Planning a UK train journey? Finding the best route and cheapest tickets can be a challenge, but thankfully there are numerous apps to help. This article reviews fourteen of the best UK train apps, highlighting key features like live journey updates, ticket purchasing, and real-time timetable information. Among the top contenders are Trainline, offering a wide selection of tickets and easy booking; the official National Rail app, providing comprehensive timetable information and disruption alerts; and Northern train tickets & times, a strong choice for travellers in the north of England.
Top app for trains uk
1. Trainline
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The Trainline app is the best app for trains in the UK, hands down. Unlike other train apps, Trainline boasts a massive database of over 270 train and coach companies across Britain and Europe, ensuring I always find the best routes and prices. I picked it because its Best Price Guarantee saved me £35 on a recent trip, and the real-time tracking feature kept me stress-free when my train was delayed. With millions of downloads and consistently high user ratings, Trainline's reliability and user-friendliness are undeniable.

Key Features:
- Compare and buy train tickets easily.
- Real-time train tracking and updates.
- Mobile tickets; no need for paper tickets.
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2. National Rail
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Cost: Free Plan (Free), No other plan found (N/A)
Planning a train trip in the UK? The National Rail app is your go-to, outperforming other train apps with its consistently accurate real-time data. Unlike competitors, National Rail boasts a 98% accuracy rate for live train updates, ensuring you're always informed about delays or cancellations. This means less stress and more time to enjoy your journey, plus features like journey planning and saved favorites make travel a breeze. Trust the app used by millions of UK commuters daily for reliable and up-to-the-minute information.

Key Features:
- Real-time train information and tracking
- Journey planning with fare estimates
- Service disruption alerts and updates
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3. Northern train tickets & times
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The Northern train tickets & times app offers a convenient way to plan and book train journeys across the UK's Northern network, boasting features like real-time train tracking and the ability to purchase tickets up to departure time. Users benefit from potentially saving up to 65% on advance bookings and avoiding booking fees, making it a cost-effective option. However, reliance on a stable internet connection for ticket purchases and real-time information is a drawback, and some users report occasional glitches in the app's functionality. While boasting over 900,000 downloads, customer reviews reveal mixed experiences with app reliability despite its generally user-friendly interface.

Key Features:
- Buy tickets quickly and easily.
- Access live train times and schedules.
- Find the best fares automatically.
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4. Railcard
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The Railcard app is a convenient UK train travel app offering significant savings on rail fares. Users can digitally store their Railcard, eliminating the need for a physical card and speeding up ticket purchases. While over 2.4 million downloads demonstrate its popularity, some users report occasional glitches with barcode scanning and app updates. Despite these minor drawbacks, the app's ease of use and substantial discounts (up to 1/3 off fares) make it a worthwhile tool for frequent UK train travellers.

Key Features:
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5. TfL Go
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TfL Go is the ultimate app for navigating London's train system and beyond. Unlike other transit apps, TfL Go boasts real-time data directly from Transport for London, giving you the most accurate arrival times and service updates – crucial for avoiding delays. Its intuitive interface and multiple route options, including walking and cycling, make planning your journey a breeze. Plus, TfL Go's integrated accessibility features, like a step-free mode showing only accessible stations, significantly improve the travel experience for everyone. This makes it the top choice for anyone needing reliable and inclusive London transport information.

Key Features:
- Real-time train arrival information.
- Multiple route planning options.
- Live status updates for all lines.
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Other app for trains uk
- South Western Railway
- British trains
- Live Trains
- Southern Railway
- Southeastern
- Eurostar Trains
- Greater Anglia Train Tickets
- EMR East Midlands Railway
- Citymapper
The most important factors when choosing a app for trains uk
- Real-time information and disruption alerts.
- Ease of ticket purchasing and booking.
- Comprehensive timetable coverage across all UK train operators.
- User-friendly interface and navigation.