Destination address to where the packet is destined. Layer 3 protocols such an IP take care of this.
Neighboring routers from which remote networks can be learned of and packets can be moved to on way to its destination.
Routes to remote networks and a way to determine the best route to each of them.
Way to learn, verify and manage routing information. Incomplete, incorrect or unstable routing information is worse than not having any routing information. If a router does not have routing information, it will drop the packets and let the source know. If a router has incorrect routing information, loops can form and bring down networks.