Train commuting can be a breeze with the right tools at your disposal. Knowing when the trains are running, if they’re running on time, or delayed or cancelled can make a huge differenec to the quality of your day.
We’ve gathered a list of 13 must-have apps and websites that will elevate your daily commute, ensuring you arrive at your destination informed, efficient, comfortable – and therefore, happy 🙂
Apps and Websites for Planning & Navigation
Citymapper (Multi-modal Navigation):
This intuitive app goes beyond trains, offering real-time trip planning for buses, subways, and even walking or cycling directions. Get live arrival information, step-by-step instructions, and alternative route suggestions to navigate your entire journey seamlessly.
- Real-time trip planning for trains, buses, subways, walking, and cycling.
- Live arrival information, step-by-step directions, and alternative route suggestions.
- Navigate your entire journey seamlessly, regardless of mode of transport.
Google Maps (Classic All-Rounder):
A trusted favorite, Google Maps offers train schedules, real-time updates on delays and disruptions, and multi-modal trip planning.
- Trusted source for train schedules, real-time updates on delays and disruptions.
- Multi-modal trip planning to combine trains with other forms of transport.
- A familiar and reliable option for navigating your commute.
Waze (Traffic Outsmarting):
This app leverages user reports to provide real-time traffic information. Use Waze to avoid delays caused by accidents or congestion near train stations, ensuring you arrive on time.
- Utilizes user reports to provide real-time traffic information.
- Avoid delays caused by accidents or congestion near train stations.
- Ensure you arrive on time by staying informed about traffic conditions.
Official Train Operator Apps: (Specific Train Information)
Most train operators have their own apps that provide real-time schedules, platform information, delay and disruption updates, and even mobile ticketing options. Search for “[Train Operator Name] App” to download the specific app for your train service.
- Real-time schedules, platform information, delay and disruption updates.
- Mobile ticketing options (availability may vary by operator).
- Download the app for your specific train service for the most up-to-date information.
Transit apps specific to your region: (Local Expertise)
Many regions have dedicated public transport apps that offer detailed information specific to your local train network, including fares, timetables, and station facilities.
- Detailed information specific to your local train network.
- Fares, timetables, and station facilities tailored to your area.
- Leverage local knowledge for a smooth and informed commute.
Apps for Real-Time Commuter Information
Nextbus (Never Miss a Connection):
This app provides real-time arrival information for specific bus and train stops. Set arrival alerts to avoid missing connections, especially when planning transfers with feeder buses or trams.
- Real-time arrival information for specific bus and train stops.
- Set arrival alerts to avoid missing connections, especially for transfers.
- Arrive on time and avoid the stress of last-minute dashes.
Enhanced Commuting Experience
Moovit (Crowdsourced Insights):
Moovit offers real-time trip planning for various modes of transport, including trains, buses, and subways. It also utilizes crowdsourced data to give insights into potential crowdedness on trains and buses, allowing you to plan accordingly for a more comfortable ride.
- Real-time trip planning for various modes of transport.
- Crowdsourced data on train and bus crowdedness.
- Plan your journey to avoid overcrowded carriages for a more comfortable ride.
Walk Score (Walkability Assessment):
Walk Score analyzes the walkability of your starting and ending locations. This helps you assess if walking is a feasible option for connecting to/from stations, potentially reducing reliance on other forms of transport and incorporating exercise into your commute.
- Analyzes the walkability of your starting and ending locations.
- Assess if walking is a feasible option for connecting to/from stations.
- Potentially reduce reliance on other forms of transport and incorporate exercise.
Apps and Websites for Commuter Comfort & Efficiency
ViewRider (limited availability): Beat the Crowds (Select Cities):
ViewRider provides real-time train car crowding information for select cities. This allows you to choose less crowded cars for a more comfortable and potentially faster ride, especially during peak hours or on crowded routes.
- Real-time train car crowding information (for select cities).
- Choose less crowded cars for a more comfortable ride, especially during peak hours.
- Potentially enjoy a faster ride by avoiding overcrowded sections of the train.
Park and Ride Apps: (availability varies by location)
These apps display real-time availability of parking spaces at park-and-ride facilities near train stations. Reduce the stress of finding parking upon arrival and get to your train on time. Some apps may even integrate with parking reservation systems (check with local providers).
- Real-time availability of parking spaces at park-and-ride facilities.
- Reduce the stress of finding parking upon arrival at the train station.
- Arrive on time and avoid wasting time searching for parking.
1. Los Angeles, California:
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Parking Information: This isn’t a dedicated app, but the LA Metro website provides a comprehensive list of park-and-ride facilities with information on parking availability, fees, and nearby Metro bus and rail lines.
2. Chicago, Illinois:
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Park & Ride: The CTA offers a mobile website specifically for Park & Ride information. Search by location or route to find nearby parking facilities, with details on capacity, fees, and real-time availability (if available).
3. New York City, New York:
- NY MTA Park & Ride: The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) offers a mobile-friendly webpage listing Park & Ride locations across all five boroughs. Find details on facilities, fees, and nearby subway and commuter rail lines.
4. Houston, Texas:
- Houston METRO Park & Ride: The Houston METRO website allows you to search for Park & Ride facilities by location or route. It provides details on available parking spaces (if available), fees, and nearby bus and rail lines.
5. Phoenix, Arizona:
- Valley Metro Park & Ride: Valley Metro, the public transportation agency for Phoenix and surrounding areas, offers a Park & Ride webpage. Search by location or route to find details on parking availability (if available), fees, and nearby light rail stations.
Note: While some cities may have dedicated Park & Ride apps, others (like Los Angeles) offer this information through their main transit authority website. It’s always recommended to check the official website of your local transit agency for the latest information on Park & Ride options and any dedicated apps they might offer.
Multi-Modal Flexibility
Bike Share Apps (Citi Bike, Divvy etc.): (availability varies by location)
Integrate bike-sharing options into your trip planning for first/last-mile connections or short detours from the station. Bike share programs can be a convenient and eco-friendly way to bridge the gap between your train station and final destination.
- Integrate bike-sharing options into your trip planning.
- Convenient and eco-friendly way to bridge the gap between stations and destinations.
- Ideal for first/last-mile connections or short detours.
1. Citi Bike (New York City, Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C. and other locations)
- Citi Bike is one of the most extensive bike share programs in the US, with operations in major cities across the East Coast. Their app allows you to see real-time bike and dock availability, plan your route, and unlock bikes directly from your smartphone.
2. Divvy (Chicago)
- Divvy is the bike share program for the city of Chicago. Their app offers similar functionality to Citi Bike, allowing you to locate stations, check availability, purchase passes, and unlock bikes.
3. Ford GoBike (San Francisco Bay Area)
- Ford GoBike operates in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and other cities in the Bay Area. Their app lets you find stations, check bike and dock availability, purchase rides, and unlock bikes using a QR code.
These are just a few of the many bike share programs available in the US. Here are some resources to find a bike share program in your city:
4. National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Bike Share Directory
Amtrak Downeaster App (USA Train Travel)
For those traveling along the scenic Northeast Corridor, the Amtrak Downeaster App provides real-time schedules, mobile ticketing, and station information specifically for this route.
- Real-time schedules, mobile ticketing, and station information for the Northeast Corridor.
- Specifically designed for passengers
Local Traffic Cameras (Spot Traffic Delays in Advance)
Monitor real-time traffic conditions near your starting location. See potential delays before you leave, allowing you to:
- Adjust your departure time to avoid congestion.
- Choose an alternative route if necessary.
- Arrive at the train station on time and stress-free.
Happy commuting!
