A route retrieval apparatus includes: a first storage unit storing map data hierarchized for route retrieval in long distance; a route retriever section retrieving and designating a route from a current position to a destination based on the map data in the first storage unit; a second storage unit storing detailed map data for route retrieval in short distance; a provisional destination designator section designates as a provisional destination a position by a predetermined distance along a travel road based on the map data in the second storage unit when the current position is deviated; and a provisional route retriever section retrieving a provisional route to the provisional destination based on the map data in the second map storage unit, and designating as a route. The route retriever section retrieves a new route from the provisional destination to the destination and designates as a route subsequent to the provisional route.