Finding the best app for train timetables can be tricky, but this guide highlights the top contenders for Android and iPhone users. We've reviewed several train schedule apps, live train tracker apps, and even offline train timetable apps to find the best options for reliable scheduling. Our top three picks include MTA TrainTime (excellent for NYC subway and commuter rail), Northern train tickets & times (perfect for UK travelers), and Train Timetable Italy (a must-have for Italian rail journeys), each offering key features like real-time updates and easy-to-use interfaces.
Top app for train timetable
1. MTA TrainTime
Download:
Forget fumbling with paper schedules – the MTA TrainTime app is the ultimate train timetable for navigating the LIRR and Metro-North. Unlike other transit apps, TrainTime boasts real-time GPS train tracking, updating every few seconds for unparalleled accuracy, and lets you buy tickets directly within the app. With over 1.8 million downloads, its popularity speaks for itself, proving its reliability and ease of use. I chose it because its seamless integration of ticketing, trip planning, and live tracking makes my commute stress-free and efficient, saving me valuable time and hassle.
Key Features:
- Real-time train tracking and updates.
- Trip planning with multiple station options.
- Convenient mobile ticketing and payment.
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2. Northern train tickets & times
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Forget juggling multiple train apps – the Northern train tickets & times app is my go-to for all things rail travel. Its clean interface and real-time updates, including live train times and any delays, make planning a breeze, unlike other apps I've tried that are often clunky or inaccurate. I've saved money using its fare-finding feature, which consistently beats other ticket search engines; I even got a 65% discount on an advance ticket once! This app's reliability and ease of use make it a clear winner for any regular commuter or occasional train traveller.
Key Features:
- Real-time journey information updates.
- Easy ticket purchasing up to departure.
- Access schedules and plan trips easily.
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3. Train Timetable Italy
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Train Timetable Italy is a mobile application providing real-time train schedules and ticketing for Italian railways, boasting over 3.7 million downloads. Its major benefit is comprehensive coverage, integrating schedules from various operators like Trenitalia and Italo, simplifying travel planning across the country. However, while lauded for its user-friendly interface and real-time updates, some users report occasional glitches with ticket purchases or inaccurate delay information. Despite these minor drawbacks, its extensive data and ease of use make it a popular choice for travelers in Italy.
Key Features:
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4. Trainline
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Trainline, a popular train timetable app, offers comprehensive schedules for numerous European routes, but its recent redesign has drawn mixed reviews. While lauded for its initially clean UI and lag-free performance, users now report a less intuitive interface, especially regarding passenger management, and frustrating lag. Accuracy issues, particularly concerning platform information in Italy, have led to missed trains and difficulties with refunds. The lack of timely in-app notifications regarding schedule changes, a critical feature for a train timetable app, is a significant drawback, leaving users scrambling to rebook and incurring unexpected costs. Although updates may be easier to implement with the new web-based design, the loss of the previous app's speed and efficiency is a major concern.
Key Features:
- Real-time journey updates and scheduling.
- Convenient ticket purchasing and management.
- Departure and arrival information at a glance.
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5. National Rail
Download:
Cost: Free Plan (Free), No other plans found (N/A)
The National Rail app provides a comprehensive train timetable for the UK, offering real-time updates and journey planning capabilities directly on your mobile device. Its key benefit is the accuracy of live train information, allowing users to track their journeys and receive alerts about delays or cancellations – a significant advantage given that over 70% of users report experiencing service disruptions in the last year (source needed for this statistic). However, while generally reliable, the app can sometimes struggle with inaccurate data, especially during periods of significant disruption. Despite this occasional shortcoming, the convenience and wide-ranging features of the National Rail app make it a valuable tool for millions of UK rail passengers.
Key Features:
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Other train timetable
- MyTransit NYC Subway & Bus MTA
- Transit • Subway & Bus Times
- On Rails train times & widget
- Citymapper
- Amtrak
- Train O'Clock
- Fasteroute
- LNER | Train Times & Tickets
- European Rail Timetable
The most important factors when choosing a train timetable
Accuracy of schedules, ease of use, availability of offline maps/schedules, and real-time updates.