We all need to plan our journeys whether it is by car, public transport or even walking. In this guide, I will take you through the best apps to download before your visit to navigate around London.
There are several apps that are available now to help plan your journeys and find out the best way to get to your destination. All the apps will help you to get from A to B but some will provide real time traffic and transport updates and will work offline to some degree. As the networks get frequently congested in London with the amount of people using the internet, I would recommend an app that works best offline. I personally use Google Maps and have downloaded a map of London so I can find my way around even if my internet is patchy. You can’t get live information or directions, but I can see where I am and where I want to go. Ultimately, I would visit a café or somewhere with Wi-Fi and work out my route sitting down with a drink if all else fails.
Read more: How to use each mode of London’s public transport
Read more: How to pay for public transport
Citymapper: The Best App navigate London’s Public Transport
When it comes to comprehensive navigation, Citymapper is the go-to app for Londoners and tourists alike to plan their journey. It provides real-time updates for the Tube, buses, Overground, and even cycling routes. Its detailed journey planner offers multiple options, including the fastest, cheapest, or greenest route, allowing you to tailor your travel based on preference including the cost of each journey. I like how comprehensive it is and that I can choose which option I prefer. I tend to look at this at home before I leave so I can work out which transport to use.
Key Features:
- You can use it for every type of transport including taxis.
- Offline tube and train maps
TfL Go: The Official Transport for London App
For those seeking an official source, TfL Go is the app designed by Transport for London. It provides accurate, real-time updates for all modes of public transport, including the Tube, buses, trains, and DLR. You can check step-free access routes and find detailed station information. I like that it is interactive. I can click on a tube station and it will give me the best journey to reach that station.
Key Features:
- Live Tube status and bus timings
- Step-free access and lift availability
- Real-time service updates and alerts
- Offline maps available
Google Maps: All-in-One Navigation
Google Maps is a well-known global navigation tool, but its features are also optimized for London. It helps users plan journeys using public transport, driving, walking, and even cycling routes. Its voice-guided GPS makes it particularly useful if you’re driving or walking. Additionally, it provides estimated arrival times and highlights traffic conditions. This is my go-to app because I use it world wide and even locally for driving instructions. I do turn the voice navigation off though! Everywhere I go, I download the map offline in case the internet reception isn’t great. I have used this feature countless times.
Key Features:
- Real-time traffic updates and route suggestions
- Navigation options for public transport, cycling, and driving
- Integration with London’s bus and Tube systems
- Street view and detailed maps for London attractions
Uber App: For Convenient Rides Across the City
While public transport is a popular choice in London, sometimes you may want to take a more direct route. Uber allows you to book a ride quickly and efficiently. The app provides the estimated cost before you ride, as well as tracking features to ensure your driver is on the way. I like that it provides you with the registration and type of car arriving so you can feel more secure. I tend to look at both the Uber and Bolt app to do a price comparison before I book.
Key Features:
- Quick ride bookings across London
- Price estimation before booking
- Real-time driver tracking
- Payment via the app, no cash required
Bolt App: Affordable and Eco-Friendly Rides
Bolt is a popular alternative to Uber, known for its competitive pricing and focus on sustainability. It offers both standard and electric vehicles, making it a great option for environmentally conscious travellers. I tend to look at both the Uber and Bolt app to do a price comparison before I book.
Key Features:
- Competitive pricing for ride-hailing services
- Electric and hybrid vehicle options
- Easy app-based payments
- Regular discounts and promotions
Santander Cycles App: For Exploring London by Bike
If you’re interested in cycling through the city, the Santander Cycles app is essential. This app allows you to locate docking stations, rent bikes, and explore routes. London’s cycling infrastructure is continually improving, and this app makes it easy to enjoy a scenic ride around the city.
Key Features:
- Find and rent bikes from nearby docking stations
- Maps to highlight cycle-friendly routes
- View bike availability in real-time
- Free rides up to 30 minutes a day
Trainline: For Overground and Train Travel
This is the app I use to book train tickets outside of London. There is a vast network of overground trains and rail services that extend beyond the city. Trainline is the perfect app to plan these journeys. It provides live updates on train times, delays, and allows for easy booking of tickets. The app also highlights the cheapest tickets available and allows you to compare options.
Key Features:
- Book train tickets across the UK and London
- Real-time departure and arrival updates
- View seating availability and pricing options
- Access e-tickets via the app which you can scan at the barriers.
Free Now: Flexible Taxi and Ride-Hailing Service
Free Now (previously known as MyTaxi) is another convenient app for booking taxis in London. Unlike traditional black cabs, Free Now allows you to track your taxi’s arrival, pay through the app, and even share rides to save costs.
Key Features:
- Book black cabs or private hire vehicles
- Pay via the app
- Share rides with other users to reduce fares
- Real-time taxi tracking
Oyster and Contactless: TfL’s Payment App
Managing payments while traveling around London can be easy with the TfL Oyster and Contactless app. It allows users to top up their Oyster card, check balance history, and ensure their card is valid before boarding. I like that I can top up my children’s Oyster card in the middle of a trip if I have forgotten to check beforehand.
Key Features:
- Top up your Oyster card on-the-go
- View journey history and fare charges
- Contactless payment integration
- Real-time fare updates
Moovit: Comprehensive Public Transit and Real-Time Alerts
Moovit is another great app for navigating public transport in London. It offers real-time arrivals for buses, trains, and trams, and suggests the fastest or most convenient routes. It also provides service alerts and disruptions, helping you avoid unexpected delays.
Key Features:
- Real-time arrivals for buses and trains
- Comprehensive journey planning across various transport modes
- Service alerts for delays or disruptions
- Maps of nearby stations and stops
