best app for bus travel uk

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.

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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.

• Pingback: My 75 tips to save money when travelling in Europe -

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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Top 10 transport apps for smarter travel

Whether you’re planning journeys, buying tickets or claiming compensation, there are apps to help. Guardian Technology’s Stuart Dredge has the lowdown

Citymapper Android / iOS – Free

People who use Citymapper will happily rave about its qualities, and they are justified. It’s the best app for navigating urban public transport, whether you’re using the train, tube, bus, Uber cabs or even getting on your bike. You tell the app where you want to go, and it suggests a route and transport method(s), factoring in real-time data on disruptions en route. In the UK, it works in London, Birmingham and Manchester, as well as other major cities around the world. Also try: Moovit, another slick urban navigation app.

Live Train Times UK iOS – £1.49

If you spend a lot of time getting trains, being able to quickly pull up live times in an app before haring off to the station is very useful. Live Train Times UK works beautifully on that score, especially if you let it know what your regular routes are. Meanwhile, its information on platform numbers and even how many carriages there are – which might swing your decision about which one to catch – are extremely handy too. Also try: National Rail Enquiries with its times and journey planning.

UK Bus Checker Android / iOS – Free + IAP

From the developer that launched London Bus Checker comes this app covering the whole of the UK – all 300,000 bus stops worth, in fact. You can check the timetable or get live departures from your nearest stop, or use its journey-planning feature to prepare for upcoming trips. And for anyone prone to dozing while rattling along, the Stop Alert feature will wake you up in good time for your stop. Also try: London Bus Live Countdown, a capital-focused checker app.

Trainline UK Android / iOS – Free

More than 9.4 million people have downloaded this app, making it one of the most popular British transport apps. It matches its parent website in its ability to help you research upcoming train journeys and buy tickets – even up to 10 minutes before departure. It’s also useful for checking live times and platform data. Also try: Trainline Europe, for tickets across the continent.

TrainTrick Android / iOS – Free

As Southern Rail passengers have been venting regularly in recent months, train delays can be a frustrating waste of time. At least TrainTrick takes the hassle out of claiming compensation for those delays. You upload a photo of your ticket and the reason for the delay, and TrainTrick takes care of filing the complaint – taking a small cut of your compensation. Also try: The aptly-named Trains From Hell, for similar features.

Uber Android / iOS – Free

One of the most controversial transport apps in 2016, especially for established taxi drivers. But Uber is still proving very popular for its ability to digitally hail cars to take you from A to B, getting an estimated fare before you set off. Uber now runs in 16 British cities, with more added regularly. Also try: Hailo and Gett, which bring the Uber approach to traditional taxis.

Gopili – Cheap Tickets Android / iOS – Free

The name of this app makes its pitch to travellers clear: it doesn’t just want to book you tickets, it wants to get you the cheapest price. What’s handy here is that Gopili isn’t just for one mode of transport: it compares trains, coaches and flights across Europe, then sorts its results by price, duration or departure time for ease of choosing. Also try: Busbud for cheap coach tickets, and Skyscanner for flights.

Changers – CO2 Fit Android / iOS – Free

Changers has a different angle to the other apps in this roundup: it wants to get you travelling in a more environmentally-friendly way. That means measuring the distance you travel by public transport, bike or walking and calculating the amount of CO2 you’ve saved in the process, with a points system to keep you motivated. Also try: Journeys: A Greener Way from A to B, created by the Scottish government.

Tube Map London Underground Android / iOS – Free + IAP

The iconic London tube map lends itself to an app treatment, but this is about more than just telling your Bakerloo and Jubilee lines apart. You’ll also get live arrival and departure times, route planning across the capital, and handy walking directions to get between tube stations when strolling is quicker than tubing. Also try: Tube Exits, to pinpoint which carriage to stand in for a quick exit at your destination.

Santander Cycles Android / iOS – Free

Finally, another app for London travellers – commuters and tourists alike – who want to take advantage of the vehicles popularly known as Boris bikes. You can quickly see where bikes are free to hire; get a code to unlock one before you get there; and then plan your cycling journey across London. Also try: CycleMaps, to plan your biking journeys wherever you are in the UK (or, indeed, the world).

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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: March 13, 2023

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

Best apps for london and uk tickets and tours, practical apps for london and uk travel, best uk and london app for accommodation, best uk apps for outdoor adventure, best london and uk apps for foodies, which are the best london apps and uk travel apps for you, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

17 of the best apps for London and UK travel apps

Citymapper app.

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

Best UK transport apps for Android

Google Maps is pretty much the undisputed master of getting from point A to point B, no matter where you are. Google Maps can show you the easiest way to get around by walking, driving, or finding public transit. There are options to add stops on your journey, as well as avoiding highways or tolls along the way.You can also access nearby places by checking out the Explore tab. This will show you nearby restaurants, gas stations, and more with top rated recommendations. Google Maps has up-to-date traffic conditions, which means that you'll know before you hit a problem spot when navigating in the car.If you're on a longer trip, it's also easy to program in stops along your way. This lets you ensure that you get back on track as quickly as possible. Bottom line : Google Maps gives you a great overall experience whether you're traveling by car, truck or train, and easily lets you find great local places to find a bite to eat. One more thing: If you're concerned about having data, you can also download areas that can be perused offline.

Why Google Maps is the best

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Google Maps delivers you a little bit of everything, making it easy to get around even if you have no clue where you are.

There are dozens of apps that can help you get around, but none of them are quite as accurate or as all-encompassing as Google Maps has become. It covers just about every mode of transportation, and will also show you the different routes that you can take along the way. Absolutely free, it may even come preloaded on your phone, making it hassle free to use.

Google Maps also has tons of features that you can choose to use. You can save the locations of favorite restaurants, or your friends houses. If you use Google Calendar it will also show you the locations of upcoming events in your calendar. If you need to find food, you can see local restaurants and their reviews from customers.

One of the greatest features that Google Maps offers, though, is the ability to adjust your route. You can choose to avoid tolls and highways, as well as add stops on your trip. You can also see up to date traffic conditions while driving, which means that it's easy to avoid accidents a few miles down the road.

If you spend a lot of time in the city, then Citymapper goes above and beyond what Google Maps has to offer. You can easily get wherever you need to go, so long as it is within one of the app's supported cities, like Manchester or Birmingham. There are detailed routes for public transit, as well as integration with Uber and even rain-safe routes to keep you dry during a downpour.Citymapper even offers Android Wear support, so that you don't need to keep an eye on your phone to keep from getting lost. Their Uber integration is also well done, letting you know if prices are surging. The biggest problem with the app is that it isn't available for every city, but the list is always expanding. Bottom line: Citymapper can make getting around in the city a breeze, you'll just want to make sure you're in a supported city before downloading and installing it. One more thing: The SmartCommute feature can help you find the fastest and most cost effective routes for your commute.

While having access to all public transit might be good, having a dedicated app to help you navigate the Tube is a good call. Tube Map London Underground is officially licensed by TfL and it is jam packed with just about anything you need to know. You get access to a zoomable map of the rail network, complete with every station. Tapping a station will get you more info, like departures, service info, and Wi-Fi coverage.You can also use the route planner, which is especially handy for anyone not familiar with the city. This includes choosing between a fast route, or an easy one. You can also see how long it will take to walk between stations if there is a backup. You can even check out disruptions, and social media to help plan your trip. Bottom line: Tube Map London Underground is the best aid to keep you up to date and getting where you need to go using the Tube. One more thing: The basic app is free, but to get access to every feature you'll need to upgrade to the Pro version.

Whether you're visiting the UK, or you're just trying to get to work, driving yourself isn't always an option. If you're looking for a ride share to use while in the city, then you can trust Uber. While they aren't accessible from anywhere, you can check coverage before you download the app.Once you've signed it, and set up a payment method, you're good to go. Uber is super convenient when staying in the city, and is often a lot cheaper and easier than using a taxi or public transit. You just want to keep an eye on choosing the correct level of service for your ride, and make sure that you are aware of any surge pricing before requesting a ride. Bottom line: Uber is an accessible, easy, and often cheap way of getting around while in supported cities. One more thing: Using Uber is a great way to go out for drinks, and not have to worry about a designated driver at the end of the night.

If you're getting from point A to point B, then having an app to keep you on course is a solid choice. Waze is particularly handy for avoiding congestion and traffic spots before you hit them. While information from Waze is included in Google Maps, the standalone app is well worth downloading.On top of knowing about accidents and traffic, you'll also be able to see fuel prices, and the presence of police. All information displayed within Waze is added by users, meaning that you'll get real time updates as you head wherever you're going. This is especially handy if you're heading towards traffic, because you'll see drivers reporting as it gets better — or worse. Bottom line: Waze uses community reporting to deliver real-time up to date traffic conditions, as well as the presence of police, and local fuel prices. One more thing: As you travel while using Waze, you'll slowly unlock the various different reporting features.

While Google Maps can't do absolutely everything, it does its level best to try. From exploring the area around you to navigating your way across the country, Google has you covered. It's easy to save locations, add stops, and even avoid highways or tolls. Google Maps even delivers up to date traffic conditions as you drive to ensure that you get where you're going with as few complications as possible.

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TfL Go: Live Tube, Bus & Rail

About this app

Data safety.

Ratings and reviews

• Flag inappropriate

What's new

App support, similar apps.

• Baltimore Bus Checker
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LIVE BUS COUNTDOWN SMARTER TICKETING

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.

New - Mobile Bus Ticketing

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

What are you waiting for?

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.

Bus cancelled? Get live disruptions info, plus real-time cycle hire availability in selected cities.

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

Download today

Cosmopolitan UK

This app is LIFE CHANGING. Seriously. You need never wait for a bus again.

Which? Tech Daily

One of the best bus-related apps we’ve used; it’s both accurate and reliable.

Appster Awards

Best Windows and Windows Phone App - WINNER

The UK's #1 Travel App - featured in Apple 'Staff Favourites'

Guardian App Review

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

Kate Russell, BBC Click

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

Sunday Times App List

Selected and featured in 'Best Travel Apps'

Jo Elvin, Senior Editor

...has already saved me from standing and waiting ages at my local bus stop. Which is genius.

Shane Richmond, Daily Telegraph

Well designed and worth the small price.

Bus information provided for Great Britain only - data is provided by Traveline and Transport for London.

A Life Away

29 Travel Apps to Save Money & Time in the UK or Europe

Ready to take the hassle out of your next trip to the UK or Europe? Travel apps have come a long way to make your travels easier and save you from overspending, but sorting through the many apps out there takes a ton of time. 

From navigating city transportation to finding the best deals on flights and hotels, I’ve sorted through the best apps for you. These 29 apps will help you make the most of your precious travel time and money.

This article contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and they help keep my content free – a win-win! For more information, see the affiliate disclosure .

Know before you go

💷 Currency: Great British Pound (£) is used throughout the UK.

🕰️ Time zone: The entire UK is in one time zone, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). From late March to late October, the whole country moves an hour forward to British Summer Time (BST).

🔌 Plugging in electronics: Electric sockets in the UK are unlike those in Europe or the US. If you are visiting from outside the UK, you will likely need this universal travel adaptor .

📱 Using your smartphone: If you want to use your phone data while visiting, the easiest and cheapest solution is to purchase an e-sim for your trip.

🚘 Car rentals: Americans can rent a car in the UK with a valid US driver’s license from any state. Driving in the UK is not for the faint of heart, and I recommend checking out my guide to driving in the UK before you set out!

🚊 Train booking: All major UK cities, and many other destinations in between, can be reached by train. Check train routes, ticket prices, and get your tickets directly through Trainline .

Best Travel Apps for Flights

WayAway is a flight aggregator, which means that it searches for flights across multiple airlines at once. If you’re searching for flights to get around Europe, this app will help you find budget airline options.

One thing I love about this app that sets it apart is its ability to display the extra baggage charges that tend to come with low-cost carriers. This helps you know just how much that flight will really cost if you’re traveling with luggage.

Skyscanner has long been a favorite for flight bargain hunters. If you have flexible travel dates, use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights across an entire month. 

You can also put in your local airport and search for destinations from there. This is particularly helpful if you book your travel in and out of Europe first and then decide where to visit based on flight pricing and availability. 

Kayak’s flight aggregator is great for scoping out flight prices. It also offers a price forecast tool that helps you estimate whether you’re better off booking now or later for the best deal.

You can also use Kayak to book hotels and rental cars. This makes their package deals combining the three sometimes a really good value.

Non-app honorable mention: Google Flights

This one doesn’t have an app to download, but if you’re just starting to plan your trip, it is worth checking flight rates through Google Flights. It doesn’t always beat aggregators like SkyScanner or Kayak, but is always worth a check.

Best Travel Apps for Hotels and Lodging

Booking.com.

This is always my first stop to find a place to stay. I’ve used Booking for tons of hotel stays, apartment rentals like this spot in Edinburgh’s old city , and unique stays like this farm we enjoyed in Belgium .

The photos and rating system give a really accurate look at where you’ll stay before you commit so you don’t waste money on poor accommodations. Many hotels also let you cancel even up to 24 hours prior to arrival, so you can book without worrying about your plans shifting. 

I don’t use AirBnB as much anymore because I’ve heard too many stories of last-minute cancellations and bizarre stays that don’t match the promised description. Having said that, it’s still worth a check if you’re going to stay in one place for at least a week and need to accommodate a family or group. I recommend not booking a stay in a property if it hasn’t been positively reviewed by at least five recent stays.  

HotelTonight

If you do have a last-minute change in your plans (or you just enjoy flying by the seat of your pants), then keep HotelTonight at the ready. This app specializes in finding last-minute deals, making it easy to find a place to stay without splashing out on last-minute price hikes. 

Best Travel Apps for Trains, Buses, and Transportation

Trainline is my absolute go-to source for all train journeys in the UK and Europe. Check timetables easily and book the best fares right in the app. Paper tickets can be picked up in stations, or you can show your tickets in the app. I use Trainline to book all of my trains in and out of London.

To give you an example, it is sometimes cheaper to buy tickets to London that break at a station along the way. Trainline identifies these split fares and gives you the option to purchase split tickets instead of a single direct ticket. You never get off the train, just have two tickets instead of one saved on the app. I do this all the time.

Trainline can also help you out with train bookings in Europe. When we traveled to Belgium, I bought all of our train tickets for travel between cities through Trainline. When you’re looking at ticket machines that offer a wide range of ticket types, it can be reassuring to make your purchase with a service that will help you choose the right thing.

Not sure if you should take a train, plane, or bus to your destination? Omio will check all of the available routes and help you buy tickets on your chosen route. This is excellent if you’re headed away from major cities where buses become the best method for public transport, but also want to check for train and air routes on other parts of your journey.

Tickets can be printed if you want a hard copy, or you can save digital copies on your smartphone.

Should you book that train or pick up a rental car? Rome2Rio will tell you all the ways you can travel from point A to point B, including estimated travel times. When you find a route that looks good, you can click into it to get all the details on stops and find a link to buy tickets if you choose public transportation. 

Rome2Rio will help you save time by highlighting the quickest routes. It might surprise you to find that some routes that seem short take much longer by train than driving, but sometimes long routes are a real breeze on the rails. For example, travel between London to Edinburgh is faster by train than car. It may even be faster to take the train than fly on this route, once you factor in getting to the airport and security lines.

Sometimes you just want to drop yourself in a taxi. This app works similar to ride-sharing apps, but will instead hail a local cab. It works across Europe and the UK. You’ll be able to see your rate and can pay through the app or directly. This makes it easier to avoid surprise fares or scams.

This one is all about the bus routes. If you’re headed somewhere the trains don’t easily reach, or where transportation routes are more sporadic in general, then check out FlixBus. 

FlixBus runs its own bus fleet, so you aren’t booking through them to another bus company. One route I think looks promising is London to Newquay. Driving in Cornwall can be tricky for tourists, but this brings you right to the heart of the beautiful Cornish north coast.

You’ll only need this app if you’re taking a Eurostar route between the UK and Europe. The app does make it easy to buy your tickets directly and is the easiest way to store tickets for your speedy trip through the Chunnel.

Best Travel Apps to Manage Travel Money

The answer to the travel fund dilemma! I already recommend Wise for anyone moving money between the US and the UK, but Wise also makes converting money for travel so simple. 

Opening an account in any currency is simple and free. If I were planning a trip from the US to the UK, I’d open an account in US Dollars and an account in British Pounds. Then stash your travel money in the US Dollars account until you’re ready to convert. Wise offers better conversion rates than many banks, and way better than you’ll find in travel money shops. 

You can get a digital card to use with ApplePay, paying like a local on your trip. If you want to access cash, then request a Wise debit card to use at any cashpoint. The debit card gives you up to two free withdrawals up to £200 per month. For more withdrawals, there is a low fee of 1.75%.

ATM Fee Saver

When you want to withdraw cash from an ATM, the last thing you want is to be surprised by ridiculous cashpoint machine fees. ATM Fee Saver lets you in on the fees charged by ATMs

near your location, making it easy to find low-fee or no-fee options. The app covers over 35 top tourist destinations, including the UK. 

GlobeConvert

GlobeConvert helps you put the cost of things in perspective. Use the simple conversion calculator to input a price in the local currency and check what that means in your home currency. This makes it much easier to conceptualize whether that souvenir purchase is a good deal, or an expensive splurge.

The app also can run other conversions. For instance, if you’re an American checking the weather, it can run those Celsius numbers into the Fahrenheit measure you’re used to.

Traveling with family or friends? This app simplifies tracking who paid for what. I tried this one out on a trip back to the US where we met up and split costs with friends. Everyone adds in what they paid for and the app automatically divides up the charges and sorts out who owes money to who.

The basic version of the app is free, though the paid version opens up more options like tracking multiple currencies. Something to consider if your trip is going to be spent in several places.

Do you get anxious when it comes to tipping in a new place? Tipping culture is very different outside the US and even varies amongst European countries. This app gives you quick overviews by country so you can easily tell what’s expected. It also includes a tip calculator that aligns with the country expectations so you know for sure that you’re tipping just the right amount.

Best Travel Apps for Finding Your Way and Communicating

Google maps and apple maps.

It’s probably already on your phone and it does what you need. I use Google Maps to sort out directions, available modes for transport, and save favorites like spots I’d like to eat so they’re easy to find on the fly. You can even download an offline map for an entire city in advance.

If you’re an Apple fan, I find that Apple Maps works just as well in the UK and Europe. I slightly prefer Apple Maps for driving directions around the UK.

If you want a little more oomph from your maps service, then check out CityMapper. This app will tell you the best routes to get around in a city, with helpful details like lockscreen notices that you’ve almost arrived at your bus stop. Several features can be used offline, so you won’t be navigating blind down in the depths of the London Tube system.

Europe is great for widespread WiFi, but sometimes you need to access your cell data (like when you’re hopelessly lost and forgot to download an offline map, not that I’ve ever done that). Airalo lets you buy an e-sim that loads to your phone automatically and grants cheap access to a short-term data plan. Stay connected for less.

WiFi is the navigation lifeblood for travelers. Use this app to locate WiFi networks near your location wherever you travel. The information is crowdsourced from users, so it does sometimes include outdated details. It’s a great start in the right direction, though, and sometimes discloses passwords for places like coffee shop networks.

Google Translate

Travel is meant to take you out of your comfort zone and give you access to new experiences. When it comes to navigating a foreign language, you might be feeling anxious about communicating with locals or reading signs and menus. 

Google Translate is an all-in-one app that removes language barriers. You can type in language for a quick translation, use the microphone to translate a conversation, or simply point your camera at a restaurant menu for a translated image. 

Best Travel Apps for Tours & Activities

Getyourguide.

GetYourGuide takes the aggregator approach of services like Kayak and applies it to travel experiences. Whether you’re looking to join a walking tour, find entry tickets to popular tourist spots, or book a full day trip experience, GetYourGuide will find it. 

Booking is easy and you can cancel plans up to 24 hours in advance if your plans change. There are a lot of options in major cities like London. Smaller towns off-the-beaten track may not have as much to offer. I recommend checking out the reviews before you book to make sure the experience will be what you expect.  

Viator is also an aggregator for tours, entry tickets, and unique experiences. Slightly less known in Europe and UK compared to GetYourGuide, but Viator is still worth checking out to compare prices. 

Rick Steves Audio Europe

Check out the massive library of audio tours, all available for free from this handy app. Whether you’re visiting the British Museum or the streets of Pompeii, learn something new without needing to book a tour guide. 

Best Travel Apps for Restaurants and Food Delivery

Sort through the restaurants near you by price, type of food, and more. This app will help you find restaurants across the UK and Europe. Menus are displayed for most and you can even book reservations directly through the app.

Are you or your travel companions vegetarian or vegan? Take the guesswork out of where you can eat on your travels with this app that highlights veggie-friendly restaurants. Limit your search to only restaurants with fully vegan or vegetarian menus, or find general restaurants that offer vegetarian meals.

Save favorites in advance, and even access offline maps to easily find your way on the go. The Happy Cow website also maintains a blog with top vegan and vegetarian restaurant lists for major European and UK cities.

Sometimes you are too exhausted from traveling to face another restaurant meal. Deliveroo offers food delivery services across the UK for easy ordering. Find and book your meal and it will be delivered right to your door. 

Just Eat is also a food delivery service, but this one has a broader reach across many European countries. They also operate in the US and Canada, so you may already be familiar with their app. Simply book a meal in the app and get it delivered directly to you.

Make Your Next Trip Simple

Your next trip to the UK or Europe should be filled with discovery instead of headaches. Let technology save you time and money, so you can focus on having a great time. I hope you find this list of useful apps helpful as you head off on an incredible adventure!

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Essentials & Unexpecteds: 25+ Of The Best Apps For Traveling In Europe

Planning to travel to europe make sure to download these apps before you go.

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a frequent visitor, travel in Europe can be an amazing experience. But having the right apps can make your trip so much easier…and even help you save a ton of money. Knowing which ones are the best apps for traveling in Europe can be overwhelming, so here’s a list of the apps I end up using nearly every time I travel to Europe.

About Jason Robinson // The Nomad Experiment

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And get ready…there are apps on here you won’t see on other lists! Like an app perfect for finding local-led tours and adventures!

Whether you’re looking to speak the language, save money on accommodations, eat like a foodie, or just be a more conscious traveler, there’s an app on this list that can help. Enjoy!

Mapping Apps for Europe

Maps.me can make navigating Europe a breeze and many travelers swear by it. It can be used offline, meaning you don’t need to worry about finding yourself in a remote area with no phone signal or wifi access.

The app uses OpenStreetMap data, updated daily by its community of contributors, to help you find your way around foreign cities or rural areas without relying on Google Maps or similar applications. 

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The Citymapper App

The Citymapper app has won both App Of The Year awards and Editor’s Choice awards on Apple and Android platforms. It provides an easy-to-use platform that allows users to plan their journey in advance, get real-time updates on route changes and find the best way to get to their destination. The app also tracks estimated arrival times and provides warnings of delays or congestion.

The Citymapper app is available across all major US cities and major cities in Europe including London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona and more.

Lonely Planet Western Europe 15 (Travel Guide) Up-to-date information –  All businesses were rechecked before publication to ensure they are still open after the 2020’s COVID-19 outbreak… check price

Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the most popular navigation apps out there. And Google has recently released some incredible updates that will make using Google Maps even easier.

Plus, there’s the option to save favorite places so you’ll never forget where you parked or what restaurant you had dinner in. And if you’re really OK with giving them all your data and details, you can even search for places you ate at months or years in the past.

Also, the Google Map app does a great job for the intricate subway/metro systems in major cities around Europe. Just make sure you download offline maps to make sure you have access to navigation when you’re traveling where you might not have a cell signal!

READ NEXT: Step-By-Step: How To Fuel Your Wanderlust With Google Maps Saved Lists

Phone & Texting Apps for Europe

Google Fi Cellular

I’ve used Google fi for cellular both in the US and while traveling internationally since I went nomadic years ago. The biggest reason is that my bill throttles down if I don’t use data (but caps on the high end), so my monthly average bill is around $50 throughout the year.

But the bigger reason is that having a Google fi native phone means that I don’t have to deal with buying and using SIM cards when I go to a new country. That’s a huge pain in the ass that I get to avoid!

Add to that simple Wi-Fi calling (which saves on data) and Google Fi is a no brainer unless you have super deep pockets to pay for expensive, all-in international calling plans.

READ NEXT: UPDATED: 18 Safe Traveling Tips For Newbies—Stay Safe & Reduce Anxiety

WhatsApp has pretty much taken over the game sofar as texting while in Europe, and around the world, since it’s used by over 2 billion people in over 180 countries across the globe.

What makes WhatsApp so unique is its use of end-to-end encryption that ensures only authorized parties can view the content being sent. This feature provides users with a high level of security when it comes to their conversations and media exchanges, different than other providers.

You can add groups, make video calls and phone calls over Wi-Fi…and all for free. And they have a desktop app so you can jump seamlessly back and forth from your phone.

Join the email list to stay in the loop on new releases!

Translation& language apps for europe.

Google Translate

Google Translate is definitely “old reliable” as far as free apps for translating go. While English is often fairly easy to use in touristy cities when traveling in Europe, you’re just being a more friendly traveler when you try to use a little of the local language.

You can save favorite phrases and quickly switch from language to language, since the app supports 100+ languages, and that is expanding all the time.

One of the best features I use all the time is using the camera to capture text in Google Translate, which instantly translates it into whatever language I choose. Especially useful for understanding signs or menus!

Simply type what you want to say or copy and paste it into the iTranslate app, then select your target language. The iTranslate app will then automatically translate it for you. And if you don’t know how to pronounce something, it has an audio feature that reads out translations in different languages. Another great travel app alternative to the Google ecosphere.

Currency & Money Apps for Europe

Currency Plus

Did you know that there are 29 different currencies used throughout the 50 European countries? Yeah, if you think you’ll be able to get by with just one conversion, you’re sadly mistaken.

I would use GlobeConvert app (below), but I run an android phone, so I use Currency Plus. I love that I can actually see multiple conversations at once, since this can help in the now, but also help me decide where to go next when I see a great conversion rate for USD! 

READ NEXT: Gifts For Diabetic Travelers—Essential Travel Items & Unexpected Gifts

GlobeConvert Currency & Units (iOS only)

This beautiful app allows you to quickly convert between different currencies and units of measure from all around the world since it supports over 160 different currencies.

The user interface is incredibly simple and straightforward and it’s one of the most beautiful currency converter apps available. The app also works offline, meaning that you don’t need an internet connection to access its features! With GlobeConvert’s Currency & Units app, navigating through Europe has never been simpler!

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Do you use apps like Venmo to transfer money between friends or family around the US? Well, you’re likely to be out of luck with doing the same thing with money in Europe, as they seem to be overwhelmingly using the Revolut app. That alone easily makes it one of the best travel apps for Europe.

You can transfer some good ol’ USD into your account, then convert and transfer to other people in different currencies while you travel through Europe.

Budgeting Apps for Europe

Trail Wallet

This is one of the OG apps that I swore by back when I was just a baby nomad. Unfortunately, it’s only available on iOS. But if that’s you, I highly recommend checking it out. Trail Wallet helps travelers organize spending while they’re on the road while giving some fun, positive reinforcement.

The interface is lighthearted and easy to use, but the depth of details is solid so you can stay on budget or at least know where you went wrong and where you need to tighten up.

READ NEXT: Staying On Budget…Travel? You Need The “Trail Wallet” App!

Trabee Pocket

If you follow The Nomad Experiment on Instagram, you probably know that I currently use the Trabee Pocket app for budgeting literally every day of my life…going on 4 years now.

Setting up categories and creating budgets is simple, and adding an item when you spend literally takes less than 10 seconds, so it’s really easy to stay on top of spending. You can even track in multiple currencies that all iron out to your home currency in your final number overviews.

The graphs and breakdowns of categories are really where the Trabee Pocket app shines though, since you can deep dive each one for really granular understandings of your spending.

The Splitwise App is one of the best travel apps out there, period. It makes organizing and splitting expenses with friends so much easier. Splitwise allows users to record expenses from multiple trips, group them together by date or destination, and split them evenly or according to individual contributions.

It even allows for different percentages of splits. You can even use it for shared bills like rent or utilities.

We used the Splitwise app when I had 3 friends meet me for different stints in Portugal. After everyone was done, we hit the “settle up” button and it automagically money transfer the right amounts to the right people. Super easy!

Explore Portugal Travel Guides

Porto Travel Guide | Sintra Travel Guide | Guimaraes Travel Guide | Aveiro Travel Guide

Transportation: Buses, Trains, & Flight Apps for Europe

The Rome2Rio app is almost always where I start my transportation searches, then I may jump over to some of the other apps listed below. Whether you’re looking for flights, trains, buses, or ferries, Rome2Rio has it all for pretty much any destination in Europe you could look for.

Enter your starting point and destination into the search bar and the Rome2Rio app will present you with a range of possible travel routes, from many different modes of transportation.

You can then compare fares and journey times so you can choose the option that fits your plans. In addition to offering great prices on travel tickets, Rome2Rio also provides detailed maps of each route.

This app is great for simply getting an idea of how to get from one place to the next and any and all modes of transportation you could take. When you’re ready, you can even click through to buy the actual tickets for your chosen route!

READ NEXT: What The Heck Is The Schengen Zone? How U.S. Passport Holders Travel Europe For Months On End

Flixbus is one of the fastest-growing bus networks in Europe, and as of this writing, they operate in over two dozen countries. The Flixbus app makes it easy to find and book affordable bus rides, keeping your tickets digitally.

Most buses say that they come with free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected along the way.

Of course, this is almost always a crap shoot, and you should never depend on Wi-Fi actually being available on any budget bus line!

BlaBlaCar (& Bus)

BlaBlaCar & Bus offers bus routes around over 20 countries across Europe—predominantly in western Europe—and the app allows you to compare prices, check timetables, and book tickets for bus travel throughout their many routes.

Travelers have access to thousands of destinations all accessible through the app. Keep reading to see how BlaBlaCar shook up the ride-sharing industry and became a great ride-sharing option for getting around major European cities.

The Omio app is a one-stop shop for booking your European train tickets since it is an aggregator for the many different train operators throughout Europe.

Not only does the Omio app allow you to search for the best deals on trains in over 30 countries in Europe, but you can also book bus and flight tickets too. This means that you can easily compare prices across different modes of transport without having to open multiple apps or websites.

Plus, if you’re flexible with dates then there are often great discounts available through the Omio app – perfect if you’re trying to save some money on your next adventure!

The Trainline app covers specifically train and bus journeys all over the United Kingdom and Europe. It features 270+ railway and bus companies for 45 countries and claims to be “Europe’s leading train and bus app.” Trainline even has a Loyalty Points system that rewards customers with points when they book trips or purchase upgrades.

Transportation: Car-Shares & Taxis Apps for Europe

Free Now & Uber

Travelers in Europe now have a choice between two major players: Free Now and Uber. Both offer passengers an easy way to get around in different cities; however, there are some distinct differences between the two companies. 

The most notable for the Free Now app is that prices are set by both the driver and the company itself, depending on factors such as distance traveled and time of day.

And the Free Now app also pools taxi drivers into the mix, which extends the offerings past what Uber can with only “company” drivers.

Rides through the Free Now app are now available in more than 100 European cities.

Unlike traditional rental car companies or bus tours, the BlaBlaCar app allows users to search for rides from people already planning trips in their own cars. 

Users create profiles with their preferred destinations and add certain details about themselves that other users will see before deciding whether or not to accept them as passengers.

The benefit of this BlaBlaCar approach is that travelers can often find rides faster and cheaper than they would elsewhere, all while getting to know locals along the way.

So it’s a great app for saving time and money in Europe while getting to know people and the culture a bit deeper. Plus, since drivers get extra money for having passengers on board, so it’s a win-win situation. 

Adventure, Tours & Excursion Apps for Europe

Get Your Guide

The Get Your Guide app and website are easily a couple of the most easily navigable and customer-friendly sources I’ve used for finding highly rated and unique, local adventures.

And Get Your Guide’s platform was founded on using local guides, so your travel experience is genuine and there’s more money put back into the local economy as opposed to into big businesses that may not have local roots.

READ NEXT: Prague Travel Guide — Travel Tips & The Best Things To Do In Old Town Prague And Beyond

For travel in Europe—or anywhere really—you should really spend some time on Get Your Guide seeing all of the options they have!

Accommodation Apps for Europe

Hostelworld

My personal go-to for booking great hostel options with in-depth reviews. Keep in mind that hostels aren’t just for a dorm bed in a room with others, they’re also a place for private rooms and ensuite bathrooms, etc.

The Hostelworld app allows you to filter accommodation options on these specifics so you can choose what you’re most comfortable with. So any way you look at it, Hostelworld is one of those travel apps that will save you time and money if you like to travel on a budget.

You can also create hostel wish lists and add hostels from around the world to your favorites so you can plan to go visit them on future trips.

RELATED: The Best Hostels I’ve Stayed At…& More Importantly Why They Make The List Hostel Guide 101 – Answers To The Questions You’re Asking

The Booking app and site offer an easy way to find and compare many kinds of accommodations, from homestays to hotels and everything in between. They have over 800,000 properties available across 35 languages, so there are a lot of options with great filtering options for your specific tastes.

The Booking app is a great app to use if you want to save money compared to some of the higher-priced accommodation options on platforms like Airbnb.

Food & Restaurant Apps for Europe

Too Good To Go

The concept of the Too Good To Go app is simple: you search for nearby restaurants, purchase a discounted meal before closing time, then pick up your order using their contactless payment system. You never know what type of meal will be available; it could be anything from freshly prepared dishes or delicious bakery treats.

I used this app dozens of times while living in Portugal, both day and night, since many restaurants had meals available between their midday rushes.

Not only are these meals priced lower than usual, but they also help reduce the amount of food being wasted each year – so you get a guilt-free dinner and an environmental win.

And these aren’t scraps or waste; the meals or offerings are often as top-notch as if you would have ordered them at regular menu prices during the peak food rush!

RELATED: 2 Months in Queretaro, Mexico: My Favorite Centro Restaurants & Food…for $2-20USD/meal!

The Happy Cow app is a must-have for any vegetarian or vegan going on a Europe trip. It’s easy to use and allows users to search for nearby restaurants that specialize in plant-based meals.

You can also filter your search by price range or type of cuisine so that you’ll know exactly what kind of food you’re getting before you choose.

The Happy Cow app currently has over 86,000 listings for vegetarian and vegan restaurants just in European countries!

Other Helpful Apps Apps for Travel in Europe

Austrian Post CardStudio

This app allows you to use your own photos and personalized messages to create and send postcards for around €2… all digitally & on the go.

The fact that you can use your own photos, choose the layout, and even have a customized stamp (with your picture on it) is just really neat. Guess this is a sign of the times!

And you can do it from anywhere in Europe. While I’m a big fan of handwritten notes or postcards, I’m terrible at actually sitting down and writing them…and then getting them in the mail. I mean, simply going to a post office in another country with other languages and currencies just adds to the nausea.

Thanks to Leah Michelsen for suggesting the Austrian Post and Treecard Apps!

Leah Michelsen // Guest Contributor

Treecard App

The simplest win for this app is that for every 10,000 steps you track while you’re walking…

…they’ll “fund the planting of a real tree in one of 35+ biodiversity hotspots” worldwide.

That alone is worth opening the app and tracking steps. But the Treecard App also encourages users to switch to green energy providers or invest in renewable energy projects when possible, allowing them to contribute even more towards reducing climate change. They even have a wooden debit card that plants a tree for every $50 spent from it.

You’ve probably heard of the Meetup App, but maybe you never thought about using it in your travels. I use the Meetup app all the time since I travel solo and usually want to meet people living in the places I travel.

I pop open the app, scan hundreds of events, and soon enough I’m surrounded by other locals and world travelers.

Game nights, bar crawls, free tours. You name it, there’s a meetup for it, whether you’re at home or all the way over exploring big cities throughout Europe.

No matter where you are headed when you travel in Europe, having access to these apps will definitely make your trip easier, and potentially cheaper. Let me know in the comments if there are apps that should be added to the list and I’ll check them out!

And please share this article with your Europe travel crew!

Safe Travels! — Jason

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About Jason Robinson

Jason is the author of “The Beginner Traveler’s Guide To Going Nomad,” as well as the voice behind the words and the eye behind the lens for The Nomad Experiment. “Planning to travel at some point” wasn’t actually getting the job done, so nearing 40 he decided to make it a priority, nomatter how scary that was. A few years later— through the pandemic and a type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 42 —now living a life of nomadic travel, he’s speaking out to encourage others of any age, or with any serious medical diagnosis, to live an unconventional life.

Travel Planning Tips

Figure out where you are going & how are you getting there… I suggest using at least 2 to 3 different travel search sites. Start with Skyscanner or Orbitz or Booking  … or whatever aggregator site you prefer. Then when you see what airlines to use, check their respective sites for better deals or rewards flights.

Figure out where you’re going to stay… If you’re interested in hostels, search Hostelworld or Hostelling International. For longer-term or more private digs, look at Airbnb , VRBO, or you can look for hotel rooms in the links from the search engines listed above. 

Get comprehensive travel insurance, or in the least, travel medical insurance if internationally… Especially with Covid not going anywhere, get covered. Start with an insurance aggregator like Insure My Trip, or with SafetyWing,   World Nomads , or another. Then decide what is important to you; trip cancellation, baggage coverage, medical, or all of the above. And get a yearly evacuation plan, since you’ll have to get home after your emergency! 

Need more resources? Click here!

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One Comment

super useful article! thanks! i’d also highlight ATM Fee Saver – a fellow traveller recommended to me! Very unique it shows ATM fees and withdrawal limits in 30-35 countries. helps calculate my atm fees with a calculator also and gives some handy tips and tricks! probably worth adding to your list!

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The Best Travel Apps for 2024

Find flight deals, book vacation homes, reserve camping sites, and know where to pull off the road with the top travel apps..

How do you decide where to travel ? Where do you research destinations? How do you find good deals on flights and accommodations? How do you find your way around a place once you arrive? The best travel apps answer all these questions.

From the time you start thinking about your next destination to the moment your feet hit the welcome mat back home, having the right apps and websites on hand can make the whole experience smoother and less stressful.

Some of the best travel apps inform you about your destination, with advice, insights, tips, and warnings for how to spend your time. Apps for driving and road trips let you know what to expect along your route, where to buy gas, and which exit to take to find a reliable ATM. Other apps keep your itinerary organized, alert you when you can get a deal on flights, or give you a way to explore your options for where to go next.

Before your next trip, these apps are the ones to pack.

Google Travel

Under the umbrella name Google Travel are a few great resources. Take, for example, Google Flights. There's no mobile app, but the website flights.google.com helps you research and compare flight options. It doesn't let you buy tickets directly, however—that's why we classify it as a planning app and not one for booking. In any event, these search tools are the best for getting a quick estimate of what a flight might cost or how long it will take. Google Travel has other tools for researching destinations, too, such as recommended things to do and hotel reviews.

Hopper is an app you definitely want to use while you're planning a trip and before you buy any tickets. The mobile-only app tracks flight prices and gives you clear advice on the best time to buy—including through notifications when the price drops. What makes this travel app valuable is its level of detail. It doesn't just tell you to wait to buy your ticket, but gives you a date when the price will likely rise. You can book through Hopper, too, with a commission fee of a few dollars.

Roadtrippers

Roadtrippers App

Find interesting places to stop during a road trip with the appropriately named Roadtrippers. With this app and website, you can explore a map of the US and Canada (with some coverage for Mexico, too) that has unusual roadside attractions, museums, amusement parks, campsites, restaurants, and more. When you find a site you like, just add it to your trip, and Roadtrippers draws your route accordingly. A free Roadtrippers account limits you to having one saved trip at a time with only three stops. The price for paid memberships also went up recently, and there are new tiers of service to choose from, too, starting at Basic for $35.99 per year (3 saved trips, 20 stops per trip, and a few other perks). For all features, you need a Premium membership, which costs $59.99 per year and lets you create unlimited trips with up to 150 stops, save offline maps, and use a few features specific to RV travel.

TripCase App

TripCase is a free app that helps you organize your trip by making an itinerary for you. The itinerary can include flights, accommodations, rental cars, restaurant reservations, and more. To make an itinerary, you forward travel confirmation emails to TripCase, and the app does the rest. The next time you launch the app or log into the website, a complete chronological lineup of your trip is waiting for you. You can manually add details, too. The result is similar to what you get from TripIt (see below), but the method of collecting the information is different.

TripIt is similar to TripCase in creating an organized itinerary for you, but TripIt builds your travel plans by sniffing out confirmation emails in your inbox and pulling out the most important information. If you don't want to give TripIt access to your email, you can use the app by forwarding emails to it instead or manually entering details, but that's not the point of the app. If you are disorganized and haphazard with your travel details, TripIt might do you a lot of good.

Airbnb helps you find a place to crash, whether it's a simple room in someone's home or a luxurious beachfront property. The site also offers other kinds of bookings for travelers, such as tours, classes, and workshops. Whether you use Airbnb to find a place to sleep or for inspiration about what to do on your next trip, you're guaranteed to see big, beautiful photographs of it all.

Booking.com

Booking.com is a site for booking accommodations, flights, car rentals, airport taxis, tours, and attractions. It's best known for helping you find great hotel rooms around the world that fit all your needs at the right price. Booking.com is part of Booking Holdings, Inc., which also owns Kayak, Priceline.com, Agoda.com, Rentalcars.com, and Opentable.com, so you may notice some similarities among these services.

Culture Trip

Culture Trip App

Culture Trip was once an app and site for reading about travel destinations, but it has expanded to now primarily offer package tours. Search for the country or region you want to explore, and Culture Trip dishes up multiday trips to your destination of choice, like an eight-day trekking adventure through Patagonia or a safari through Kenya and Tanzania. You book these packaged tours directly through the app or website. Culture Trip also has plenty of recommendations and magazine-like articles, too.

Expedia.com

Expedia is an all-in-one travel aggregator search and purchase site, also sometimes called a fare aggregator site. In other words, you can search for flights, accommodations, and car rentals across many providers to get the best options. You purchase or reserve your travel details right from Expedia, not the airline, hotel, or other provider. Expedia is part of Expedia Group, which also owns Hotwire.com, Orbitz, Travelocity, Trivago, among other travel aggregators. You may notice similarities among these services, too.

As the name suggests, Hotels.com is a search and booking site for accommodations, though it isn't just for hotel rooms. The site also has vacation homes, bed and breakfasts, motels, and apartments you can explore and book. Hotels.com is part of Expedia Group and shares similarities with some of its sister brands, such as Hotwire.com, Orbitz, and others. Warning that the mobile app for Hotels.com can be fickle when a US user accesses it from abroad. You may end up in a localized version of the site that doesn't price things in dollars or isn't even in English.

Hotel Tonight

??Some people, myself included, panic at the notion of having to book a hotel room at the last minute. For travelers ready to fly by the seat of their pants, there's Hotel Tonight. This travel app specializes in selling same-day hotel reservations, often at steep discounts. It has options to book in advance, too, but the best deals are same-day bookings.

Hotwire (for iPhone)

Hotwire, one of the brands owned by Expedia Group, is a travel aggregator search and purchase site (much like Expedia itself). The web version is a one-stop-shop for finding flights, hotels, and car rentals on the website, though the mobile app does only hotels and rental cars (no flights). You can search for one, two, or all three of those travel needs, and reserve or purchase them directly from the site.

Kayak is another all-in-one travel search site, though it doesn't let you book anything directly. Instead, Kayak sends you off to other places where you finalize your travel deals, whether that's another aggregator, an airline, or a rental car agency. Kayak covers hotel stays, rental cars, train and bus tickets, and travel experiences. It has some handy tools for exploring destinations based on flight prices for the dates you want to travel. Kayak is part of Booking Holdings Inc., which also includes Booking.com, Priceline.com, Agoda.com, and Rentalcars.com. Kayak also operates other metasearch brands, including Swoodoo, checkfelix, momondo, Cheapflights, HotelsCombined, and Mundi.

Orbitz is a search aggregator for flights, hotels, rental cars, as well as cruises. When you bundle more than one purchase together, such as a flight and hotel stay, you may be able to get a discount, or at least a good price, by booking directly through Orbitz. Orbitz is part of Expedia Group, Inc., which also owns Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Hotwire.com, Travelocity, trivago, among other travel sites.

Priceline is another mega travel search app for flights, hotels, rental cars, and (like Orbitz), cruises. When you bundle more than one purchase together, such as a flight and hotel stay, you may be able to get a discount. Priceline is part of Booking Holdings Inc., which also owns Booking.com, Kayak, Agoda.com, and Rentalcars.com. Don't be surprised if you noticed similarities among them.

Roomer Travel

Roomer Travel App

What should you do when you've prepaid for a hotel and you suddenly have to cancel your trip? Download Roomer or go to roomertravel.com/sell. This app and website is a marketplace for prepaid hotel stays. Roomer can help you recoup money that might otherwise be lost to the travel gods, and it can save you money if you buy a hotel reservation at a discount from someone who can't use it. You can explore hotel stays that people are trying to sell by location or date.

Viator specializes in helping you book tours. When you travel to a destination where having a guide or daily itineraries would be ideal, take a look at what Viator has to offer. You'll find tours that include daily excursions as well as weeklong adventures with transfers included. Note that the quantity and quality of the deals varies dramatically by destination.

Vrbo, which apparently stands for "vacation rentals by owners," started out as a booking site for vacation homes. It has expanded a little and now includes not only houses, but also apartments, cabins, cottages, and villas. Vrbo's closest competitor is probably Airbnb, though Vrbo doesn't offer rooms within someone's private home or BnBs. The site is owned by Expedia Group, Inc., but it's quite different from any other travel sites in that catalog.

Wanderu App

Do you want to search for, compare, and buy tickets for buses and trains with the same ease that you do flights? Wanderu is the app you need. This aggregator and comparison app includes methods of transportation that other sites skip, namely trains and buses. You can also use it for flights, car rentals, and hotels, but it got its start with buses and trains, and that's still what sets it apart from competitors. Use it for journeys serviced by Amtrak, Megabus, BoltBus, and other ground services.

Glamping Hub

Find yourself a furnished yurt, an outfitted safari cabin, or a simple bell tent for your next getaway on Glamping Hub. This site lets you book "unique outdoor accommodations," and it's ideal for people who love the great outdoors but don't own any of the gear.

Harvest Hosts

Harvest Hosts is an app and online membership program that connects people with self-contained RVs to scenic places where they can park the night for free, such as farms, breweries, and distilleries. The hitch is you won't have access to any hookups, so it's only for RVs that have their own water and sewage systems. Memberships start at $99 per year for unlimited stays, but each stay is one night only. Plan rates go up to $179 per year for All Access, which adds access to golf courses where you can park for the night and other perks.

With Hipcamp, you can find public parks as well as private land where you can pitch a tent or sleep the night in one that's already set up for you. The site lets you find and book tent camping spots, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping. It works in the US as well as Australia, Canada, France, and the UK.

At Pitchup, you can find and book campgrounds, RV parks, and other tenting and glamping accommodations. Filters help you find a location based on whether you're bringing your own equipment or want more of a full-service experience. Pitchup also has lodges and cabins to book for those who aren't quite ready to sleep in the great outdoors. The site covers North and South America, plus Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and a few spots in Africa.

The name may seem like a play on Tinder or perhaps Grindr, but Tentrr is for tenting, not dating. Similar to Airbnb but for camp sites and outdoors accommodations, Tentrr covers much of the lower 48 states and Puerto Rico.

Like other camping and glamping apps, The Dyrt helps you find places to camp for the night, whether it's an RV park or a campsite. What makes The Dyrt a little different is it offers a Pro membership ($35.99 per year) that adds offline maps for finding cell service, free campgrounds, and other necessities.

Vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking for a healthy meal option after eating out for several days in a row will appreciate Happy Cow. This app and website helps you find restaurants, cafes, health food stores, and other places to get a meat-free meal. The recommended places are not exclusively vegan or vegetarian, but they should all have at least few options non-carnivores.

Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet, known as a publisher of travel guidebooks, also has a great website and app where you can explore your next travel destination. You can expect gorgeous photos alongside these recommendations for an inspiring experience.

Rick Steves Audio Europe

Travel writer (and, unrelatedly, longtime marijuana legalization advocate) Rick Steves has an app for European travels with dozens of audio files. Some give you background information on a particular city or region while others are audio guides for navigating popular sites. I listened to some of his Rome content while viewing the Sistine Chapel and again when walking around the Roman Colosseum. If you're traveling to any of the top destinations in Europe, download this free app and consider listening to some of the segments while planning what to see and do, or for a guided walking tour while you're there.

Tripadvisor

Trip Advisor

Sometimes people have to go to unexpected places that they didn't choose, like for a wedding or a business trip. When I don't know anything about my destination, I turn to Tripadvisor. It's one of the most comprehensive online sources for travelers, with background information about different cities and regions, plus highlights of what to see and do. You can read reviews of hotels, restaurants, and activities, written by members of the Tripadvisor community, as well as seeing photos they've uploaded so you know what to expect before you arrive. Tripadvisor has relationships with various booking sites, too, which means once you finish researching hotels or restaurants, you can usually reserve them.

When you're in a new location and need a quick recommendation, Yelp comes in handy. It gives insight into the quality of businesses and services, from restaurants to mechanics, based on user reviews. The reviews can certainly be biased at times, but Yelp often at least lets you get a sense of what to expect, as people will often contribute photos, menus, prices, and other key information about businesses you may need while you're traveling. In some locations, Yelp also lets you make reservations for restaurants and other services directly through the site and app.

If you live in the US, there's a good chance you've never heard of Zomato. In some countries, however, it's more popular than Yelp, and it covers the same ground. Zomato is a crowd-sourced review site, mostly for restaurants. In some regions, you can order delivery food through Zomato, too.

AllTrails App

AllTrails is a mobile app and website that helps you get outdoors. It has lists of trails for hiking and walking around the world with pictures, maps, and directions to trailheads. You can download trail maps offline if you sign up for the Pro version of the service for $35.99 per year. It's a great resource for quickly finding the best places to be outside when you're in an unfamiliar area.

The free Convertr+ app is fantastic for converting currencies. It has a clear interface and lets you save multiple currencies in one view. Convertr+ offers other types of conversions that travelers sometimes need too, such as Celsius to Fahrenheit, kilometers to miles, liters to ounces, and vice versa.

GasBuddy App

On driving road trips, GasBuddy helps you find gas by location and price, but be careful of it collecting and selling information about you . It works in real time on your phone, but that's where you will run into privacy issues, so we recommend using GasBuddy's website instead, which takes a tiny bit of planning ahead. It's available in the US, Canada, and Australia.

Google Maps

My number one go-to travel app is Google Maps. On the ground, it shows you where you are and how to get to where you need to go, whether by foot, public transit, car, or bicycle. Google Maps is equally helpful when you want to explore what's around, including hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. Often, the listing for sites and businesses include hours of operation, photos, and other details. You can save places on your map by adding icons (stars, hearts, and so on). Best of all, Google Maps lets you save maps offline so that you won't get lost even when you don't have service.

iExit is a travel app for driving trips across the US, including in Alaska and Hawaii. It tells you exactly what's near every highway exit, from gas stations to ATMs. If there's a particular restaurant chain or other service you love, you can mark it as a favorite and the app tells you if it's coming up on your route.

Uber (for Android)

Uber operates around the world, and while the in-app options vary from place to place, the general concept is the same everywhere. There are a few reasons that ride-on-demand apps work so well for travelers. First, it eliminates the need to carry local currency. Second, you don't have to speak the same language as your driver to get to where you need to go. Third, there's no haggling. If you don't want to give Uber your business for one reason or another, do a search for other ride hailing apps or taxi apps that operate in your destination.

While Google Maps tells you about officially reported problems on the road and whether there's traffic, Waze knows the nitty-gritty details, like the location of police traps and potholes. This free community-driven app for traffic and road conditions is popular among taxi and car service drivers, although it's equally useful for everyday drivers. Waze can also tell you the best time to leave for a particular journey to avoid regular traffic.

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About Jill Duffy

I've been contributing to PCMag since 2011 and am currently the deputy managing editor for the software team. My column, Get Organized , has been running on PCMag since 2012. It gives advice on how to manage all the devices, apps, digital photos, email, and other technology that can make you feel like you're going to have a panic attack.

My latest book is The Everything Guide to Remote Work , which goes into great detail about a subject that I've been covering as a writer and participating in personally since well before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Join The London Crew: Grab this checklist with 110 things to do in london from a local.

Hues Of Delahaye

20 Best Travel Apps for Your UK Adventure

Visiting the United Kingdom, with its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, is an experience like no other.

Whether you are exploring the bustling streets of London, hiking in the Scottish Highlands, or enjoying the coastal beauty of Wales, as an avid traveller and some that lives in the UK, I know that having the right travel apps can transform your trip.

Best Travel Apps for Your UK

In this blog post, we will delve into the 20 best travel apps that every traveller visiting the UK needs, explaining why they are indispensable, how they work, and which type of traveller will benefit most from them.

1. Trainline: Your Ticket to Easy Rail and Bus Travel

If you plan to travel between cities by rail, Trainline is the best app for booking National Rail train tickets. It has an easy booking flow where you enter your origin and destination stations and see timetables, fares, and journey details.

You can select the fastest or cheapest routes. Mobile tickets mean you don’t need to queue at the station. The app also alerts you to platform changes, delays, and cancellations so you have the real time information needed to adjust your travel plans accordingly.

Travel disruption refunds can even be requested through the app. Trainline covers trains across the UK and even some European routes.

How It Works: Enter your departure and arrival locations, and Trainline will show you all available options, allowing you to book directly through the app.

Best For: Travelers who plan to explore multiple cities or regions and prefer the convenience of public transportation.

2. Citymapper: The Ultimate Urban Travel Companion

Citymapper is an essential app for getting around London and several other major UK cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow. Enter your departure point and destination and it will present you with the best public transit options, showing bus routes, train times, estimated journey duration down to the minute, and even the platform you need.

You can compare modes like the tube vs bus vs rail. Citymapper can factor in real-time service delays and disruptions so you can plan accordingly. Use it to find the nearest stops and stations and get detailed line status updates.

This travel app is an essential if you plan on visit and major city in the you and takes the stress out of urban transportation.

How It Works: Input your destination, and Citymapper will present a variety of travel options, complete with estimated time and cost.

Best For: Urban explorers and anyone looking to navigate cityscapes efficiently.

3. Tube Map – London Underground: Navigate London Like a Pro

Why It’s a Must: London’s Tube is iconic, but it can be daunting. This app provides an easy-to-read map, real-time updates, and route planning.

How It Works: Search for your destination, and the app will guide you, showing the quickest routes and any potential delays.

Best For: Anyone spending time in London, from first timers to seasoned visitors.

4. London Bus Checker

Trying to navigate London’s extensive bus network can be intimidating. London Bus Checker makes understanding bus routes simple. Enter your starting point and destination or just tap on the map.

The app will present multiple bus route options showing exactly where to catch the bus, where to get off, bus numbers, and estimated journey times with live traffic updates.

You can see next departure times at each stop. Filter routes to avoid changes or limit walking. Fare estimates are included too. Taking the bus in London is super easy with this app.

How It Works: Enter start and end points and the app shows optimal bus routes, where to catch and leave buses, schedules and more.

Best For: Great for any visitors using London buses, especially first-timers.

5. National Rail Enquiries: Stay on Track with Your Train Travel

Why It’s a Must: This official app provides up-to-the-minute train times, platform information, and alerts for delays or cancellations.

How It Works: Search for your journey, and the app will provide all necessary details, helping you stay informed on the go.

Best For: Train travellers who want real-time information at their fingertips.

6. Google Maps: Your Comprehensive Navigation Companion

Google Maps is likely already on your phone, and it should be one of the first apps you turn to for navigating the UK. Use it to get step-by-step directions and real-time traffic information when driving or taking public transportation.

You can download offline maps of the areas you’ll be visiting so you don’t need data to find your way around. Search for nearby restaurants, attractions, and accommodation. Google Maps also has an AR mode that overlays directions right onto the street in front of you – very handy when you’re on foot sightseeing.

How It Works: Type in your destination and choose your mode of transport. Google Maps will guide you there, offering alternate routes if traffic is heavy.

Best For: Every traveller! Whether you’re exploring urban areas or venturing into rural regions, Google Maps is an essential tool.

7. TripAdvisor: Insider Knowledge on Hotels, Restaurants, and Attractions

TripAdvisor should already be part of your travel planning routine when researching what to do at upcoming destinations. Their app lets you access all that wealth of crowdsourced advice right on your phone.

Read through reviews and opinions of local hotels, restaurant, things to do and more. Browse visitor photos for an authentic perspective. You can book tours, attractions and other activities directly through the app. See location-specific safety information and FAQs answered by other fellow travellers who have visited before.

How It Works: Search for a specific place or browse categories in your current location. Read reviews, view photos, and even book directly through the app.

Best For: Travelers who appreciate the wisdom of the crowd and want reliable recommendations.

8. Uber: Reliable Rides at Your Fingertips

While public transportation is abundant in cities across the UK, there may be times when a taxi on-demand is easier. Uber allows you to call a private car service with just a few taps. No phone call or pre-booking required.

Input your destination and get fare estimates so you know the cost upfront. The app uses GPS to detect your location, so no address is needed. You’ll see your driver’s name, car make and model, and license plate when they arrive. Uber even has options like Uber Pet for traveling with animals. Payment is seamless through the app.

How It Works: Set your pickup and drop-off locations in the app, and a driver will be matched to you.

Best For: Travelers who value convenience and are looking for a quick, easy way to get around.

9. XE Currency: Effortless Currency Conversion

Don’t get tripped up converting between your home currency and British pounds sterling. XE Currency makes figuring exchange rates a breeze. Their app has a super useful currency converter where you simply enter the amount, and it calculates the converted value.

Save rates offline so you don’t need data roaming to check rates. XE Currency tracks rates from over 180 currencies updating them every 60 seconds. You can set rate alerts, graph historical trends, and calculate trip budgets. No more mental math mistakes!

How It Works: Input the amount in British Pounds (GBP) and the app will convert it to your chosen currency, using real-time exchange rates.

Best For: International travellers keen on keeping track of their spending and ensuring they get the best exchange rates.

10. Yelp: Discover the Best Local Businesses

Yelp is essential for finding highly rated local restaurants, shops, and attractions across the UK. Browse reviews from other travellers to get on-the-ground opinions beyond what a typical guidebook can offer.

Check opening hours, see photos of the ambience and dishes at restaurants. Yelp is great for finding hidden gems off the tourist trail. The app uses your smartphone’s GPS to surface places nearby your location. You can even search by neighbourhood or type of cuisine. Yelp takes the guesswork out of choosing where to eat and what to do.

How It Works: Search for a specific type of business or browse categories in your current location. Read reviews to find the perfect spot.

Best For: Travelers eager to explore local favourites and uncover hidden gems.

11. Skyscanner: Your All-in-One Travel Booking App

When it comes to finding the cheapest flights and best deals, Skyscanner should be your go-to app. It compiles flight options from all the major airlines as well as budget carriers. You can track price trends to identify the optimum time to book your flights.

Skyscanner also lets you search car rentals and hotel deals, often scoring you significant savings over booking directly. It’s one of the top apps for finding travel deals and savings to and from the UK.

How It Works: Enter your travel details to search for flights, accommodations, or car rentals and book directly through the app.

Best For: Bargain hunters and planners looking to secure the best travel deals.

TripIt helps you organize all the moving parts of your UK trip into one master itinerary. Forward confirmation emails from flights, trains, hotels, rental cars and more to TripIt and it will automatically create an organized day-by-day plan of your journey with maps and confirmation numbers all in one view.

You can share your full trip with travel companions and invite them to collaborate on the itinerary. The app is a great way to get an at-a-glance overview of your bookings in one place vs having them scattered across multiple emails and providers.

How It Works: Forward confirmation emails from flights, trains, hotels, car rentals, tours etc to TripIt and it will automatically build a schedule of your trip with all details in one place.

Best For: TripIt is great for all travellers with multiple bookings. Provides peace of mind knowing all your details are in one place and easily accessible offline.

13. Splitwise

Splitwise is a handy app for tracking shared expenses amongst your travel group like dinners, Airbnbs, rental cars and more. Simply enter the expense amount, who paid, and which group members owe money.

Splitwise tracks what each person owes and to whom. You can easily settle up debts between friends by linking your debit cards for fast transfers.

No more fiddling with different currencies and cash. Splitwise does the math and accounting automatically making it easy to divide costs.

How It Works: Input group purchases like dinners or Airbnbs. Splitwise tracks who owes what and allows repayment via linked cards.

Best For: Perfect for simplifying expenses and repayments amongst friends or family traveling together.

14. Metro Newspaper

Metro is a popular free newspaper for staying on top of what’s happening in London. Pick up a copy of the Metro at one of London’s many tube stations and bus stops. The Metro app puts all the same information right on your phone.

See localised London news, weather forecasts, and event listings. There are useful transit maps showing the tube lines, rail services, ferry routes and airport links. Content is updated daily. If you’ll be in London for any length of time, Metro is a must-have way to get oriented with the city.

How it Works: Read London focused news, weather, and event listings. Access tube, train, bus maps and timetables.

Best For: Ideal for visitors spending significant time in London and needing to navigate the transport network.

15. Time Out

Time Out is like having a local guide in your pocket, profiling the best attractions and events happening in UK cities right now. Get curated recommendations on restaurants, theatre, museums, nightlife and more.

Browse critics’ reviews and user ratings to identify places you’ll love. Time Out can provide inspiration when you’re looking for unique ways to experience each destination.

Event listings are updated daily so you’ll know about special exhibits or pop ups. Ditch the out-of-date guidebook and see what’s hot right now with Time Out.

How It Works: Get curated recommendations for restaurants, cultural events, nightlife and more from local expert editors.

Best For: Great for urban visitors looking for unique, authentic, and timely ways to experience British cities.

16. UK Weather

The weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable and changeable. Stay a step ahead with the UK Weather app from the Met Office. You can save multiple locations like the cities and towns in your itinerary.

The app provides hourly and weekly forecasts, so you know what to expect each day. See detailed rain, wind, temperature, visibility and UV forecast maps.

Get severe weather alerts for your areas in case you need to modify your plans. Historical weather data is also available. Don’t get caught off guard by sudden downpours or cold snaps, and pack accordingly.

How It Works: Get hourly and long-range forecasts for saved locations. View detailed maps showing rainfall, wind, visibility and more.

Best For: Helpful for all UK travellers to know what type of weather to expect during their trip.

17. Wi-Fi Finder

Getting free WiFi on the go is crucial for using maps, translations, and other apps while traveling. Wi-Fi Finder shows you all the places where you can connect to free public WiFi hotspots in the UK.

As you move about a city, your phone will automatically update with hotspots nearby and their network names.

You can directly connect to hotspots through the app when available. Venues are sorted by category like cafes, parks, malls, hotels and more. Never be without a connection when you need to access the internet during your trip.

How It Works: See hotspots nearby automatically. Connect to networks through the app. Works offline.

Best For: Excellent for any visitor who needs data access on the go without expensive roaming fees.

18. Airbnb: Unique Accommodations and Local Experiences

Airbnb has changed the way people travel by allowing locals to rent out their homes or spare rooms to visitors. Browse Airbnb listings across the UK to find unique accommodation options that offer much more character, space, and value compared to sterile hotel rooms.

Read reviews of hosts to make sure they are reliable. Many Airbnb listings include full apartments, cottages, or even castles! You can filter by price, neighbourhood, amenities and more. Booking through the app is quick and secure.

How It Works: Browse rental apartments, homes, rooms and more. Read host reviews. Instant book or send reservation requests.

Best For: Great for travellers who want an experience that feels more immersive than a standard hotel. Also good for groups/families.

19. Bring! Grocery Shopping List

Preparing your own meals can save money when traveling. Bring! is a handy app for creating shared grocery lists with friends and family you may be vacationing with. Add items you need to the list and sync it instantly across devices.

As you shop, simply check off items that go in your basket. You can organise the list by store sections or aisle order. Bring! will even estimate your total bill using average prices of items. Get rid of confusing paper lists and keep your group coordinated on grocery runs during your trip.

How It Works: Easily collaborate on packing lists, grocery lists, and anything else your group needs to coordinate on. Syncing is instant across phones.

Best For: Bring! is great for travel groups who need to plan, share packing lists, and work together managing travel logistics.

20. OpenTable: Dine at the Best Spots in Town

Why It’s a Must: OpenTable makes discovering and booking reservations at restaurants across the UK a breeze. It offers reviews, menus, and photos to help you choose the perfect spot.

How It Works: Search for restaurants based on location, cuisine, or other preferences, view available times, and book your table all within the app.

Best For: Foodies and anyone who wants to ensure they have a spot at some of the best restaurants in town.

21. WhatsApp

Why It’s a Must: WhatsApp is a globally popular messaging app that allows for free text messages, voice calls, and video calls over the internet.

How It Works: After installing, you can instantly connect with contacts who also have the app using your internet connection. You can also join or create group chats, which is handy for coordinating plans with fellow travellers or new acquaintances.

Best For: Anyone who wants to stay connected without racking up international calling or texting charges. It’s particularly useful for international travellers.

Best Travel Apps Wrap-up

Embarking on a journey to the United Kingdom is an exciting adventure, and with these 20 travel apps, you’re set to have a seamless and enriching experience.

From navigating the winding streets of London to finding hidden gems in the Scottish Highlands, these tools will guide you, keep you informed, and ensure that you make the most of your time in this diverse and historic country.

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Visiting London? Download These 8 Apps Before You Go

From Banksy to Bikes, and Much More

Planning a trip to London? Forget guidebooks and paper maps, out-of-date brochures and visiting the same boring "attractions" as everyone else.

Instead, install a bunch of these useful apps and be better informed, save money and have a more enjoyable time in the UK capital!

London Official City Guide

Start off with the city's official guide, crammed full of local tips for restaurants and bars, attractions and things to do. The app works offline, so you don't need to worry about expensive roaming charges, and includes step by step public transport directions.

You can create your own itineraries, and there's a full list of amenities like pharmacies and currency exchange outlets.

Free on iOS and Android

There's no shortage of free navigation apps out there, but for London, CityMapper is one of the best. You'll get detailed transit options for all available modes of transport, including city bikes, Uber and more – and exact or estimated prices for all of them.

Service disruptions are factored in, in real time, and you can get a live ETA at a glance.

National Trust

Britain's National Trust administers over 500 sites throughout the country, including historic houses and buildings, archaeological sites and monuments, and much more. You can search the entire database, or just see what's nearby.

It works offline, and you can create a wishlist to ensure you don't miss anything. With around 20 sites in Greater London and plenty of others within an easy day trip, you'll run out of time before you run out of places to visit!

MetOffice Weather

The weather in London is infamously fickle, regardless of the time of year. You can't do anything to change it, but at least you can be prepared with the MetOffice app. It includes hourly forecasts for the next two days, extended forecasts for a week, and push notifications for severe weather.

Oh, and if you don't want to deal with your temperatures in Celsius while you're in the UK, the app lets you switch to Fahrenheit to make life easier!

London is massive, with something for every taste – but just getting a handle on your options for any given day can be an overwhelming challenge. The companion app for the city's venerable Time Out magazine helps you narrow things down with up-to-date listings for concerts, food and drink, theatre and events and much more.

Search and filter to your heart's content, book restaurants, and tickets, and save favorites for later use.

London Theatre Direct

The UK capital is rightly famous for its theater scene, with world-class shows every night of the week. While the most-popular can be sold out months in advance, it's often possible to pick up seats for other great performances with little notice – sometimes, even the same day.

The London Theatre Direct app lets you browse and purchase seats for a wide range of shows, and (usefully for travelers) gives you the option of collecting tickets at the box office.

Santander Cycles

When the weather's nice, cycling around London is a fantastic way to see the city at its best and get some exercise into the bargain. The shared city bike service is a flexible and inexpensive way to get on two wheels – paying two pounds gives you unlimited half-hour journeys within 24 hours.

After registering your payment card, the official app shows you bike availability at nearby docking stations and sends an unlock code to your phone when you decide to rent one. Just walk up to the docking point, enter your code and ride away. Easy!

Street Art London

For fans of good street art, look no further than this dedicated London app. You can filter by your favorite artist, or just see what's nearby and follow the map to track them down. Sure, Banksy's works are included – but so are those from hundreds of other, lesser-known artists across the city.

You'll get detailed information about both the artist and their art, and there are interviews and other features in the app to help you learn more.

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Best Public Transport Apps in the UK (2024)

The use of mobile applications can save you a lot of time because you can do a lot of things using your smartphone.

As mobile apps continue to advance, transportation networks in the UK are also seizing the opportunity to integrate them into their transportation systems. 

As a result, there are multiple public transport apps in the UK that you can rely on at all times to have a smooth and splendid journey on public transport nationwide.

Are you looking for the best public transport apps with specific features that will make your journey worthwhile? I’ve done in-depth research and collected some of the best apps out there.

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If you’re ready to board the next bus or train, always be on your guard and use the transport apps below to travel around the UK with ease.

Table of Contents

1. citymapper, 3. trainline, 4. around me, 5. google maps, 6. live train times uk, 8. skyscanner, 9. wiffinity, public transport apps in the uk.

If there is any public transport app that knows the length and breadth of the UK, it has to be Citymapper.

Dubbed as one of the most used and reliable transport apps, Citymapper has multiple features that you will find useful in your travels around the UK.

First, it provides real-time data, which helps you to know the current transportation situation at any point in time.

Second, the app’s coverage extends to most cities, including Manchester, London, and Birmingham.

Third and most important, it suggests the best transportation method and route, depending on where you are. For example, you get to choose from different options like bus, train, bike, and tube.

Related: UK Transportation Companies List

The car-hailing app, Uber, is also one of the best public transport apps in the UK. Since 2016, the app has been the go-to for many residents who are in a hurry and want to travel in class.

Uber does not only offer chartered taxi services but it also covers multiple cities. And the fares are relatively affordable.

If you like to travel by train, you would love Trainline. Formerly designated to be a travel app for booking tickets online, Trainline has now evolved and added advanced features.

Now, you can use it for a range of travel solutions such as checking departure times, looking up train times, as well as finding out the nearest platform you need to head for your booked train.

It doesn’t matter if you are new to the UK or you have been living there for many years. Sometimes, you need to be aware of your surroundings. This is why you need the Around Me   travel app.

The unique thing about the app is that it lets you know the various locations around you. From restaurants to ATMs and petrol stations, the app has it all.

You will also want to use the GPS positioning to find out the nearest hospital, movie theatre, hotel, and taxi.

Well, you just might not get useful information on the internet without a search engine like Google. You can also be confident of not missing your destination in the UK when you use the Google Maps app.

The app is one of the most reliable travel apps in the UK and all over the world because of the unique way it takes you from Point A to Point B.

Also, the app has an intuitive interface that makes it easier for you to navigate easily. And if you don’t want to use up more internet data than you already did, you can always save your favourite locations for offline use.

Related: Top 10 Train Apps in the UK

The UK train travellers have another best public transport app they can rely on. The Live Train Times UK app is notable for the speedy data sourcing and transmission it offers users.

For instance, the app notifies you of the availability of trains so that you can book your tickets online. This is in addition to the number of available carriages that helps you to make an informed decision on the one to catch.

Most importantly, the app has live updates that notify you when trains are available, including the platform information.

Most times, people love to travel by train because of the reduced fair they get without compromising on speed.

Yet, they still get discounts in some cases. This is the idea behind the Gopili public transportation app.

The most significant feature of the app is the availability of train tickets at a discount. This informs the reason why it is dubbed “a travel app for cheap tickets.”

Besides, you can book tickets for many transport methods aside from trains. The app also has additional cheap ticketing options for flights and coaches.

You may be wondering if there is any public transport app in the UK that provides information about flights. Indeed, there is and that is the SkyScanner   app.

The app aims to “search the sky” to pinpoint the availability of flights to and from the UK.

The app allows you to configure price alert notifications so that you can learn when the costs of flights are affordable. This also includes regular updates on the prices you are watching, so that you will know when the prices of the flights change.

You are also empowered to compare available carriers to see the one that fits your travel plan best. 

Travelling to and from the UK often entails more costs. Aside from the costs of transportation, you also have to “pay through the nose” to surf the internet.

However, you can pay less for internet connectivity thanks to Wiffinity. This travel app provides you with unlimited Wi-Fi connectivity all over the world.

And thanks to the 60,000+ hotspots in different parts of the world, you are confident of not losing internet connection.

The amazing thing is that you can use the app offline. This implies that you can download maps of your favourite UK destinations without necessarily needing an internet connection.

Waze is a collaborative traffic and navigation travel app. The concept is to allow drivers and passengers to send real-time data about traffic in different parts of the UK.

Interestingly, some of its functionalities are an integral part of Google Maps because Google bought the company that founded the app.

Also, you can use the Waze’s turn-by-turn navigation feature the app provides to avoid accident-prone routes and hazards. This way, you will arrive at your destination in one piece.

You can always trust most of the information on the app because of the community reporting undertone that ensures that real-time and accurate data is available on the app at all times.

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• Top 10 Bus Companies in London

Remz is a professional who has been writing content for almost 10 years. He's a shipping and logistics enthusiast and the head of the Trust Heritage Logistics content team. He bagged an MSc degree shortly after graduating from the university with flying colours. When it comes to creating content, Remz loves to do in-depth research and provide amazing pieces of information that every reader will find helpful.

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myTrip by Passenger 4+

Cashless ticketing, live buses, mytrip by passenger.

• 4.4 • 510 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. 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

510 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 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.

Great when it works

App is fantastic when it decides to work. Have issues where I regularly can't use my ticket because I've "not connected to internet for over 3 days" however am connected to internet when I get this message. Have had this issue a few times and been late to work because I haven't had the money for a ticket because my pass won't work. Map often freezes too. Would be handy if bus operators could add timetable information to the app.

Thank you for your feedback, please could you contact us via the Give Feedback section in the app so that we can look into this further for you? We hope to hear from you soon.

App Privacy

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 .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

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7 Useful Apps Every Traveler Should Know About

By Harrison Pierce

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Technology continues to make travel easier for millions of people around the globe. New apps offer travelers fresh ways to research a destination, connect with fellow globetrotters, communicate with locals, and track their flights. As a full-time digital nomad , I’ve learned the importance of having the right tools at your disposal when on the road.

Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of countries, flown hundreds of thousands of miles, and tested countless apps to find the ones that prove to be the most helpful. And while tools like Meetup, Google Maps, Google Translate, currency converters, and vacation rental , airline, and hotel–specific apps are in fact indispensable on most trips, I find that many of the best travel apps are still undiscovered by my fellow travelers.

Below, seven travel apps that make life on the go markedly easier (and more fun), from real-time flight trackers to photo-sharing gems—all of these apps are free, but some have paid pro versions worth considering. Don’t think these apps are only for full-time travelers—they prove useful for every type of traveler, whether you're in a brand-new destination or back for a return visit.

Discover the best apps for travelers:

Apps for flying, apps for exploring, apps for photo sharing.

My favorite app on this list is Flighty, a must-have for any frequent flier . The free version is fantastic, but I recommend splurging for the premium version, which gives you even more useful information and comes at a reasonable cost of $48 per year. The functionality it provides more than justifies the price.

The free version allows you to input all future flights plus past journeys you've taken within the last year. It provides updated information if any schedule changes occur to upcoming flights and allows you to track all the miles you’ve flown in one place.

The other main benefit is that it allows you to share your flight information with friends and family members who are also on Flighty. They will receive real-time updates about your flight without you having to text them. My parents love to make sure I’m safe so they appreciate getting detailed information about my travels—even while I’m in the air.

Flightradar24 is a favorite app among fellow aviation geeks. It lets you track almost any aircraft you see in the air throughout the day or night. You can track your own flight, a friend's flight, or any plane you see in real-time. It shares plenty of cool data, like the altitude, speed, arrival and departure airports and times, and tail number.

There are tons of eSIM apps on the market, but Airalo is probably my favorite, with digital SIM cards available for dozens of countries. I find it to be the most reliable and offers the best data packages. It can be a little pricey, but it is the best option if you’re only taking short trips. Holafly is another eSIM app that offers unlimited data and works well, but I find the app to be much more glitchy than Airalo and would recommend using the desktop version.

This one is for the planner of the group. Wanderlog merges the best of a bunch of different apps into one. Imagine an app that lets you plan a trip with ease: collaborate with friends as if you’re on Google Docs, manage expense tracking like Splitwise, and have a central place for your reservations, checklists, and more. Tripit is a similar travel planner app, so you can download both and get a feel for which interface you like better.

Been allows you to track the countries you’ve visited and make a wish list of places you can’t wait to cross off your travel bucket list . It gives you information like the percentage of the globe you’ve been to and shows you a world map of your trips. It’s always fun to add in a new country whenever I reach my destination.

This app was introduced to me by fellow nomads I met at a cafe in Montevideo, Uruguay . It automatically tracks your route across the world, allowing you to quickly upload pictures throughout your travels that can be viewed by anyone who has access to your profile. It’s an excellent way to share important moments with loved ones without needing to send photos to each person individually. Users can also create easily accessible guides filled with up-to-date information to help you plan your own trip.

Steller is another app that a friend recently introduced me to, and I’ve quickly fallen in love with it. It uses a combination of AI and user experiences to help you plan trips around the globe. From recommendations of things to see, like the Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires or the Royal Palace of Naples, to full guidebooks created by users, you can get inspired, book experiences, and discover hidden gems within this app.

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The integrated customer experience platform

The powerful solution designed for smaller bus operators

Unpacked services ready to integrate

Passenger are a group of people based in Bournemouth, who are passionate advocates for the significant benefits of adopting shared transport.

Join the Passenger team!

We’re learning, growing and hiring as we make the technology that empowers people to make better transport choices.

A multi-operator, mobile ticketing and live bus tracking app platform built by Passenger, the UK’s top-rated public transport app provider.

App solution

The affordable national app solution adds mobile ticketing, live bus tracking, and more to your customer’s experience.

Website solution

Additional journey planning features and web-to-mobile ticketing straight to your users. Stylishly packaged on your own web domain.

“ This is the multi-operator solution so many smaller UK bus operators have been waiting for. ”

Chris Almond

Group Commercial Officer

D&G Bus

A market proven, smartphone app solution and management system. Ready to roll out for your customers today.

Mobile ticketing + QR codes

Secure mobile ticket purchase and delivery. Cashless payment for Apple and Android apps makes purchasing effortless.

Ticket gifting

Customers can buy and send tickets to others in just a few taps.

Enhanced vehicle information

Show extra information about each vehicle in your fleet - from its licence plate to accessibility features, WiFi capabilities to livery.

Real time vehicle tracking

Track buses like you track a pizza delivery with moving vehicle tracking displayed on maps.

Open data publishing

Meet bus open data regulations with ease. myTrip offers free Bus Open Data Service hosting on data.​discoverpassenger.​com

Operator marketing pack

Promote myTrip with social media graphics, interior & exterior bus advertising, posters and myTrip brand guidelines.

Digital ticketing

Join 50+ independent operators.

Real-time occupancy updates and live bus tracking to help build back trust in public transport.

Get started for just £495 + VAT and 4% + 10p per ticket transaction.

Passenger Cloud

Built on the leading bus customer experience platform.

An intuitive system giving you full control and tools to provide top-notch customer service.

Additional journey planning features, full timetables and RTI

Simple to use, stylishly packaged, effortless to update on your own web domain.

“ We’re delighted to have welcomed more travellers on board thanks to our new digital capabilities. ”

Roger Birch

General Manager

myTrip customers

Customer success

Comprehensive support from a dedicated transport-specialist team.

Specialist support

Help Desk to assist with enquiries and support you and your passengers, 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday.

Off to a flying start

We’ll get you set up quickly and easily with onboarding support and guidance every step of the way.

Marketing support

Promote myTrip to your passengers and boost ticket sales with extensive marketing materials.

“ We have been looking for a secure and reliable mobile ticketing app for some time, and myTrip is perfect for us. ”

Craig Temple

Managing Director

Connexions Buses

Integrations

Passenger integrates with all major providers, enabling you to provide a first-class customer experience in no time.

Start your journey with myTrip by Passenger

If you want to learn more about mobile ticketing with myTrip or request a demo, drop us a line.

To find out more and see our product in action, please complete and submit the form below.

Photos, video show collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge after cargo ship collision

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland collapsed Tuesday into the Patapsco River after it was struck by a large cargo ship.

The bridge's collapse has prompted huge emergency response, with the Baltimore City Fire Department describing the collapse as a mass-casualty incident, and rescue crews searching for seven people in the river. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency.

Baltimore  Mayor Brendon Scott  said on X that he was aware of the incident and was en route to the bridge. "Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway," he said.

The 1.6 mile, 4-lane bridge named for the author of the "Star-Spangled Banner," was the second-longest continuous-truss bridge span in the United States and third in the world.

Follow here for live updates → Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship collision; rescue effort underway

Photos show collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore

Videos show francis scott key bridge's collapse.

The bridge's collapse, which came after it was struck by a container ship, was distributed on social media.

What did the Francis Scott Key Bridge look like before it was hit?

Contributing: Charles Ventura, Thao Nguyen and Susan Miller, USA TODAY .

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Easter levels of service 2024

27th Mar 2024 All areas

• Effective 29/03/2024 - 01/04/2024

We will be operating the following levels of service this Easter weekend:

*On Bank Holidays where services are operating to Sunday timetables, please check timetables to ensure your service runs on Sunday normally. If it doesn't, then it will not operate.

Please be reminded that clocks will go forward 1 hour at 1am on Sunday 31 March.

Travel Alerts

Re-introduction of lyme regis park and ride for 2024, re-introduction of lyme regis park and ride for 2024.

The Lyme Regis Park and Ride service will return from Amended - Saturday 4 May 2024 operating between Holmbush and Honeyfields car park only. The service will operate during the following dates:

Lyme Regis Park and Ride Timetable - Click to download