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What is the TfL Journey Planner and how to use it?

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With more rail, tube, and bus strikes potentially on the horizon, getting around London can prove troublesome during industrial action. However, there are ways to plan your journey effectively in advance to help minimise disruption.

The latest tube maps (including stations that avoid stairs, accept cycles, and more) are published on the TfL.go.UK website for when services are running.

However, for smartphone users, the official TfL Go app helps you plan tube, bus, and rail journeys around the capital (including an update for the newly opened Elizabeth line ) and live reports on service disruption across London.

If, for any reason, you are unable to access the app, the TfL Journey Planner is also available via the browser on your PC, laptop, phone, and more.

What is the TfL Journey Planner?

The TfL Journey Planner is a website run by Transport for London that works similarly to the National Rail Enquiries page. It allows you to search and plan your journeys across London in advance. 

However, the journey planner seeks to be an all-encompassing solution for transport that goes beyond rail travel.

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For example, it will show you options for cycling, cycle hire, bus routes, and more. The site also gives you walking routes, with the option to view written directions or to open the path in Google maps.

The app encourages users to walk or cycle where possible and also gives the option to discover quieter times to travel, which can be particularly useful if you are not in a rush to make your trip.

How to use the TfL Journey Planner

Beginning on the TfL Journey Planner homepage , you can input your potential journey details based on geographical locations, underground stations, bus stops, and more.

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This allows you to pinpoint your starting place and destination. The site also gives you the option to pick from any journeys you’ve recently entered. Any updates or strike action will also be listed in a yellow banner at the top of the homepage.

The default allows you to plan a journey departing now, but you can alter the departure time if you are planning your trip further in advance.  

Once you have entered your journey details, you’ll be presented with options like ‘cycling and other’ (which will include cycle hire and walking), ‘fastest by public transport and ‘Bus only’, with the option to amend your journey details, look at services later or earlier in the day and even find nearby taxi ranks.

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You can filter journeys via the least walking, fewest changes, and complete step-free access.

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London Public Transport Journey Planners

These are the best apps and tools to plan a journey by public transport in London. We recommend using the options listed below instead of Google to plan a journey.

Citymapper is the most comprehensive public transport planning app for London.

It’s available online or as a free app for ios or android . The online version is now rather limited. The app is much better.

The route planner shows all transport options including cycling, walking and local trains.

The adult Pay as you go Oyster card/contactless fares for each journey are also shown. This make it easy to find the cheapest route.

Transport for London’s TfL Go app is a sleek design and easy to use . It’s the easiest app to find and live departures for underground trains and buses.

It also has a route planner showing options for

• fastest route
• an alternative route (usually bus)

Select ‘Status’ for delay information. You are then able to see if there are any problems on a particular train or underground line.

It defaults to an excellent live tube map, which finds your closest tube station. Click on the underground station, then the name of the station to get the times of the next tube trains.

Click on ‘bus stops’ to see times of the next buses from bus stops near you.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t give fare information. But it’s recommended if you don’t need to know the fare.

Transport for London’s online journey planner

Transport for London’s online Journey Planner shows the quickest way from A to B.

It’s possible to choose bus/tube/train only routes. It also gives you the Pay as you go Oyster peak/contactless and off-peak fares.

Do bear in mind that the default is the quickest route, which is not always the cheapest. For example, to Heathrow Airport:

• under ‘Edit preferences’ deselect ‘National Rail’ to exclude the expensive Heathrow Express train.
• Deselect ‘Elizabeth line’ if you want to exclude that as well.

Early morning or late-night journeys

To be somewhere at a specific time, especially if it’s in the morning or late at night, use the TfL Journey Planner

Mobility issues

If you have mobility issues, you can narrow down your search options to find the best route with:

• Escalators but not stairs
• Stairs but not escalators
• Step-free access to platforms
• Full step-free access

If you just need a tube map and don’t want to use an app, download a pdf tube map to your device.

Related pages

• How to get around by bus
• How to get around by underground
• Walking in London

Getting around London

• How to use the London underground
• How to use London buses
• London cycle hire scheme
• London trains
• London taxis & minicabs

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'I tried the TfL Go app to see if it was better than Citymapper at helping me plan London Underground and bus journeys'

MyLondon What’s On Writer Tilly Alexander tested the TfL Go app for the first time

• 18:09, 15 JUN 2022
• Updated 18:32, 15 JUN 2022

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Getting around London can be confusing and you'd be forgiven (and arguably, no less of a Londoner) if you sometimes needed a transport app to help you do it. I know I certainly do.

For me, this transit app has always and exclusively been Citymapper. Delivering me safely to more pub trips, friends' houses and bedtimes than I can count, its bright green interface has become something of a comfort blanket. So, even though it's let me down a handful of times by not informing me about Tube station closures and disruptions quickly enough, or sending me on roundabout routes, I've remained a committed lover.

But after repeatedly spotting adverts for the TfL Go app while onboard the Elizabeth line recently, my curiosity was sufficiently piqued. Could this free app be better at helping me plan my Tube and bus journeys? I decided to put it to the test against Citymapper the next time I needed to go somewhere. And it was so easy and straightforward to use that it's my new favourite transport helper.

READ MORE: ‘I left my bag on the London Underground and got it back from TfL in under 90 mins - here’s exactly how and what to do’

My first thought as I clicked on the new Lizzy line purple addition to my home-screen was 'Wow, so clean.' The interface staring back at me was largely white and oddly calming, with a zoomed-in slither of the Tube map taking up the bulk of it. (Only later did I realise that this segment had been chosen according to where I was, with my own rough position denoted by a pulsating blue dot.) At the bottom were two brighter white rectangles labelled 'Where to?' and 'Buses Near You'. A flick of my finger revealed a third called 'Status', dedicated to live service disruptions.

Suddenly, Citymapper's extremely busy rows of square icons (10 total), horizontal bars ('Get Me Somewhere', 'Get Me Home', 'Saved Trips') and colourful background (again, a map showing where I was) seemed overwhelming. Did I ever really use any of them but 'Get Me Somewhere' and 'Maps'? I couldn't think of any instances.

But now came the more important experiment: the route planning. I inputted the beginnings of my destination ( Willows on the Roof , read about it here soon...) and was quickly met with suggestion; next popped up my journey options and, wait, there were only four? I couldn't believe it as I attempted to scroll down beyond 'Cycle', 'Fastest', 'Step-free', and 'Bus only' and met resistance. As someone who is often late and often overwhelmed by having to choose from tens of options, this struck me as a game changer. All that was required of me was to pick the kind of journey I wanted and the TfL Go would do the rest! Goodbye, (some) stress.

Interestingly, cycling was recommended first, an environmentally forward-thinking move that I like. But I was bike-less at the office, so 'Fastest' it was. This meant a journey time of 32 minutes, using a combination of the Jubilee line and my own two feet; my stations were apparently 'quiet' now, information I hadn't thought of considering but was grateful to know. Great, I thought, now Citymapper's turn. The same route popped up top of the Tube column - but to my surprise, there was a discrepancy: my old friend estimated only 27 minutes. I set off.

As I travelled to Canary Wharf station on foot, it became clear that Citymapper was going to be more on the money about the timings. TfL Go allotted me seven minutes to get down to the platform compared to Citymapper's four - and I'd made it in three. This turned out to be the case at the other end, too, with the former giving me 11 minutes to exit the station and clear the 0.3 miles between Bond Street and John Lewis in contrast to the latter's nine. (The Tube estimate was right, though.) So, it wasn't as good at probable human walking speeds.

Unlike its transit rival, it also hadn't given me an exit at the Tube (Citymapper suggested the Marylebone Lane one). And yet, I couldn't help thinking that, even so, the user experience of this app made it by far the one I'd want to use when worse for wear after a night out or stressed and running late pre-work. Citymapper's rows of Tube plus cycle plus walk plus etcetera are confusing strings of symbols needing deciphering at the best of times. Also, I could probably do with that extra time buffer anyway so I turn up closer to on time.

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Tube Map London Underground

Hardy commuters at waterloo..

Available free on iOS and Android

Official TfL Tube Map.

Including Night and Rail maps.

early-risers on the District line.

Live line status..

The latest info from TfL, including live departure boards.

families at Charing Cross.

Offline route planner..

The easiest way to navigate the Tube.

London’s favourite app for using the Underground.

Tube Map prepares you for the journey ahead with line status updates, real-time routing to anywhere in London and of course the latest official Tube Map from Transport for London. The award winning transport app features the iconic Harry Beck Tube Map which is easily recognisable to both local commuters and tourists. With a range of great features and the latest maps available every time there is an update, the Tube Map app is the simplest way to navigate the Underground when on the go.

Official Tube Map

Tube Map includes the latest official Transport for London map, based on the iconic Harry Beck design. The Tube network is constantly changing, from closed stations to the addition of entire lines (hello TfL Rail!) Download once and know that you’ll always have the latest Tube Map ready to go.

Line status and departure boards

Tube Map’s live status about every line on the TfL network. Whether it’s a closure on the Bakerloo line or delays on TfL Rail, you’ll always be in the know. Tap on a line for further information about any delays and what stations are causing the problem. Head to the Status & Departure Boards tab on a selected station to see departure times.

– Travel Guide –

Need help planning something to do in London or have questions about using the London Underground? Read the Mapway Travel Guide to London .

Journey Planner

Planning a journey to anywhere in London? Tube Map makes it easy! Plan journeys to and from postcodes, points of interest/tourist attractions and Tube stations. Realtime routes will avoid known delays so you can travel in confidence knowing that you’re going the quickest way. Tube Map’s route planner also works without an internet connection so you don’t have to worry about using up data!

Available free iOS and Android

Accessibility information.

View how accessible each platform is with ratings for those travelling with heavy luggage, a pushchair or using a wheelchair.

 – Travel Tip –

Don’t forget to tap out with the same card you used to tap in, or you might be charged more for your Tube journey.

Tube Map London Underground review on iTunes

Robroy060 | 6th december 2021, amir haqani | 17th october 2019, rydley | 2nd september 2019, – did you know –.

You should stand on the right when using an escalator on the London Underground or risk being frowned at by the locals!

– Travel Tip –

For more travel tips tap any station in Tube Map and click Information & Facilities. You’ll find some fun facts, travel tips and things to look out for!*

*Available on Android. Feature in development for iOS.

Additional features, first & last trains.

This handy in-app purchase is an additional feature that gives you the first and last train times for each service. For more information visit “Unlocked Features Explained” .

Want to know the quickest way off the Tube and out of the exit? This helpful in app purchase tells you which carriage to use to get out first. For more information visit “Unlocked Features Explained” .

Walking Routes

The walking routes shortcut is a map overlay that shows which stations are quicker to walk to and how long it will take.

Need to catch a ride once you get off the Tube? We’ve partnered with Uber to offer you a quick way to catch a ride once you’ve finished your journey.

Live Twitter Feed

In the side menu Tube Map includes a live Twitter feed with information from all of the official TfL accounts. These helpful tweets are packed with travel information and can be shown on the map view of the app.

London Transport: TfL Live 4+

Underground, bus & rail times, transit now ltd.

• #97 in Navigation
• 4.6 • 2.8K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

Screenshots

Description.

Live bus and train times, step-by-step navigation, stop announcements, service alerts and more - all in one app. ► Live directions – plan your trip with up to five ways to your destination ► Share your journey details with friends and family - they don't even need the app! ► Get Off Alerts – we'll let you know when it's time to transfer ► Live countdown boards for buses and trains ► See exactly where you bus or train is on the map right now ► Service Alerts - Find out about delays and diversions before you leave ► Save your favorite stops and stations ► Full seven-day schedules ► Schedule alarms and get reminders before your bus or train arrives. ► Quickly see the last train or bus arriving tonight ► Live and offline route maps ► One-tap ‘get me home’ journey planning ► Simple and clean - we only show you what you need to know We love feedback! Get in touch with us at [email protected] or follow us on Twitter at @TalkToWhiz. Please note that the app requires data access and works best with GPS / location on. Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. Background GPS is only used when you have a Get Off Alert turned on. Check out our Privacy Policy at https://travelwhiz.app/privacy and our Terms of Use at https://travelwhiz.app/terms

Version 2024.2.11

Your needs are evolving, and so is this app. We make a point of providing regular updates and bug fixes to accompany you on your commute. Your feedback means a lot - if you have any suggestions, or run into any issues, just tap on the Settings button and get in touch with us. If you can spare a moment, we'd love it if you could leave a review on the App Store - it means so much to us to hear from you, our customer. Thanks for using the app!

Ratings and Reviews

2.8K Ratings

Best app for Greater London

I live in Greater London so it was difficult to find an app that covered rail stations outside of Central London. I had been using Tube Tamer until the developers left it and it started to crash but this app is as good as Tube Tamer, if not better. I have already used it to go to London a few days ago and it’s gonna be the app I shall be using from now on for my little spontaneous escapades during summer. It’s easy to navigate the app, the instructions are clear, you get train times, you can see the details of the route, it gives you the estimated time of arrival and it’s free. It’s a solid 5/5 from me!

Outstanding app with outstanding developers

This app truly has every feature I could ask for. It even gives updates to changes when certain lines, and there’s even a feature to change the app’s icon. For the people complaining about the times, please remember that the actual times are based off the timetable. If a service leaves earlier or later than expected, it is the driver’s fault. As always, allow a few minutes allowance for this occasion. Overall an excellent app. Very happy😃

Need to improve

Not showing certain time of the bus. Because of this we missed many times

App Privacy

The developer, Transit Now ltd , 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 Not Linked to You

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

• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

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

Information

English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese

• Yearly Plan £17.49
• Monthly Plan £2.99
• London+ Annual £29.00
• London+ Annual £39.00
• Premium - Annual Subscription £8.99
• London+ Monthly £5.00
• Premium - Monthly Subscription £1.99
• Secret Discount £4.99
• Lifetime Pass £49.99
• London+ Annual £17.99
• Developer Website
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Family Sharing

Some in‑app purchases, including subscriptions, may be shareable with your family group when family sharing is enabled., more by this developer.

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