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21 best free travel apps for travelling around the UK in 2023

Even for a non-techie, the world of mobile apps can be a genuinely exciting one..

Constantly developing, expanding and responding to a demanding, connected public, apps are good for so much more than just Tinder. So which are the best free travel apps for travelling around the UK? BudgetTraveller reveals the top 20 travel apps.

1. Skyscanner 

The Skyscanner app helps to compare flight, hotel and car hire prices across all your favourite travel booking sites. With the calendar view you can check on the best dates to save on travel and filter search results to find the right flight. Track flights with price alerts options to book at the right time. Alternatively search for travel deals, anywhere, at any time. With the help of the interactive map, compare hotel prices across the grid and find the best value car hire in the city of your choice . Rest assured that you will be booking with travel partners trusted by Skyscanner.  

Not a UK focussed app per se but Airbnb is a nice way to find great value accommodation and also very quirky local experiences across the UK. I’ve use them a few times  recently  and had a great experience every time. If you are new to Airbnb , signup using  this link  to get £25 off your first booking.

Why do you need it?

With over 600,000 listings across 30,000 cities, AirBnB not only offers a great alternative to hotels but also caters to a potentially unique experience at your favorite destinations.

Stand-out feature:

Thanks to the map search, even if you have a vague idea about the area, you could easily search the neighborhood of your choice and check out the rooms that fit your budget.

3.  Kabbee

Visiting London? Need an economic cab? Avoid the expensive Black Cabs and book a minicab. The only problem is that these cabs cannot be hailed from the street. Enter  Kabbee  , a cracking app that gives you an instant quote from 60 competing minicab firms in London, along with user reviews and ratings. You can then pick your choice ( save as a favourite for later) and choose to pay by cash, credit card or via their prepaid account facility.

Why you need it?

It offers surprisingly cheap rides no matter if you need an airport transfer or you’re just travelling around the town. It selects the right cab for you from over 70 London fleets.

Stand out feature:

For airport rides, Kabbee is nearly 25% cheaper than Uber and 35% economical than Addison Lee.

4. Around Me

Want to find the nearest ATM machine or petrol station?  AroundMe   identifies your GPS position and will help you discover the nearest bank, bar, petrol station station, hospital, hotel, movie theatre, restaurant, supermarket, theatre and taxi.

Why need this app?

Fast, easy and accurate, Around me is your day to day companion to quickly find out information about your surroundings.

For every desired information or listing, you could view its location on a Map, route from where you are, and even email the information to a friend in need.

5.UK Bus Checker

With the UK Bus Checker you can travel from A to B in UK with ease. The app brings you smart journey planning, live transit times, and detailed route maps for all of Great Britain.

With the advanced support for train, bus, tram, ferry, underground, and much more, this has got your journey covered. It only requires you to pinpoint your location and unveil the magic: You can locate the nearest bus stop, routes or the scheduled time of the bus.

With the real-time information available for more than 40 towns and cities across the UK, It helps to track a bus near you within a flash of a second.

Live and scheduled departure times for all 300,000+ stops and stations in Britain.

6. Met Office

Need the weather forecast? The Met Office’s forecasts can be a hit and miss affair but nevertheless their  official weather app   is still a handy app for those visiting the UK.

The app gives you updated forecasts, 5 day forecasts plus weather maps and satellite images.  It uses 10 million weather observations to verify its forecast. So, now you can easily decide whether you’ll be visiting the museum or having that picnic in the park.

The Met Office is an indispensible tool that helps you plan your vacation with its world-leading weather forecasts from 1 hour to 7 days ahead.

Check out the real time Weather Warnings with the interactive warnings map for all the locations across the UK.

7. Tripadvisor Offline City Guides

For comprehensive information and practical guides, Tripadvisor’s  city apps  are hard to beat. Each free app contains a wealth of information, including detailed, interactive maps, which you can select to show different things, such as restaurants or tourist attractions. There are also self-guided city tours, which provide practical and cultural information, meaning you can see the sights without forking out for a guided tour. You can search for places or activities within a particular budget, and best of all, you can use the app offline, avoiding hefty roaming charges.

With millions of traveller reviews, photos, and maps, this app helps you know better and get better of the airfare, hotels, restaurants, and fun activities wherever you go. What’s more? Hotels, flights and restaurant bookings are just a tap away.

Optimized to be used offline this app also conserves battery power and only uses GPS where necessary.

8. ViaMichelin GPS navigation and traffic

No matter if you are planning for a weekend trip or a long vacation in the UK, ViaMichelin and its user-friendly app offers you the luxury of optimizing your route based on traffic conditions.

This app is a great option if you want to wander around the streets, free spirited. It helps you keep track of the real time traffic and assists you in reaching your destination at the right time. All you’ve got to do is: Establish your position with the help of Geo-location on the interactive, fluid and clear maps and unveil the all new 3D navigation that guides you home. Even if you are behind the wheel, the app helps you calculate your car and bike routers quickly and accurately from your current position.

Loaded with the goodness of a GPS navigation system, this app guides you through traffic with a voice guidance integrated with 3D Michelin mapping.

Alerts that warn you of the Hazardous zones (over 30,000 in Europe) and real-time information about the traffic jams, slow-downs and much more.

Imagine a ride-sharing app that provides you with the luxury of fast and reliable cabs in the major cities of UK. One of the easiest ways to hail a licensed cab in London, Uber gives you the flexibility to pay with both credit as well as cash, with receipts mailed to your inbox.

With Uber on your phone, there’s no need to park or wait for a taxi or a bus anymore. Just request a ride and your driver will be at your doorsteps in just a few minutes. What’s more? You could track the progress of your cab on a live map.

Because cabs are expensive, walking all day long is tiring and figuring out an unfamiliar public transport network could be really difficult.

You can track your ride on the map, watching your driver roll towards you. Moreover, the in-app fare-splitting makes it a value for money.

Exclusive Offer:

The Budgettraveller presents to you an exclusive Uber Code for your free first ride or a discount up to £15:

Offer code: BUDGETGB Offer value: £15 Valid until **7.4.18**

Redemption instruction: Simply download the app, enter the promo code BUDGETGB while availing your first ride .

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1 0. Heathrow airport guide app

Even though you hardly ever fly from Heathrow in your life, the Heathrow Airport Guide app makes an ideal travel-buddy by bringing you everything you need just when you need it.

From live flight updates to reserving a parking slot to keeping you updated on the latest offers in nearby shops and restaurants, this app makes your journey easier with travel notifications and prompts, no matter where in the world you happen to be.

Fast, easy and accurate, the app keeps you updated with every bit of your flight information no matter if you’re on the way to, from or through the airport.

Simply scan your boarding pass and check your flight status even quicker.

11. HitList

The traveling world is so enormous and the options so many that it could be a daunting task to organize your “must visit” list .  Don’t worry! Here’s an app that offers the much needed help.   Hitlist not only helps you manage your ever-expanding to-do-list and destinations but also allows you to share your favourite picks with your family and friends. It constantly scans airfares to give you an idea when ticket prices to your dream destination drops and have you saying in ecstasy, “I can definitely  go at this price.”

A must-have app for the frequent travelers, adventurous people and digital nomads, Hitlist automatically notifies you of cheap flight deals and helps you plan an itinerary to your dream destination.

Stand out features:

The Travel discovery tool helps you unveil new destinations based on your interests.

12. Wiffinity

Today, roaming fee is so expensive that you could expect the CEO’s of telecom companies to buy a new cruiser every time you travel abroad.  How about a freebie Wi-Fi locator? That’s where Wiffinity comes in. An app that enables you to access Wi Fi while traveling worldwide, it helps you forget about the lavish roaming charges. Enriched with the goodness of a WIFI map, this app helps you stay connected to the internet thanks to the 600,000 hotspots across the world.

Easy to use and free of roaming charges, Wiffinity helps you navigate the WIFI hotspots offline using the WIFI map.

The app could be used offline and lets you download maps without an internet connectivity.

13. PackPoint

All you need to do is feed the destination you’re heading towards, and it will build and organize your packing list on its own. What’s more? It also lets you share your packing list with your friends and family in case they also need help with packing.

In the excitement to visit a much-awaited destination, one might forget to pick up a few things. PackPoint will organize a packing list and luggage checklist for your luggage that depending upon the destination you are visiting.

Customized checklist prepared exclusively according to your destination.

14. Prey Anti-Theft

Apparently, the world is not a perfect place, and thefts and burglary could take place even in some of the most picturesque destinations. A crook could just as easily sweep away your goods in Piccadilly Square as in a jam-packed restaurant. So, the question is how do you protect your precious belongings while traveling?

Prey Anti Theft is an app that keeps a close vigil on your digital accessories, helping you find your phone, tablet and laptop even after they’re gone. Your personal watchdog, Prey anti-theft works wonders to retrieve lost data completely and prevents any future loss by instantly locking the devices.

Prey Anti-Theft is a tried and tested phone tracker that helps finding, locating and protecting your lost phone, tablet and laptop.

Enriched with the goodness of GPS Coordinates, this app gives an active pointer to the police to track your phone or other device.

15. Tablepouncer

Tablepouncer  is a relatively new app (pictured above ) which is going live city by city across the UK. Available for both iPhone and Android, it’s perfect for last-minute dining, offering big discounts at restaurants on the same day or following day, allowing you to dine on haute cuisine at budget prices if you are spontaneous enough with your restaurant choices. Having started in Bournemouth, it now also covers London, Bristol, Bath and Southampton. Manchester and Liverpool are next on the cards.

It lets you book last-minute tables at the top-rated restaurants in UK with huge savings of up to 65%.

Easy booking across 500 top restaurants, Refine your search with GPS filters.

16. Vouchercloud

Another personal favourite app I use a lot when I am in the UK is  Vouchercloud.  

You can get some great deals on restaurants, takeaways, pubs and bars cinema, retail, days out, leisure and entertainment venues across the UK . All you have to do is download, register and then the app based on your location, will give you a bunch of local offers. The offers often consist of 2-4-1 lunch deals in popular but decent chain restaurants like La Tasca ( Spanish tapas restaurant) or Slug and Lettuce. Once you’ve clicked on the offer you like, you get a Voucher Cloud offer code which you the show to the waiter and boom, sorted.

 Why you need it?

Avail a number of deals, offers and coupons with the app’s huge selection across hundreds of restaurants, retailers etc.

GPS-optimized search to explore the best offers near you.

17. Hungryhouse | Order takeaway online

UK is THE takeaway nation with the average Brit spending £1320 a year on takeaways. It is an essential UK dining experience plus a great way to save money on eating out.

HungryHouse app  is brilliant for ordering a takeaway. They have a strong presence in all the key UK cities. You can choose from 7000 interactive menus. Menus are saved as you browse, available in offline mode in the event you need to have a look when not connected to the internet.

Hunger could strike anytime and anywhere. With over 7,000 menus to choose from, this app is a one-stop solution to satisfy your taste-buds.

Choose your favorite delivery time as per you convenience with a One-tap order.

18. Foursquare

Often neglected, the much improved Foursquare app which started out as a check-in game where users compete against friends to earn points for their check-ins has now turned into a far more useful, practical moneysaving app. Using the ‘explore nearby’ function and then checking ‘best nearby’ tab, you can find the best restaurants, shops within your current location based on your GPS location.

The ‘Specials’ tab allows you to find discounts and freebies within your vicinity.

So if you check-in at a location you can often get 10% discount on your meal or purchase while if you become the Mayor of that location, in certain locations the Mayor gets some cool freebies like a free drink or coffee.

With the app’s wholesome city guides and positive tips, you could lead to your perfect spot anywhere in the world. What’s more? Keep track of where you you’ve been and where you want to go, all in one place

Stand out feature?

The ‘Join a community’ feature lets you find people who love to explore just like you and seek out hidden gems with them.

19. Travelzoo

Another cool moneysaving app to check is  Travelzoo’s app  where you can find excellent local deals across the UK on restaurants, hotels across the UK. Catering to nearly 5 million global users, Travelzoo has been featured as “app of the week”  in The Guardian, The Sun, Sunday Mirror and The Sunday Times.

Find the best travel, entertainment, restaurant and spa deals.

Frequent alerts on the best deals and Offers in your area.

20.  Expensify + Trail Wallet ( £1.99 )

It’s all too easy to overspend while travelling: estimating exchange rates as you shop, eating out several nights in a row, picking up the tab for friends. There are a range of apps to deal with exactly this problem and which allow you to record your expenses.

I’ve used the Expensify app previously and this handy, especially for business travellers, or for someone that likes to keep close tabs on what they are spending while they travel. With Expensify you can scan receipts, add hours you have worked, add expenses manually, add mileage and create invoices and expense reports. Drawback- If you have a lot of expenses to record, it can be time consuming to use this app and it takes a few seconds to record each item.

One of the best apps for tracking your daily expenditure and sticking to your budget while travelling is Trail Wallet . (Pictured above)

It’s simple and has an intuitive user-friendly interface. The app allows you to set a daily budget and then tracks your spending toward that. Trail Wallet has all has all the practicalities covered: supplies the current exchange rate ( 218 local currencies listed. Dependent on internet connection) , organises your spending by category, expenses tracking plus you can export your expenses via .csv file. The app also creates colorful pie charts to help visualise your spending.

Trail Wallet is one of the best expense tracking apps for the budget, rather than the business traveller. It is the only app here which isn’t free, but at £1.99, it’s well worth it.

To manage your travel budget effectively.

It features report management, receipt tracking in addition to mileage and time tracking. Moreover, you can snap a photo through SmartScan and it would be redirected to Expensify itself.

21. The National Trust

Last but not least, I definitely recommend downloading the  National Trust App . It allows you to discover the beauty of Britain’s countryside from the comfort of your phone highlighting 585 of the must-see places in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, fom coastlines to countryside and everything in-between. You can search by postcode or location and browse the interactive “favourites” list with hi-res images.

Why do we need it?

Your guide to the amazing day outs at historic houses and buildings protected by the National Trust throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Regular alerts about the range of events hosted by the National trust throughout the year.

Agree or disagree with my top 20 travel apps for visiting the UK? Please leave your feedback and tips below for your favourite apps when travelling across Britain. Thank you.

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13 comments.

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Thanks ever so much for this great post! The apps listed seem very helpful. I cannot wait to check out the last two. I am traveling to the UK for the first time in March, so the National Trust app will be super helpful for planning! Great job!

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I would also add a decent navigational app Spyglass. It works great when offline, assuming that you pre-download the maps that you need in advance. It shows your accurate coordinates and your current position on a map, allows to mark locations and waypoints, share your locations with friends and much more. https://itunes.apple.com/app/spyglass/id332639548?mt=8&at=11lLc7&ct=c

• Pingback: 20 best, free travel apps for travelling around the UK budgettraveller.o...... #travel #lifehack - Urban Angels

Nice presentation, looks great! You should also check out the app Digitourist.You can find all tourist activities and spots in the UK on it and it’s for free. I use it a lot when traveling, i love it, it’s so easy!

I Was interested in JourneyPro until I read the poor reviews? Seems it has fallen from grace & is now outdated…… back to searching ?

Why is Digitourist not in this list? They have all tourist activities in Europe in one simple to use concept and you can save them for later use, also you can plan and save your routes in case you go by car.

Loved the post. There really are so many apps you did a great job. Just curious why there was National Trust but not English Heritage Days Out here? They both do the same thing but with different sites. I have both and use them depending on which area of the country I’m in. I don’t use AirBnB because I’ve planned prior to my trips and just don’t normally need it.

Another app I use is the Heathrow Airport Guide. Of course, GateGuru and other apps help with that as well. Some other apps I use are currency converter, tip calculator, and TripIt.

You opened my eyes to some new apps. Thank you very much!

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Lovely Post Highly Informative Thanks a lot

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UK Bus Checker™ is the best-selling app that brings Live UK Bus Countdowns and mobile tickets to your smartphone.

And, in supported areas, you can even buy a ticket on your smartphone ! Plan and pay for your journey in one single place.

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Bus tickets just got a whole lot easier! Use Bus Checker to buy a smartphone ticket for your local bus operators.

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See an instant departures board for every stop in United Kingdom - in the app, or on your home screen. No more standing at the bus stop in the rain, just meet your bus when it get there instead.

Smarter Journey Planning

We'll plan your journey from A to B by bus, train, subway, hovercraft, however you roll. Great routes with live times. Save your favourite places so it's just a tap at the end of the night to get yourself home.

Live Route Maps

See exactly where each bus goes with our live, street-level route maps. Just drag the bus along to explore the route. We'll even wake you up when you get to your stop!

Save your favorite stops and journeys for instant access and one-tap journey planning.

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Users love us - we have an average App Store rating of and some great press reviews .

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If you live in London, and regularly ride a bus, then you should not leave home without Bus Checker.

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I'm not surprised this app has leapt to the top of the UK Travel charts since its launch.

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11 best transport apps in the uk 2023.

With rapid technological advancements, our smartphones have become indispensable companions, transforming the way we navigate and explore the world around us. In the realm of transportation, a myriad of transport apps has emerged, revolutionizing the way we plan and undertake our journeys. From bustling city streets to scenic countryside routes, these apps offer convenience, efficiency, and real-time information at our fingertips.

In this article, we delve into the realm of transport apps in the UK, spotlighting the finest tools designed to simplify and enhance your travel experiences. Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a cross-country adventure, or exploring the vibrant streets of the UK, these apps are here to guide you every step of the way.

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The Best Transport Apps in the UK 2023

Citymapper:.

Citymapper is a highly acclaimed transport app that simplifies urban travel in major UK cities. It goes beyond basic navigation by providing a wealth of information to help users make informed decisions. Citymapper integrates various modes of transport, including buses, trains, trams, and bicycles, offering multiple route options with real-time departures. The app utilizes live data and crowd-sourced information to provide accurate arrival times and alerts for disruptions or delays. With interactive maps and step-by-step directions, Citymapper ensures users can navigate through cities seamlessly, even if they are unfamiliar with the area.

UK Bus Checker:

UK Bus Checker is a dedicated app for those who rely on bus services across the UK. The app covers a wide range of cities and regions, allowing users to track buses in real-time and obtain live departure and arrival times. UK Bus Checker makes it easy to plan journeys, especially when coordinating connections or making sure not to miss a bus. The app provides information on bus routes, stops, and timetables, ensuring that users have the most up-to-date information for their bus travel needs.

TFL Go is an official app by Transport for London (TFL), designed specifically for navigating the extensive transportation network in London. The app covers the London Underground, buses, trams, trains, and even Santander Cycles (a bike-sharing scheme). TFL Go offers comprehensive travel information, including real-time arrivals and departures, station facilities, and step-by-step journey planning. It incorporates various factors such as disruptions, engineering works, and accessibility information to provide the most efficient and reliable routes. TFL Go is an indispensable tool for both residents and visitors navigating the bustling capital city.

Gopili is a versatile travel app that simplifies the process of comparing and booking tickets for various modes of transportation across the UK. The app allows users to search and compare prices and travel times for trains, buses, coaches, flights, and even carpooling options. Gopili aggregates data from multiple providers, presenting users with the best available options based on their preferences. This comprehensive approach not only saves time but also enables travelers to find the most cost-effective and convenient travel arrangements for their journeys, whether they are planning short trips or long-distance travel.

Get Your Guide:

Get Your Guide is an app that offers a wide range of guided tours, activities, and experiences in the UK. While it is not strictly a transport app, it plays a valuable role in helping travelers plan their itineraries and explore local attractions. Get Your Guide provides detailed information on various attractions, landmarks, and events, allowing users to book tickets directly through the app. Additionally, the app includes essential information on transportation options to reach these destinations, such as public transport routes, walking directions, or taxi services. By seamlessly integrating travel information with activity booking, Get Your Guide provides a comprehensive solution for travelers to discover and experience the best of the UK.

National Rail Enquiries:

National Rail Enquiries is an essential app for train travel within the UK. It covers the entire UK rail network, providing comprehensive information and services to assist users in planning their train journeys. The app allows users to check live departure and arrival times, track train schedules, and receive personalized alerts for delays, cancellations, or platform changes. National Rail Enquiries also offers the ability to purchase train tickets directly through the app, making it a convenient one-stop solution for all rail travel needs in the UK.

CityBike is one of the leading transport apps that focuses on promoting sustainable transportation through bike-sharing services. The app provides access to bike-sharing networks available in many UK cities, such as London’s Santander Cycles and Birmingham’s Brompton Bike Hire. CityBike helps users locate nearby docking stations, check bike availability in real-time, and unlock bikes directly from their smartphones. By encouraging cycling as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, CityBike contributes to reducing congestion and improving air quality in urban areas.

Uber is a widely popular ridesharing app that has revolutionized personal transportation in many countries, including the UK. Uber connects passengers with registered drivers, offering a convenient and reliable alternative to traditional taxis. The app allows users to request rides, track their driver’s location in real-time, and make cashless payments. Uber offers different vehicle categories to suit various preferences and budgets, from standard cars to luxury options. With its seamless booking process and transparent pricing, Uber has become a go-to app for convenient and affordable transportation in many UK cities.

Moovit is a comprehensive public transport app designed to assist users in navigating multiple UK cities. It covers a wide range of transport options, including buses, trains, trams, and other modes of public transportation. Moovit provides real-time data on arrivals, departures, and service updates, allowing users to plan their journeys effectively. The app offers step-by-step directions, interactive maps, and estimated travel times, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience. Moovit also provides additional features like live traffic updates, bike routes, and accessibility information, making it a versatile and inclusive app for all commuters.

Waze is a navigation app that focuses on real-time traffic updates and crowd-sourced information. While not exclusive to the UK, it is widely used by motorists to navigate the country’s roads efficiently. Waze utilizes data from its community of users to provide up-to-date information on traffic conditions, road hazards, accidents, and police presence. The app analyzes this information to suggest optimal routes, estimate travel times, and provide turn-by-turn directions. Waze also allows users to report incidents, contributing to a more accurate and reliable traffic ecosystem. With its emphasis on real-time navigation and community-driven updates, Waze helps drivers save time, avoid congestion, and enjoy safer journeys on UK roads.

Tube Map – London Underground:

The Tube Map – London Underground app is specifically designed to assist commuters and travelers navigating the extensive London Underground network, commonly known as the Tube. It serves as a digital version of the iconic Tube map, which is essential for understanding the complex network of underground lines, stations, and interchanges in London. The app provides a user-friendly interface that displays the Tube map, allowing users to easily plan their journeys and understand the connections between different lines and stations. It includes an interactive map with zoom and scroll features, making it convenient to explore the network in detail. Users can tap on specific stations to view additional information, such as nearby attractions, facilities, and step-free access availability.

Conclusion:

In the UK, where efficient transportation is key to maneuvering bustling cities and diverse landscapes, the right transport apps can greatly enhance your travel experience. Whether you’re looking for real-time public transport information, convenient bike-sharing services, hassle-free ridesharing options, or intelligent navigation for motorists, the apps mentioned in this article have got you covered. Embrace the digital revolution in transport and let these apps be your reliable companions as you explore the best of the UK’s transportation networks.

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17 Best apps for London and UK Travel

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: June 19, 2024

If you want to find the best London apps and great apps for UK travel, this guide lists 17 of the finest. Whether you need the best app for London transport or want to find a great vegan restaurant nearby, these apps will make life on the go so much simpler.

From the cheapest train or theatre tickets to the closest public toilet facilities or a great deal on a hotel room , accessing the best London travel app can help you pin them all down – and many even work while you’re off-grid too.

If easy access to live transport updates and route planners for walking, hiking, cycling and mountain biking appeal to you, then don’t miss this quick reference guide to all the top apps for UK travel.

The following apps for London and the UK can also help you check the weather forecast at your destination, find an accessible route, choose an attraction to visit or tour to take and even transfer cash as quickly, easily and cheaply as possible. 

Read on to discover all the best London apps and top UK travel tips.

Not sure about how to use your mobile phone in the UK? Read our complete guide to the options available for accessing Wifi during your trip.

Best Transport Apps

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The Citymapper App describes itself as meeting all your transport needs on one app. Indeed the app will give you step-by-step directions for getting around by bike, public transport, car share, scooter and on foot. The perfect app to help you navigate London.

The CityMapper London app can also compare prices via partners such as Uber and Santander Cycles (for-hire bikes) and let you see live waiting times for trains, buses and trams. 

You can even select the ‘main roads’ option to ensure your way is well-lit at night, as well as sharing your journey details and your ETA with friends. 

The Citymapper app is a must-have if you are planning a London trip!

Google Maps

We all use Google Maps, and their coverage of the UK is pretty much unrivalled. You also use this app for satellite navigation, making sure you can find your way anywhere in the land. The app will also pinpoint the most efficient route to take.

Real time live updates mean you can keep ahead when it comes to road conditions and closures, as well as public transport times. With Live View, you can always see exactly where you are too, while Street View lets you look around at any area.

There are even offline maps for when you’re without a WiFi connection . Definitely one of the best apps out there!

TfL Go: Live Tube, Bus & Rail

Navigating the London Transport system isn’t always easy for beginners, but the official Transport for London app will give you a good head start. It will also help you find the nearest toilets. 

The best app for London buses, trams and trains can keep you updated regarding overground and DLR (Docklands Light Railway) trains, and the route planner can also be used to plan cycling and walking routes.

A great feature of the best London tube app is the step-free tube map, which is ideal for anyone using a wheelchair, buggy or mobility scooter. You can switch to the step-free option at any time while using it.

Trainline 

Popular across the whole of Europe, the Trainline app works just as well for coach travel as it does for rail.

Once you’ve downloaded the app, it’s simple to compare fares, find discounts and book your travel all in one place. 

The Trainline app also shows live information, and can also help you skip the queues and locate a carriage with vacant seats.  

Planning to travel the UK by train? Our Essential Guide to UK Train Travel contains everything you need to know to plan your rail adventure including 12 done-for-you itineraries plus practical tips, information and resources to remove the stress from planning your trip.

National Rail Enquiries

Savvy Brits have trusted National Rail Enquiries for decades to get them from A to B, and this useful public transport app also gives you the latest train info for the London Underground. 

The free app will allow you to plan rail journeys, see timetables, track trains and even save frequent journey or station details. 

A clever feature is the pin that you can add to a map, from then on tracking its progress. You can also set up alerts so you’ll be the first to know about any disruption to services.

Parkopedia is an excellent app for those of you planning to drive in the UK. It gives a list of car parking by city, place or postcode.

It is possible to search by price, distance, rating and availability.

Get Your Guide

Using Get Your Guide is the easy way to find out about all the top sights to see and things to do while you’re in the UK. 

You can even book tickets via Get Your Guide to avoid queuing at popular attractions, which is potentially a huge time saver. 

The app will also pinpoint the highest rated activities, tours and attractions so you can make the most of every moment – and offers flexible cancellations too should your plans change.

London Theatre Direct

Seeing a West End show is a must for many when in London, and London Theatre Direct can ensure you do this as cheaply as possible. You can also book last-minute tickets and purchase tickets in app.

In fact tickets can be purchased up to an hour before showtime, and can be collected there at the theatre. The app is also user-friendly and fully secure. 

National Trust  

The National Trust (NT) is a British institution, and their app gives you easy access to the abundance of historic, cultural and natural sights the country is famous for.

From city to coast to countryside, the NT app will allow you to discover some very special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

You can even search when off grid, and browse current or future events. Audio files, maps and  trails can also be downloaded to help make the most of your visits. 

Formerly known as Transferwise , the Wise app is adored by those who regularly receive or send international payments, as its fees are far lower than those charged by competitors.

It’s not only the lower fees that will save you cash – the exchange rates are far more favourable too. You can even order a Wise debit card to pay directly from your account.

We use our Wise debit card when we travel as we have found it one of the cheapest ways to pay around the world – it lets you send and spend money at the real exchange rate avoiding fees or exchange rates charged by ATM machines.

The card is accepted wherever Mastercard is accepted and can hold multiple currencies (on our last trip we had Australian $, Hong Kong $, UK £ and Euros € on our card. On our return, we simply converted all our currencies into $ and deposited the total back into our bank account.

Brought to you by the UK’s official weather department, the Met Office app gives users the latest and most up-to-date weather forecasts around. 

You can check the forecast from an hour to a week in advance, and the app will also alert you to any Severe Weather Warnings that could affect your travel plans. We recommend checking the weather the week before you arrive so you can adjust your packing accordingly!

There is also an interactive rain map so you can see the likelihood of rainfall – something that’s frequently important in the often wet British Isles!

Why Flush? Because it’s the quickest and easiest way to find the nearest public toilet! Which isn’t always simple when you’re in a strange city, especially as they’re not that often signposted.

The app can also let you know if there is any charge to use the bathroom or whether it has disabled access. If this is the case, it can also tell you whether a key is required.

Users can also help improve the app by rating the facilities and adding new ones they come across to Flush’s list.

Booking.com 

Even when you make last-minute plans, the Booking.com app can come to the rescue by helping you book a great value and highly rated place to stay.

The interface allows you to search in the way that suits you – whether that’s by name, location or a nearby attraction. 

Free cancellation is often included, and the app also gives you access to a range of daily deals across all price levels. 

With its mild climate and varied landscape, the UK is a great destination for lovers of outdoor life, and the All Trails app will help you make the most of this.

This travel and fitness app is ideal for activities such as walking, hiking, climbing, biking and even winter sports.

The trail maps are great and even include images and reviews from other real life app users.  

Active UK residents love Kamoot, because it makes route planning so much simpler. Whether you want to walk, cycle or hike the city streets or off-road terrain, Kamoot will help you find the right roads, paths or trails to follow. 

The voice navigation feature is ideal for when you’re not in a position to keep checking the screen, such as in busy places or when cycling. 

Happy Cow 

Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free or vegetarian – or simply a committed carnivore with a craving for a healthy meal – the Happy Cow app will help you track down a great place to chow down on nutritious, delicious food.

As well as cafes and restaurants, the app will also help you find local food markets, grocery stores and health food shops.

The Happy Cow community is also a great place to share images, reviews and advice with fellow app users. 

Opentable 

Not sure where’s good to eat during your UK stay? Opentable will help you find all the hidden foodie gems, wherever you are.

With this free app you can take advantage of special deals and discounts, check out the menus and see other people’s reviews and recommendations before booking a table.

An RSVP invite can even be sent to your friends, directly from the Opentable app. 

Whether you’re more interested in where to stay and eat, what to do in London or how to plan your travel via the likes of a London bus app or London tube map app, I hope this guide has helped you decide which apps to download for your trip to this fabulous destination.

Our top 3 choices of London apps are

• The Citymapper App

Plan your visit to London

• London Travel Guide – links to everything you need to know to plan your trip and explore London with confidence
• Looking for accommodation? Read our guide to where to stay in London
• First time visitors? Read our top tips for visiting London for the first time
• How to get around London? Read our guide to using public transport in London and our guide to London’s main train stations
• What to see and do – Complete London bucket list with guide to all the top sights and attractions
• How to puchase tickets for London attractions – Guide to purchasing tickets for the lost popular London attractions
• Visiting on a budget? Read our budget guide to London with tips to save money when visiting
• Free things to do in London – Discover 32 free things to see and do in London
• Best day trips? Read our guide to the best day trips by train and ou r guide to the best tours from London
• Love castles? Our guide to the most popular castles to visit from London

Bus real time information apps

The best place to find a real time information app that works for you.

The best place to start is by visiting your Operating System or Device App Store and searching for relevant keywords such as “bus real times UK” (this is just an example, feel free to try any other keywords you may prefer!).

You can then read the description, see screenshots and confirm if there is any price associated with the app before you make a decision.

Here are the most popular Operating System stores available. You need to choose the relevant one based on the type of device you own, and see below for some apps we know about.

Apps we know about

We know of some free mobile and web apps that may just provide everything you need!

Travelwest web app

Our own web app. It works with any browser in any type of device, so you don’t need to install an app. It provides a lot more functionality than just bus real time, such as journey planning, route maps and timetables, so it’s perfect for the traveller that needs extra information.

Traveline South West App

For comprehensive and impartial public transport information across Great Britain for all modes of public transport.

NextBuses web app

Traveline also owns and manages NextBuses, a simple web app to check bus arrivals in real time. With NextBuses you don’t need to download an app, it will work on any browser from any type of device.

UK Bus Checker mobile app

This app is free to download and you can use it anywhere in the UK to check when your bus is arriving at the bus stop in real time.

First Bus mobile app

The First Bus App is totally free to download and use and provides information for First Buses only, UK wide.

Stagecoach mobile app

Free to download to provide journey planning, live bus information and mobile bus tickets for Stagecoach services only.

Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with other apps besides our own Travelwest Web App and the list above is for information purposes only. This should not be interpreted as an official recommendation and we take no responsibility for any of the apps listed. You must use your own judgement when deciding to download an app to your device.

Major Alerts

Major updates that may affect your travel in the west of england..

• Last updated: 08:32 
• 03rd June, 2024 03/06/2024

August Bank Holiday bus services 26.08.24

• Status: Scheduled
• From:  26th August, 2024 26/08/24
• To:  26th August, 2024 26/08/24

West of England

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D&G Bus

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myTrip by Passenger 4+

Cashless ticketing, live buses, mytrip by passenger.

• 4.4 • 560 Ratings

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Description.

myTrip helps you travel with confidence - plan your journey, pay for your tickets and track your bus with useful information such as how many passengers are already onboard. Cashless ticketing - A safer, easier way to get on the bus. Purchase mobile tickets securely with a debit/credit card, scan the QR on the ticket machine when boarding and take a seat. Track your bus on the go - real-time information in the palm of your hand. Gift tickets to family and friends. Safe and secure for school or daily travel. Departures: Browse and view bus stops on the map, explore upcoming departures, or check out the routes from a stop to see where you could travel next. More bus companies are joining myTrip all the time, so keep checking back. As always, we welcome your feedback. You can send it to us via the app.

Bug fixes and performance improvements

Ratings and Reviews

560 Ratings

A work in progress…

Works fairly well, very slow on loading the interface, especially tracking and bus stop ID. Not much point in having ‘favourite’ stops if you can’t access them without a search…Please give us a favourites tab! Hopefully will improve with timetables and routing. Update: Thanks for the response- shows you care. The tracking for my bus service is very good.

Developer Response ,

Thanks for the feedback, it’s really appreciated. We launched with the primary goal of helping to make it easier for you to catch your bus without having to use cash in the COVID situation. We’re working hard on bringing more operators into the app as quickly as possible and as part of that, we have lots of plans for improvements to the customer experience :)

Used to work so well

I’ve been using this app for around the last 9 months, and it has greatly helped my journey to and from work. Being able to track my buses made my life efficient and less stressful. However, now the tracker has stopped working for me. Buses show up on the big map (sometimes) but when I press “Track Vehicles”, not a single bus shows up on the route - when I know there should be. The app has been deleted and re-installed to no avail. Such a shame. Not sure if it’s on my end or the app’s end, but I hope it gets fixed x

I'm sorry to hear that you've been having some tracking problems. Please contact us via the Give Feedback section in the app with the details of the issue you've been having, including the operator name, service and stop/s. I hope to hear from you soon.

Used it a lot but will use it less from now on

Used this app loads over the last few years but I recently bought a ticket for £6 and the bus came Nearly 10 minutes early and they refused to refund me despite them knowing I clearly hadn’t used it and it wasn’t my fault. Poor customer service from both the app provider and D&G themselves who passed the blame onto the council. Tracking isn’t accurate on live busses and interface is slow and clumsy. You also can’t buy single trip tickets. Update: they said to contact their support but they didn’t help at all and didn’t refund.

Hi there, thank you for your feedback. I am sorry to hear of the issues you have had with the app. Please contact us via the Give Feedback option in the app, with details of your previous query as I have been unable to locate your previous request without your email address. We can then look to resolve your issue to your satisfaction.

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The developer, myTrip by Passenger , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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