Real-time bus apps

For those who use public transportation in major British cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, having access to bus schedules and routes can save a lot of time. Therefore, public transportation apps have become increasingly popular.

Although there are many apps available on the App Store It is Google Play, not all offer real-time information.

Additionally, some are exclusive to specific regions, which can make choosing the ideal app difficult. But don't worry, we've selected the best ones to make your life easier in the UK.

See below a list of the main applications for tracking buses in real time.

Citymapper

O Citymapper is one of the most comprehensive public transport apps in the UK. It provides detailed information about buses, subways, trains, and even bikeshare. In addition to displaying schedules and routes, the app allows you to compare routes and suggests the best option based on estimated arrival time.

A key feature of Citymapper is its real-time notifications about delays, route changes, or transportation network issues. The app also uses the user's location to indicate where to get off the bus, making it an excellent tool for those unfamiliar with the city.

The app is available in several UK cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

Moovit

Widely used in the UK, the Moovit provides detailed information about buses, subways, trains, and ferries. It allows users to plan their trips efficiently by providing up-to-date schedules and real-time alerts about delays and route changes.

One of Moovit's biggest differentiators in the UK is its “Cross Region Journey Planning”, launched in 2024. With this functionality, users can plan public transport trips between different regions of the country, such as Liverpool Street Station in London to Oxford Road in Manchester, with step-by-step directions. This feature significantly improves mobility for passengers traveling between British cities.

Moovit also uses the user's location to provide notifications about where to get off the bus, as well as suggestions for faster and more efficient routes.

UK Bus Checker

O UK Bus Checker is a dedicated bus app for the UK. It provides real-time information on vehicle locations, allowing passengers to track their arrival and avoid long waits at bus stops.

The app also includes details about bus stop infrastructure, such as accessibility and lighting, helping users choose the best stops for boarding and disembarking.

Available in several UK cities, the UK Bus Checker is ideal for those who use the bus as their main mode of transport.

First Bus App

For those who travel frequently around the UK, the First Bus App is an excellent option. It allows you to not only check bus schedules and routes, but also purchase digital tickets directly through the app, avoiding the need to pay in cash or use physical cards.

The app covers several cities and regions, including Bristol, Leeds, Glasgow and Southampton.

Public transport apps are essential allies for anyone who needs to get around the United Kingdom. Citymapper, Moovit, UK Bus Checker and First Bus App are some of the best options for tracking buses in real time and planning trips more efficiently.

With the introduction of “Cross Region Journey Planning” On Moovit, it's now even easier to plan trips between different cities in the country.

Choose the app that best suits your needs and enjoy more organized and convenient public transportation!