click Save.

Step 3: Enable and use

The extension should be enabled automatically. You can verify this in Settings > Extensions, where it should show as Enabled.

The TomTom tools will now appear in your conversation’s tool menu:

Option 2: Local Setup with npx

If you prefer to run the server yourself, you can configure Claude Desktop to launch the TomTom MCP Server locally via STDIO.

1. Open your Claude Desktop configuration file:

   • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
   • Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

2. Add the following configuration:

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   {
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     "mcpServers": {
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       "tomtom-mcp": {
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         "command": "npx",
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         "args": ["-y", "@tomtom-org/tomtom-mcp"],
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         "env": {
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           "TOMTOM_API_KEY": "your_api_key_here"
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         }
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       }
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     }
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   }

   Replace "your_api_key_here" with your actual TomTom API key.

3. Restart Claude Desktop.

Test the Integration

Ask Claude a location-based question to verify the tools are working:

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What's the fastest route from Amsterdam to Berlin?

You should see Claude call the TomTom routing tool and return directions with distance and travel time.

Interactive Maps

Claude Desktop supports MCP Apps , which means tool responses can include interactive map visualizations. To enable interactive maps, set the map backend to TomTom Orbis Maps:

• Extension: Re-configure the extension and set the maps backend to tomtom-orbis-maps if prompted, or update the setting in Settings > Extensions > TomTom MCP Extension > Configure.
• Local setup: Add "MAPS": "tomtom-orbis-maps" to the env block in your configuration.

Learn more in the Interactive Maps guide.

Troubleshooting

Next Steps

• Explore all Available Tools and their parameters
• Try the Example Use Cases for prompt inspiration
• Learn about Interactive Maps for visual map responses