London Travel Companion: Best App For Your Trip

There are a plethora of apps to help you get around London, from navigating the London Underground to hailing a black cab. One of the most popular apps is Citymapper, which helps you to get from A to B using all transport methods available, including tube, bus, bike, Zipcar, black cabs, and Uber. It also includes Lime, the electric bike and scooter service. Another popular app is the official TfL Oyster app, which allows you to top up your pay-as-you-go credit, buy travel cards, view your journey history, and check your balance.

Citymapper: best for comparing travel options

The Citymapper app is a one-stop shop for comparing travel options in London. The app provides live, up-to-the-minute information and multiple route options, so you can easily compare and choose the best route for your journey.

One of the app's standout features is its ability to combine all transport modes, including bus, tube, train, tram, taxi, ride-share, car-share, bike-share, walking, and even ferries. It also includes the new electric bike and scooter service, Lime. With Citymapper, you can instantly compare cab fares, hail a ride, grab the closest car-share, or find a shared bike, all within the app.

The app provides turn-by-turn directions and step-by-step navigation for all your chosen transport modes. You can also choose between three different map views and see the charge levels of e-scooters and e-bikes nearby. One of the most useful features is the ability to see the best carriage to board and get alerted when it's time to get off, ensuring you get out at the best exit at your destination station.

Citymapper also offers a unique feature that shares where you should stand on the tube platform, so you can exit quickly once you arrive. This is especially handy if you're travelling with a pushchair or wheelchair, as the app also provides routes for accessible journeys.

The app provides real-time updates on live departures and bus locations, so you can beat the rush-hour crowd and never miss a bus, train, or tube again. You can also personalise the app by saving your home and work addresses, as well as your go-to stops and stations, for lightning-fast trip planning.

Citymapper is available for free on Android and iOS, with in-app purchases.

TfL Oyster and TfL Go: best for topping up and buying travelcards

The TfL Oyster and Contactless app is a great app for managing your Oyster card, a credit-card-sized contactless payment card used for paying for your transport in London. The app is free and available for both Android and iOS.

With the app, you can top up your pay-as-you-go credit and get notifications when it gets low. You can also buy adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes that are valid between seven days and 12 months. The TfL Oyster app will notify you before your Travelcard and Bus & Tram Pass expire. You can also manage multiple season tickets and cards on the go.

The TfL Oyster app also allows you to check your journey history and see the cost of your journeys for the past eight weeks. You can check your Oyster account balance and view your Oyster card and contactless journey history. You can also check if you have any incomplete journeys.

The TfL Go app is the official app for Transport for London and is also free on Android and iOS. It helps you find the best routes to reach your destination and plan your travel around London.

Santander Cycles: best for exploring London by bike

The Santander Cycles app is a great option for those looking to explore London by bike. It is London's self-service bike-sharing scheme for short journeys, with more than 12,000 bikes available at around 800 docking stations across the city. The app allows you to quickly find and rent a bike, with real-time information on bike availability and routes to the nearest docking station. You can even receive a bike release code directly on your phone, eliminating the need to use the docking station terminal.

One of the key advantages of the Santander Cycles app is its convenience. There is no need to book in advance; simply find your nearest docking station and hire a bike. The app also offers fun cycle routes to both famous and hidden London attractions, ensuring you can explore the city's sights in a unique and enjoyable way.

Safety is also a priority for Santander Cycles. A study showed that cyclists using the scheme are three times less likely to be injured per trip than other cyclists in London. This may be due to motorists giving cycle hire users more road space. Additionally, the original bicycles were designed with puncture-resistant tyres, front and rear LED lights, and a bell, further enhancing your safety on the roads.

The Santander Cycles app provides a cost-effective way to get around London. It offers various payment options, including pay-as-you-go, monthly, and annual fees. The pay-as-you-go option starts at £1.65 per 30 minutes, while monthly and annual memberships provide unlimited 60-minute rides for a flat fee.

In addition to traditional pedal bikes, Santander Cycles also offers e-bikes, which are great for longer journeys. These electrically assisted bikes provide an extra boost and can be unlocked via the app or with a physical key. E-bikes have a maximum speed of 15.5 mph (24.9 km/h) and are only available to registered users for £3.30 per journey up to 30 minutes.

Whether you're a tourist looking to explore London's attractions or a commuter needing a quick way to get to work, the Santander Cycles app is a fantastic choice. With its convenience, safety features, and affordable payment options, it's no wonder that Santander Cycles has become a popular way to navigate London by bike.

London Architecture Guide: best for learning about London's buildings

The London Architecture Guide app is the perfect tool for anyone interested in learning about London's buildings. This free app offers an extensive guide to the city's architectural landscape, featuring over 1,100 buildings from Roman times to the present day.

The app is based on the book, "The Guide to the Architecture of London", by acclaimed architectural writers Edward Jones and Christopher Woodward. It includes profiles of iconic landmarks and hidden gems, each with photographs and critical commentary. Users can explore buildings by period, type, and architect, making it a versatile tool for those interested in specific styles or designers.

One of the standout features of the app is its interactive map, which allows users to easily locate and navigate to the featured buildings. Each entry includes detailed information such as critical text and photography, providing a comprehensive understanding of the structures. The app also includes upcoming design events and walking tours, making it a great resource for those who want to explore London's architectural offerings in person.

The London Architecture Guide app is regularly updated with new buildings and expanded geographical coverage, ensuring that users have access to the latest information. It is a must-have for anyone interested in learning about London's diverse and rich architectural history, whether they are visiting the city for the first time or are long-time residents looking to uncover their neighbourhood's hidden architectural gems.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers: best for buying tickets for Thames Clippers

The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers app is the best option for buying tickets for Thames Clippers services. The app is available on both Android and iOS devices. You can buy tickets in advance, wherever you are, using the Uber app or Thames Clippers Tickets app, meaning no queuing or printing before you travel. You simply activate your ticket as you board and show it to the crew. You can also check live departure times.

There are several ways to pay for river travel with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. You can buy single, return, hop-on-hop-off, and joint tickets online and show the PDF ticket on your device before boarding. You can also download the Tickets app and save up to 75% on river travel with season tickets. If you already have the Uber app installed on your phone, you can save time and buy tickets directly through their app.

You can also buy your tickets on the day directly at the pier at either the ticket office or one of the ticket machines and pay the standard fare. You can also pay with a contactless or Oyster card. Touch in and out with the same card, including at interchanges, to pay as you go. It’s quick and easy. Each passenger needs a separate card.

The River Bus is divided into zones, just like the tube. Their services operate in three zones: West, Central, and East, and the fare will depend on which zones you travel in. Your ticket must be valid for all the zones you travel through. For instance, if you are travelling between Tower and Greenwich piers, you will need a Central and East ticket.

Save up to 24% off the standard fare (purchased at the pier) by buying your tickets online, via the apps, or travel using a Contactless or Oyster card.

Frequently asked questions