Free online GPX to TCX converter

What the GPX format is

GPX, or GPS Exchange Format, is an XML format for exchanging GPS data between mapping, navigation, and fitness applications. A file can contain <wpt> waypoints, < rte> routes, and <trk> tracks made from recorded track points.

Programs such as Garmin BaseCamp, Garmin Connect exports, Strava, Komoot, Gaia GPS, QMapShack, and many GPS receivers create or read GPX files. GPX is commonly used when sharing a planned route or an exported ride, run, hike, or ride recording.

What the TCX format is

TCX, or Training Center XML, is a Garmin XML format designed for fitness activities, courses, and workouts. It can store track points with timestamps, latitude, longitude, elevation, distance, heart rate, cadence, speed, and other training extensions.

TCX is useful when importing an activity into Garmin-compatible software or transferring a course to a device that expects training-center data. Compared with a basic GPX track, it can preserve structured workout measurements and activity timing, but it is less general-purpose.

How to actually convert GPX to TCX

Using GPSBabel

GPSBabel is a desktop converter that supports GPX input and Garmin Training Center output. Install it for Windows, macOS, or Linux, then run:

gpsbabel -i gpx -f input.gpx -o gtrnctr -F output.tcx

Replace input.gpx with the source filename and output.tcx with the desired destination filename. The gtrnctr output format creates Garmin Training Center XML.

With the graphical interface, select Input as GPX XML, choose the source file, select Output as Garmin Training Center or gtrnctr, set the output filename to output.tcx, and start the conversion.

Using 101convert

You can convert the file on the 101convert.com website for free without installing software. Choose the GPX-to-TCX converter, upload the GPX file, start the conversion, and download the resulting TCX file.

Quality and compatibility limits

A GPX file containing only coordinates and elevation cannot produce genuine heart-rate, cadence, power, or speed measurements. If timestamps are absent, the resulting TCX may represent a course or track rather than a complete recorded activity.

Routes made from a small number of GPX points may appear less accurate after import because the destination device follows straight segments between points. A recorded track with timestamps generally converts more reliably than a route consisting only of turn points.

Check the converted file on the target platform before deleting the original. Garmin software and devices can distinguish between TCX activities, courses, and workouts, and not every importer accepts all TCX variants or vendor-specific XML extensions.