Travelling on a train is indeed blissful.
It’s quite interesting and you’ll continue to look for more opportunities to sit tight in your coaches as the train takes you to your destination.
As technology continues to advance, more innovations are introduced into different industries.
The transportation industry is not left out as travel apps have now been developed to make your journey smoother and more fun.
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SHOW ME HOWIf you’re looking for the best train apps in the UK, you are not alone. I’ve compiled the list of apps to consider using.
Table of Contents
- Best Train Ticket Booking Apps in the UK to Buy Train Tickets (iPhone & Android)
- Best Ways to Book/Buy Train Tickets Online in the UK
- Tips for Buying Cheap Train Tickets Online in the UK
- 4 Best Train Tracking/Timetable Apps in the UK
- Best Websites to Book/Buy Train Tickets in the UK
- Best UK Freight Train Trackers
- Best Train Spotting Apps in the UK
- Best European Train Apps to Buy/Book Train Tickets in Europe
- Omio Vs Trainline: Which Is Better for Train Ticket Booking?
- Trainline Vs Trainpal: Which Is Better for Train Ticket Booking?
- Best Train Game Apps to Download
- Wrap Up
Best Train Ticket Booking Apps in the UK to Buy Train Tickets (iPhone & Android)
In this article, I’ll reveal some of the innovative mobile applications that train travellers in the UK rely on any time they want to book a seat on the train.
1. Trainline
First on the list is Trainline. It is undoubtedly one of the most used train apps in the UK and Europe.
And rightly so because the app has most of the impressive features that you can count on anytime, any day for a smooth travelling experience.
First, it allows you to buy train tickets online, thereby saving you time and money that you could have spent travelling many miles to the train station.
Second, it is versatile, as the app is operable on different mobile device operating systems including Android and iOS for iPhone users.
Third, and most importantly, the app allows you to get real-time information on train schedules.
This way, you will know the exact time to expect the journey to commence and stop.
Features
- Trainline has a dual feature that allows you to easily buy train tickets and book bus travel simultaneously
- It provides you with information on trains and buses for destinations like France, Turkey, Spain, Ukraine, Austria and within 36 European countries
- You can easily find cheap train tickets for National Express, LNER, Avanti West Coast, Eurostar, GWR, and National Express, among other European rail lines
- Ability to search various train fares for your regular commute
- Live train times features to keep you updated at all times
- It enables you to purchase tickets in your most preferred currency, which includes EUR, USD, CAD, GBP, and AUD
- Ability to compare train prices or bus tickets from 260 train and bus companies to enable you to book at the cheapest price
Pros
- Advance ticket booking
- Seat preference enabled
- E-tickets and mobile tickets enabled
- Discounts on GroupSave
- Free for all android and iPhone users
Cons
- Unable to carry search stations from Google to the app
- Contains ads
Related: How to Quickly Buy Train Tickets Online in the UK
2. Moovit
Moovit is another train app that you will love.
It offers a lot of options ranging from the expected arrival of trains at the final destination to the routes you can take to locate the closest train station and subways.
You can conveniently book tickets for bus, subway, and ferry, among other options. It gives you updates about delays and service changes and access to over 3000 cities in 98 countries.
Features
- It gives you a step-by-step direction of optimal route train, scooter, bus, metro, bike, and so on
- Ability to receive get-off alerts when you’re almost approaching your destination
- The real-time alert notifies you of different situations like traffic jams, new construction, or any other condition that can hinder your journey at a particular time. This helps you to plan ahead or make changes on the time for your journey
Pros
- Great real-time travel guide
- User-friendly
Cons
- It contains ads
3. JustRide – MBTA
The concept behind JustRide is to be a mobile ticketing application that allows you to pay for, download, and display your train ticket using your mobile device.
The beauty of it is that you don’t necessarily need to connect to the internet when you need to use your tickets because they are stored for offline use.
Also, the app provides you with a load of other train travel options like scheduled departures and maps of train stations.
Features
- Ability to transfer tickets if you misplace your phone
- The travel planner has maps and helps to give you live details, especially schedule departures
- Easy access to commuter rail schedules, service alerts, and maps
- It accepts Apple Pay and credit or debit card for payment
- Easy purchase of Commuter Rail and Ferry Single Ride, 10 Ride, and Round-Trip
Pros
- Great user interface
- Handy ticket-storing system
- Ads-free
Cons
- Absence of real-time train arrival tracking
4. Omio
Sometimes, you need to plan ahead for your next train trip; it is not all about booking your tickets online.
This time, you have to consider many other options. That is where the Omio train app comes in to help you.
Previously called GoEuro, Omio is one of the popular train apps passengers use in the UK. It is usable in a wide range of locations because it has wide acceptance in many European cities.
Among the many features it offers are online train ticketing, train schedules, and navigation.
Features
- Its multifunctional features allow you to book trains, ferries, buses, and flights in a single search
- You can easily compare tickets to get the cheapest one to your destination
- Live platform info and trip updates
- It accepts payment via Google Pay, Alipay, PayPal, SOFORT, and credit cards
- It gives you the opportunity to explore different parts of Europe, the United States, and Canada
Pros
- 24/7 customer services
- Booking is fast and efficient
- Makes planning trips easier
- Safe and reliable
Cons
- Difficult to find cheap flight
- Doesn’t cover all European countries
Related: 10 Best Vehicle Transport Services in the UK
5. Eurail/InterRail
Eurail and InterRail are rail planning apps developed by the same company. Their goal is to simplify the process of planning your train trips.
In addition to allowing you to book train tickets online, the apps also allow you to get real-time updates on train schedules and the availability of rail passes and train bookings.
One other feature that makes the fusion of Eurail and InterRail unique is the availability of options to select from – when you get to your final destination.
This includes museum discounts (exclusive to pass holders), discounts on boat and ferry trips, and hotel discounts in select hotels.
Features
- It has detailed city information with maps
- The journey planner enables you to do an offline search for train times and connections across Europe
- Ability to access station boards for arrivals and departures
- It has up-to-date pan-European timetable information that covers virtually all European countries
Pros
- Good mapping system
- Seamless travel planner
- Data-saving offline features
Cons
- Its charges are high, especially for seat reservations
- It has no search for some complicated routes
- Some trains need to be added manually if they can’t be found on the app
6. Train Pal
This is relatively one of the cheapest train ticket apps in the UK.
It gives you the opportunity to save rail fares by allowing you to split tickets effortlessly.
Train Pal covers almost all parts of Europe, including Spain, Italy and Germany.
Features
- Its dual features enable you to explore European trains and buses
- It enables you to compare tickets to book at the best possible price
- You can easily buy tickets for train and bus for your journeys across 45 countries in Europe and other parts of the world
- It enables you to save 95.25% on ticket fees by allowing you to split tickets
- You can add discount and loyalty cards to enjoy massive discounts on tickets when it deals with UK rail services, Thalys, SNCF, and Renfe.
Pros
- Easy refund for unmade travels
- Seat preference enabled
- Advance ticket booking enabled
- E-ticket and mobile tickets are available on specific routes
- Live train times enabled
Cons
- The interface is not user-friendly
- Poor customer service
- Contains ads and pop-ups
7. Passenger Assistance
Just like its name implies, this is a special app that assists people living with disabilities to book trains without hassles.
The app is so unique and has simplified the process of booking a train for a disabled person.
- iPhone: View App
- Android: Not available
Features
- Special characters that enable disabled people to access the app effortlessly
- Helps to give passengers adequate information about their journey
Pros
- User-friendly
- The improvement of text alignment
Cons
- It’s not meant for everyone
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8. Train Tickets — Cross Country
When it comes to booking the cheapest train tickets in the UK, the Cross Country app has got you covered.
It’s a free app that allows you to easily book tickets from anywhere in the UK at affordable prices.
The train app network is quite extensive and cuts across all parts of the UK like Cambridge, Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham.
Features
- You can easily view your season tickets from the app
- Live train times that keep you updated on your journey
Pros
- Very straightforward to use
- Properly laid out pricing tiers
Cons
- The user interface can be challenging
9. Southeastern On Track
This app is very handy for ticket bookings and when you need tailored information about your most frequent journeys while on the go.
It also has a great planner that helps to plan your journey effectively.
Features
- It has a good live departure and arrival board that helps to keep you updated
- The dashboard can be personalised to make your journey seamless
- Great interactive map to navigate your destination
- It gives updates on tubes
Pros
- User-friendly and straightforward
- It’s free to use
- Accurate information on UK train times
Cons
- No offline features
10. Railbuddy
You’ll love this app because it’s loaded with some outstanding features that will guarantee your convenience.
Its features are powered by National Rail Data. So, you’re certain to get the best train booking experience with the app.
- iPhone: View App
- Android: Not available
Features
- Notification for arrival times
- It allows you to easily claim compensation for delays by notifying you of the money owed and giving you a chance to submit a claim immediately
- Notification for upcoming trains
- Automatic notification for delayed and cancelled journeys
Pros
- Great user experience
- Nice display
Cons
- Might contain ads and pop-ups
Related: Best Public Transport Apps in the UK
11. Virgin Trains
You’re assured of getting the best price at zero booking fees when you use the Virgin Train app to book your tickets.
It also gives you live train times that allow you to have a hitch-free journey.
- iPhone: View App
- Android: Not available
Features
- Up-to-date information on travel and delays
- Offers you the best price at unbeatable rates
- Live train times
Pros
- Easy to use
- Free seat reservations
Cons
- Operating it can be quite complex
- Not available for android users
12. Rail Europe
Rail Europe (formerly called Loco2) ensures you a hassle-free train booking process to anywhere across Europe and the UK.
It also issues passes like Swiss Pass to over 25,000 travel destinations in the world.
It equally helps you to get the cheapest tickets through the use of travel discounts and railcards.
Features
- Booking alerts that notify you of the cheapest travel tickets
- Enables you to buy tickets with some of the best rail operators in the UK
- Allows you to easily check train timetable as provided by different operators
- Detailed train maps
- It gives you the ability to cancel and refund your train tickets
- It helps you enjoy a contact-free ticket booking
Pros
- The app and website are user-friendly
- It’s free to use
- Gives real-time information
- Seamless payment procedure
Cons
- No full coverage of all trains in Europe
13. GWR (Great Western Rail)
This booking app gives you the opportunity to enjoy a fast and straightforward booking process with its amazing features.
You can easily save your journey as a favourite if you make such a journey regularly. This allows for a rapid booking whenever you choose to travel.
It has zero booking fee and helps you to get the cheapest tickets at the best price possible.
Features
- Prevents you from queuing at the station with its e-ticket feature
- It gives you live updates of train and bus times
- Adequate information on route and platform details
- Ability to collect nectar points while on the road
Pros
- Cheap and affordable
- Fast ticket booking
Cons
- It can be unreliable sometimes
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14. National Rail Enquiries
This app is arguably one of the best train apps in the UK. Its unique features help to make ticket booking straightforward and convenient.
You can easily stay updated on all train travels with this distinct and simple app.
You can equally save your favourite journey, find cheap tickets, set up travel alerts, and track your train at any time.
Features
- It can be personalised to fit your needs
- The journey planner allows you to plan your journey with ease
- Live train times updates
- Zero booking or credit card fees
Pros
- Real-time push notifications
- Syncs Apple Watch with your phone for easy updates
- Train divide and arrival alerts
- Direct link to train operators
Cons
- The Apple Watch sync is only compatible with iPhone 5 and above
15. Euro Train Pro
Here’s another unique and functional app that allows you to enjoy access to over 11,000 routes operated by different European train operators.
It also gives you access to a Swiss Pass to enable you to explore more while in Switzerland.
Euro Train Pro has a wide coverage from the UK to continental Europe, which helps to make your journey hitch-free.
- iPhone: View App
- Android: Not available
Features
- Real-time train information
- You get to enjoy affordable and cheap fares for your train and bus journeys
- It covers more than 25,000 destinations within 28 countries with the use of train or bus anywhere across Europe
- It partners with top rail companies, including Swiss Federal Railways and French National Railways to offer you the best services
Pros
- User-friendly app
- Zero service fee
Cons
- Only available for iPhone users
Related: Top 10 International Transport Companies in the UK
Best Ways to Book/Buy Train Tickets Online in the UK
Using trains as a means of transportation requires you to purchase tickets for the journey, which can be inconvenient for several reasons.
Fortunately, the internet’s advent presents a hassle-free way, allowing you to purchase tickets online without leaving your home or office.
This guide will clearly explain the best procedures necessary to buy your train ticket online instead of dedicating time to visit the train station.
Fun fact: A popular analysis ranks the UK as the 19th best railway system worldwide, with 16,320 km of train tracks. This factor makes travelling by train an effective and worthwhile means of transportation.
How to Book/Buy Train Tickets Online (National Rail)
Before applying the recommendations below, note that you have to purchase your ticket early or within the train’s schedule; otherwise, you may be forced to opt for the expensive option.
Purchase your ticket via https://www.nationalrail.co.uk and ensure you remember your travelling date, preferred travelling time, and the name or postcode of your departure/arriving station while buying your ticket.
Note: National Rail does not sell train tickets but directs you to purchase them from any ticket retailers shown after selecting your ticket in their Journey Planner.
If you desire a return ticket, ensure to click on the “Return” box and also add “Railcard” if you possess one. Keep in mind that you also have the liberty to customise your options by only searching for Standard class tickets, Direct train, and so on.
Regarding the “Return” box, keep in mind that these returns are not flexible, only allowing you to take any train under similar conditions.
So, for example, if your return ticket is during off-peak hours, you can only return during that schedule, nothing more or less.
Upon completing the form, the National Rail’s system will choose the most relevant & affordable train fare and time, if available.
Once completed, navigate to the lower side of the page for the total price. Afterwards, click on “Ticket Provider”, where you will see a list of train operators and third-party retailers.
The latter occasionally presents more affordable train fares alongside a booking fee.
Note: “Ticket Provider” also lets you change your train operator.
A new window will appear on your screen upon clicking “Buy Now”, and this pop-up leads you to your ticket provider’s page. The price shown here may sometimes differ from what National Rail presented. The difference isn’t, however, substantial.
Follow the instructions your ticket provider presents to you, as some companies may ask you to create an account before receiving your ticket.
I recommend checking for extra booking fees and whether the provider accepts non-UK credit cards if you live outside the UK or plan to pay with such a card.
Lastly, the provider will give you the option to choose your seat and facing, or whether you need a seat with a power plug, table, or a quiet coach.
The latter requires you to make little to no noise and switch your device to silent mode.
All the necessary details regarding your fare, seat number, train, etcetera, are written on your ticket, which makes it easier to find your way.
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How to Buy Tickets Online (Transport for Wales)
An alternate option for buying tickets for any train in Britain is via Transport for Wales, a not-for-profit company established by the Welsh Government and managed by appointed members.
Transport for Wales is amongst Britain’s 20+ train operators, and they provide commuters with tickets for all trains (except sleepers), routes, and operators.
Regarding price, they use the official standard with no additional booking fee for using their system. Their services are convenient as they offer you a mobile ticket for your journey upon buying via their website.
This mobile ticket is primarily a barcode on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, which reduces the hassle of purchasing a ticket.
Alternatively, you can collect a physical ticket at a self-service machine at any train station. But you will need to present the original credit card or debit card for the purchase as your ID.
If this method appears problematic, you can visit their staffed office to get the ticket.
If leaving your house to collect a ticket appears to be a hassle, Transport for Wales has a service that delivers train tickets to any UK address for a reasonable fee.
They offer a next day delivery by 1 PM, further improving the convenience.
Related: Top 10 Transport Companies in London
Tips for Buying Cheap Train Tickets Online in the UK
1. Prepare Early
Early preparation is considered the ideal way to get great deals and save money on train tickets as multiple train companies exist (more than 20), each presenting different departure times and ticket prices.
To facilitate early preparation and decision-making, visit the National Rail’s website, which is the UK’s official portal for rail travails.
This website is the product of Rail Delivery Group (RDG) on behalf of all train operators.
National rails present you with all 20+ train companies, alongside their itinerary, departure and arrival time, fare enquiry, and additional information.
You also have access to details like train destinations, operators, and more.
2. Purchase Tickets Early
Early purchase of train tickets online is an excellent option for getting the best deals on ticket prices. Preferably, buying 10 weeks in advance will save you a substantial amount of money.
In addition to this “train ticket hack”, it’s also worth noting that the least expensive train tickets often appear on weekdays after 9:30 AM, before 5:00 PM, and throughout the weekend.
The preceding fare after the expiration of this time frame, also known as off-peak hours, is more expensive to acquire, with zero reservations.
If you desire the best deal while buying your UK train ticket online, consider purchasing during the off-peak hours or get a ticket with a specific schedule. You also get entitlement to a seat upon opting for the fixed plan.
3. Opt for a Rail Card
Railcards are exceptionally useful, especially if you plan to take several train journeys within the UK.
This card costs roughly £30 per year and shaves off one-third of your train fare.
Visit the Railcard website to check if you qualify to purchase one. If eligible, proceed to purchase the card from their website or any railway station.
Registering for a Railcard online requires little to no mental effort due to the user-friendly interface. Expect your purchase in your mailbox in a few weeks if buying from outside the UK.
Remember that purchasing this card at a railway station requires you to bring your ID (passport) for registration alongside a passport size photo.
After purchase, ensure to take your Railcard on every journey to show you’re eligible for one-third off.
Note: A Railcard is strongly recommended if you plan to take many train journeys within a year as it saves you money on each ticket purchase.
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4. Avoid Busy Days & Times
While purchasing in advance helps reduce the cost of train fares significantly, you can further reduce the price by buying on less busy days.
For example, Wednesday lunchtime presents the cheapest train tickets during the weekdays compared to other weekdays. Friday and Sunday afternoons also have far higher prices. So, consider capitalising on this factor.
5. Request for Refunds for Delayed Trains
A PDF by Virgin Trains (page 6) covers the rules train companies have to follow regarding compensation for delayed journeys.
While it takes time to sort out, your trip can be free if your train service is significantly delayed.
Upon a delay, ask the train conductor or personnel at the station regarding the process for compensation relating to your delayed journey.
They will gladly provide you with the guide and ensure you are compensated for the disappointment.
Keep in mind that this option might not be available to you. Therefore, ensure to check thoroughly before paying for the ticket online.
6. Set a Ticket Alert
I recommend setting a ticket alert on a reliable website like National Rail to keep you up to date with train schedules and the best ticket prices.
One benefit of this action is that you can structure your travels in advance with quick information as each alert informs you of the best-priced tickets and all train departure times. It’s a worthwhile option to include.
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4 Best Train Tracking/Timetable Apps in the UK
The UK has many train tracking or timetable apps that help you to keep track of your journey and other train tracking crucial information.
If you’re looking for the best UK train timetable apps, below are apps to look out for.
1. Moovit
Moovit is an all-encompassing app.
With over 950 million users, Moovit has grown to become one of the best train apps in the UK due to its great features.
This is why Apple Store named it one of the best apps of the year in 2017.
2. HopStop
Whether you are new to the UK train system or have been boarding trains for a long time, there comes a time when you need help for navigation purposes.
With the HopStop train direction mobile app, you will have all the confidence in the world when travelling by train.
What the app does is that it points out different directions so that you can know them by heart.
The fascinating thing is that it has detailed information about station-to-station schedules, train directions, and local station searches.
- iPhone: discontinued
- Android: discontinued
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3. Rail Commute
It will do you a world of good if you download the Rail Commute train app before you book your next train ticket.
Downloading and using the app will save you a lot of headaches ranging from train delays to difficulty in locating the train station.
The Rail Commute train app provides live and updated information on different train-centric matters like train platforms, arrivals, and departures.
And if you are a social media freak, the app also presents some features to keep you connected to the online world.
With that in place, you can be certain of communicating with your friends, family, and colleagues via Twitter.
There is also support for additional communication channels including SMS, Facebook, and Email.
- iPhone: Removed
- Android: Not available
4. Tube Map
Wondering about when your next tube is coming? You don’t have to wait for long because everything is simplified thanks to Tube Map.
This app allows you to check the location of your next tube as well as look for potential delays that may be keeping your tube from coming as fast as you expect.
Besides, it provides an accurate and live update on your location.
And this includes the availability of cross-capital travels, alternative routes you can take if your tube isn’t coming, and directions to the nearest tube location.
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Best Websites to Book/Buy Train Tickets in the UK
If you’d rather book your train ticket online using the website instead of the app, here’s the list of websites to choose from.
National Rail
This happens to be one of the UK’s most popular rail booking websites.
It offers users many benefits like split ticketing coupled with zero credit card or booking fee.
You can also choose between standard and first-class tickets, all at pocket-friendly prices.
It allows you to conveniently book the UK and European tickets and travel hassle-free across different parts of Europe.
The website also gives you the newest rail and travel information while offering you the best value for your money with its ticket-splitting information.
You can also book bus and ferry tickets from the website.
- Website: https://www.nationalrail.com
Trainline
If you’re looking for a website that offers passengers the best cheap train tickets, then consider Trainline.
Just like the app, the Trainline website offers you competitive discounts for train journeys across Europe like Germany, Italy, and France.
The journey planner gives you information about live train times. It also has a price prediction feature that offers you information on the right time to book a ticket at the cheapest possible price.
The website also has various article guides that have been comprehensively written to provide information about how to get train deals and discounts, how to book the cheapest tickets and other pieces of valuable information.
- Website: https://www.thetrainline.com
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SplitmyFare
Unlike Trainline, Splitmyfare majorly focuses on helping you to find split tickets to enable you to travel at a cheap price.
With this website, you can enjoy more than 90% off your train ticket and travel almost for free.
Splitmyfare is a website that makes travelling enjoyable and affordable.
Another unique feature this website has to offer is the possibility of purchasing advance tickets 12 weeks before your journey.
You can also ask for a refund in case you experience at least 15 minutes delay before your journey.
- Website: https://www.splitmyfare.co.uk
My Train Ticket
Here is another website that offers cheap train tickets to passengers just like my Splitmyfare.
You get to enjoy more than a 45% discount when you buy your ticket in advance.
The “best fare finder” feature on the website also avails you of the opportunity of finding cheap tickets for your preferred destination.
- Website: https://mytrainticket.co.uk
Cross Country trains
This website enables you to effortlessly book train tickets by making 10 minutes reservations. You also have the chance to book last minutes tickets at affordable prices.
It has maps that can be used to track travel routes and also notify you of cheap tickets whenever they’re available.
And when your train is delayed by 30 minutes or more, you have the chance to become entitled to a refund or National Rail vouchers that can be used for your next journey.
- Website: https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk
Trip.com
Just like its name implies, Trip.com helps you have a seamless journey by saving you more time via e-ticket.
You can pay for your tickets without worrying about being charged for your credit card because it’s absolutely free.
You also have the chance to earn Trip Coins after completing your journey.
- Website: https://uk.trip.com
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Best UK Freight Train Trackers
There are times when you might want to track a good that’s being transported via rail.
Having a good freight train tracker will help you to effectively know when the train carrying your freight finally reaches its destination.
If you’re looking for the best freight train tracker in the UK, I’ve compiled them below.
Raildar
Raildar is arguably one of the best freight train tracking websites in the UK.
It has many distinct features that allow you to track a freight train in real-time, especially in Wales, England, and Scotland by showing you a map of trains moving around the network.
You can also view the history of train arrival and lateness from the website.
- Website: http://raildar.co.uk
Live Rail Record
This is a good website that helps you to track and get information about any particular freight train or passenger train.
You’re able to get live updates about the train once you input the required information in the search bar.
- Website: https://live.rail-record.co.uk
Traksy
If you want detailed information about the correct location of your freight train, Traksy is the website to consider.
This simple but detailed website helps to give you adequate information about the current status and position of your freight train across all National Rail networks.
Some of its features include a signal-by-signal map and updating schedules and timetables, which help to give you live accurate details of your train.
It also provides bespoke tracking services tailored to meet the needs of a specific rail company when you require a special tracking service.
- Website: https://traksy.uk
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Realtimestrains
When it comes to having a top-notch train tracking feature, this app is the one you should look out for.
It has the capability of giving you a real-time report of your train’s current location.
One of its unique features is its ability to track trains up to 180 days in the future and 70 days in the past.
- Website: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk
myTrains
myTrains is a ticket booking app that also offers tracking services to enable you to track your freight train.
It allows you to get a live update of your train’s current progress and equally avails you the opportunity of tracking it until it gets to its final destination.
Best Train Spotting Apps in the UK
A good train spotting app allows you to track the location and status of your train from anywhere around the UK and Europe.
Below are reliable spotting apps you can choose from.
Tube Map
This is a valuable app that enables you to spot trains from different parts of London.
It’s easy to use and works both online and offline.
Train Spotting
Here is another user-friendly app to consider. You can save your frequent spotting as a favourite and navigate various train networks while on the go.
- iPhone: View App
- Android: Not available
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Trainspotter
Just as its name implies, this is an app that enables Android users to log and keep track of sightings of British trains.
It’s completely free and ad-free. It also works offline to save you more data.
- iPhone: Not available
- Android: View App
Trailine App
Apart from being one of the UK’s most popular train booking apps, Trainline also has train spotting features that enable you to spot trains while on the go.
Best European Train Apps to Buy/Book Train Tickets in Europe
Below are the top-rated apps to choose from.
Rail Europe App
This app is one of the most reliable apps to buy train tickets in Europe. It has more than 25,000 travel destinations and 11,000 routes across over 30 countries.
It’s easy to use and offers affordable tickets at discounted prices.
Trainline App
Trainline is another popular European train app that offers train tickets for journeys across Europe and continental Europe.
It also provides cheap tickets, especially during off-peak times.
Related: Most Reliable Public Transport Apps in the UK
Omio App
With this app, you have the privilege of comparing different types of transportation modes to enable you to choose the one with the cheapest price.
Eurail and Interrail
Eurail is meant for non-European travellers while Interrail is meant for European travellers who are travelling across Europe.
These two features can be operated in one app as they both serve the same function.
Trainpal App
If you’re looking for a good money-saving train ticket booking app, then consider Trainpal.
This app helps you to travel across Europe with ease while giving you great value for your money.
Omio Vs Trainline: Which Is Better for Train Ticket Booking?
Omio and Trainline are two of the most popular train ticket booking websites in the UK.
They both offer similar services but there are a few key differences.
If you’re contemplating the right one to choose for your next journey, below is a detailed comparison of both apps to help you make the appropriate choice.
Similarities between Omio and Trainline
- They’re both free for all Android and iPhone users
- They both offer online train schedules, ticketing, and navigation
- Their customer care services operate 24/7
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Differences between Omio and Trainline
- Trainline is a British company that was founded in 1997. It has over 60 million customers. Omio, on the other hand, is a German company that was founded in 2016. It has millions of customers in the UK and across Europe
- Trainline offers more travel options than Omio. It sells tickets for trains, buses, and ferries
- In terms of ticket prices, Omio is quite cheaper than Trainline and offers more routes
- Trainline offers a loyalty program that gives you points for each booking, which can be redeemed for discounts on future bookings. Omio doesn’t currently have any loyalty program in place
- Trainline is based in the UK while Omio is based in Germany. This can, therefore, have an impact on the search results, as well as on the payment options. For example, Trainline accepts Apple Pay but Omio doesn’t.
Which App Is Better Between the Two?
The longevity Trainline has over the years makes it more experienced in delivering various quality services with the train booking app.
They offer remarkable discounts and refunds and cover most parts of Europe than Omio.
So, I recommend Trainline if you want to enjoy a seamless and hitch-free ticket booking across Europe.
Trainline Vs Trainpal: Which Is Better for Train Ticket Booking?
Trainline and Trainpal are two of the leading online train ticketing apps in Europe.
They both offer a comprehensive range of tickets for rail journeys throughout the European continent. Some of the services include timetable information and real-time updates on journeys.
The unique features these apps individually possess can make it quite tricky when deciding on the best one to download.
This is why I’ve made things easy for you by sharing their differences and similarities with you and the right one to comfortably choose between the two apps.
Related: 10 Best Vehicle Transport Services in the UK
Similarities between Trainline and Trainpal
- They both allow you to book train tickets and check live train times
- The two apps allow you to find timetables and check and compare fares for UK trains
- They are both available for Android and iOS users
- The apps both run ads
Differences between Trainpal and Trainline
- Trainline is larger than Trainpal and offers a wider range of tickets including international travel
- Trainline’s app and website are user-friendly with clear pricing and booking information when compared to Trainpal
- Trainpal offers a loyalty scheme that gives customers discounts on future bookings than Trainline
- Trainline offers a refund if your train is cancelled or delayed while Trainpal doesn’t offer a refund.
- Trainline charges a booking fee per ticket while Trainpal doesn’t charge any booking fee, making it more affordable
- Trainline offers a wider range of tickets including Advance, Off-peak, and season tickets while Trainpal only offers standard tickets
Which of These Two Apps Is Better for Train Ticket Booking?
The process of selecting the better app between these two apps often depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for better convenience and wider train ticket booking features, consider Trainline.
Trainline has a wider range of train companies that you can easily choose from. You can equally use the app to book a train or bus.
However, if you want a cheaper and more affordable train ticketing app, go for Trainpal. Its services are almost free.
You don’t have to pay any fee for booking a ticket, unlike Trainline.
Best Train Game Apps to Download
Do you enjoy fun train games while on the rail or road?
Below are the best train games to consider.
These games are realistic, addictive, and can pretty much teach you a lot about the railway system.
Trainz Driver
Do you fancy additional fun while travelling on a train? Have you always wanted to drive a train but somehow feel you are not cut out for it?
You can bring your fantasies to life thanks to Trainz Driver. This train driving game and simulator allow you to travel to different parts of the world in 3D.
You can also do several other train-like activities such as driving faster and crashing your train.
Train Conductor
Once more, your fantasies of conducting and driving a train are about to come to pass if you use the Train Conductor mobile app.
This dedicated train app is available to Android and iOS users. You get to play different simulating games that further increase your love for conducting a train.
Also, you can try your hands on different aspects of the game so that you can better master how to drive a train. The most significant move there is to try driving and conducting the game during the peak-hour rush.
Wrap Up
Navigating the UK via train is a practical option. Trains can access almost every location, and take you to your desired destination in real-time.
Hopefully, the tips presented above are sufficient to ease the process of ordering tickets in the UK and make the process more hassle-free and convenient for you.
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Remz
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.
