Real-time bus apps

For those who use public transport in major British cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham, having access to bus timetables and routes can mean a huge time saver. That's why public transport 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 region-specific, which can make it difficult to choose the right app for you. 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, tubes, trains and even shared bikes. In addition to showing timetables and routes, the app allows you to compare routes and suggests the best option based on the estimated time of arrival.

A great advantage of Citymapper is the real-time notifications about delays, route changes or problems in the transport network. The app also uses the user's location to indicate where to get off the bus, making it an excellent tool for those who are not yet familiar 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 from Liverpool Street Station in London to Oxford Road in Manchester, with step-by-step guidance. This feature significantly improves mobility for passengers who need to travel 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 unique app for buses in the UK. It provides real-time information about the location of vehicles, allowing passengers to track their arrival and avoid long waits at 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 cities across the UK, the UK Bus Checker is ideal for those who use the bus as their main means 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 buy digital tickets directly through the app, avoiding the need to pay in cash or use physical cards.

The app covers a number of 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 the “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 practical public transport!