> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.bodharouteplanner.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect Claude Desktop

> Step-by-step guide to connect Claude Desktop to Bodha Route Planner via MCP.

# Connect Claude Desktop

Claude Desktop by Anthropic has built-in MCP support. Once configured, you can ask Claude about your routes, drivers, stops, and analytics — and it calls Bodha Route Planner behind the scenes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Time to set up:** Under 2 minutes. No install, no dependencies.

***

## Prerequisites

* [Claude Desktop](https://claude.ai/download) installed (macOS or Windows)
* A Bodha Route Planner API key ([generate one here](https://help.bodharouteplanner.com/mcp/setup.md#step-1-generate-an-api-key))

***

## Setup

**1. Open the Claude Desktop config file**

**macOS:**
Open Terminal and run:

```bash theme={null}
open ~/.claude/claude_desktop_config.json
```

If the file doesn't exist, create it:

```bash theme={null}
mkdir -p ~/.claude && echo '{}' > ~/.claude/claude_desktop_config.json
open ~/.claude/claude_desktop_config.json
```

**Windows:**
Open File Explorer and navigate to:

```
%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
```

If the file doesn't exist, create a new text file at that path with `{}` as its content.

**2. Add the MCP server config**

Replace the contents of the file with:

```json theme={null}
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "bodha-route-planner": {
      "type": "streamable-http",
      "url": "https://mcp.bodha.run/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer bdk_live_YOUR_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

Replace `bdk_live_YOUR_KEY_HERE` with your actual API key.

> [!WARNING]
>
> **Already have other MCP servers configured?** Don't replace the whole file. Add the `"bodha-route-planner": { ... }` block inside your existing `"mcpServers"` object:
>
> ```json theme={null}
> {
>   "mcpServers": {
>     "existing-server": { ... },
>     "bodha-route-planner": {
>       "type": "streamable-http",
>       "url": "https://mcp.bodha.run/mcp",
>       "headers": {
>         "Authorization": "Bearer bdk_live_YOUR_KEY_HERE"
>       }
>     }
>   }
> }
> ```

**3. Restart Claude Desktop**

Quit Claude Desktop completely and reopen it. The MCP server is loaded on startup, so a restart is required after any config change.

**4. Verify the connection**

Open a new conversation in Claude Desktop and type:

> **"What tools do you have from Bodha Route Planner?"**

Claude should list the available tools (list\_routes, list\_stops, list\_drivers, etc.). If it does, you're connected.

Now try a real question:

> **"Show me today's routes"**

***

## Example conversations

Once connected, here are some things you can ask Claude:

| What you type | What happens |
| - | - |
| *"What's happening today?"* | Claude calls `list_routes` for today and summarizes your fleet's status |
| *"Which stops failed this week?"* | Claude calls `list_stops` filtered by failed status and gives you a breakdown with reasons |
| *"Compare this week to last week"* | Claude calls `compare_periods` and gives you side-by-side metrics |
| *"How is driver Alex performing?"* | Claude calls `get_driver_performance` and shows metrics for that driver |
| *"Find the delivery for 123 Oak Street"* | Claude calls `search_stops` and returns matching stop details |
| *"Any new orders in the inbox?"* | Claude calls `list_orders` filtered to pending and tells you what's waiting |

> [!TIP]
>
> **Ask follow-up questions naturally.** Claude remembers context within a conversation. Start with "Show me today's routes" and then follow up with "Which ones have failed stops?" — Claude knows you're still talking about today.

***

## Troubleshooting

> **Claude doesn't mention any Bodha Route Planner tools**
>
> 1. Make sure you **restarted** Claude Desktop after editing the config
> 2. Check the config file is valid JSON — a missing comma or quote breaks it
> 3. Verify the file location:
>    * macOS: `~/.claude/claude_desktop_config.json`
>    * Windows: `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`
> 4. Open the config file and confirm the `url` is exactly `https://mcp.bodha.run/mcp`

> **Claude says 'connection failed' or 'server unavailable'**
>
> * Check your internet connection
> * The first request may take 2–5 seconds (cold start). Wait and try again.
> * If the issue persists, check [Bodha Route Planner status](https://status.bodha.ai)

> **Claude says 'unauthorized' when trying to use a tool**
>
> Your API key may be wrong or revoked.
>
> 1. Go to **Settings → API Keys** in [Bodha Route Planner](https://fleet.bodharouteplanner.com)
> 2. Confirm your key is **Active**
> 3. If unsure, generate a new key, update the config, and restart Claude Desktop

***

## Next steps

> **[All 14 tools](https://help.bodharouteplanner.com/mcp/tools.md)**
>
> See every tool, parameter, and example question.

> **[Scopes & security](https://help.bodharouteplanner.com/mcp/scopes-and-security.md)**
>
> Learn how your data stays protected.


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