How to Export a GPX or TCX File from Strava and Garmin Connect
Strava and Garmin Connect keep your rides on their servers, but many analysis tools — calculators, training apps, WattLog.pro too — need the file itself. Exporting takes a minute, as long as you know where to click and which format to pick. This guide walks through both routes and explains how GPX differs from TCX and FIT.
GPX, TCX and FIT — how they differ
All three formats store the same ride, but with different levels of detail:
- GPX — an open text format. At its core are GPS points with time and elevation; heart rate, cadence and power go into so-called extensions. Almost every program can read it.
- TCX — Garmin's text format designed for training. Besides the route it stores heart rate, cadence and power in fixed fields, so your sensor data survives the export without surprises.
- FIT — a binary file straight from your bike computer or watch. The most complete (it holds, for example, sensor details and device settings), but not every program can read it.
If the tool you use only accepts GPX or TCX and you have a .FIT file, there is no need to convert anything by hand — just download the ride in another format from the service it is already on.
Strava: export to GPX
Exporting only works in a web browser — the Strava mobile app does not have this option. You can only export your own activities.
- Log in at strava.com in a browser.
- Open the ride you want to download.
- Click the "…" (more options) icon on the activity.
- Choose "Export GPX". The .gpx file downloads right away.
A GPX file from Strava contains GPS points with time, heart rate, cadence and temperature, and power only if a power meter measured it — power estimated by Strava is not exported. The other option in the same menu, "Export Original", downloads the file in the format it was uploaded in — for rides from a Garmin or Wahoo computer that is usually .FIT.
Garmin Connect: export to TCX
Here, too, you need a browser — the Garmin Connect phone app does not export single activities.
- Log in at connect.garmin.com and open your list of activities.
- Go into the ride you want to download.
- In the top right corner, click the gear icon or the three dots.
- Choose export to TCX (the best choice if you ride with a power meter or heart rate strap) or to GPX.
The export-original option downloads a .zip archive with the .FIT file — the same file your bike computer recorded.
Wahoo, Zwift, COROS and others
Most bike computers and apps record rides as .FIT. The simplest route to GPX: connect the device or app to Strava (nearly all of them sync automatically), then download the ride with "Export GPX" as described above. Zwift also saves .fit files on your computer, in the Documents/Zwift/Activities folder.
Which format to choose
| Where you download from | Format | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Strava | GPX | The only export besides the original; includes heart rate, cadence and measured power |
| Garmin Connect | TCX | Power, heart rate and cadence in the format's fixed fields |
| Wahoo, Zwift, others | GPX via Strava | The shortest route when the device only gives you .FIT |
Button names in both services change from time to time. If you don't see exactly this option, look for the word "Export" in the activity's menu.
What to do with the file next
You can upload the downloaded file to an analysis tool and see what it says about your ride. Start with the load — TSS tells you how much a session cost you — and then go through five things worth checking in every file.
Got the file? See your ride's TSS
Upload a GPX or TCX and see your ride's map, power, heart rate and training load in 30 seconds — no account needed.
Analyze your ride — no account needed →Upload a GPX or TCX file from Strava or Garmin. How to get one?