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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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• Plan your journey
• London transport zones

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TFL Journey Planner: Your Ultimate Guide to Navigating London’s Transportation System

Table of Contents

Introduction

Navigating through a bustling city like London can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to planning your journeys. Fortunately, Transport for London (TFL) offers a comprehensive journey planner that simplifies the process of getting around the city. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of the TFL journey planner and how it can enhance your travel experience in London.

1. Understanding the TFL Journey Planner

The TFL journey planner is an online tool provided by Transport for London that helps commuters and travelers navigate the city’s extensive transportation network. It provides accurate and up-to-date information about various travel options, including buses, trains, trams, the London Underground (commonly known as the Tube), and even river services.

2. Key Features of the TFL Journey Planner

The TFL journey planner offers a wide range of features to simplify your travel planning . Some of its key features include:

• Route Planning: The journey planner allows you to plan your route from your current location to your destination, considering different modes of transport and the fastest or most convenient options.
• Real-Time Updates: It provides real-time updates on delays, disruptions, and alternative routes, ensuring you stay informed about any changes to your planned journey.
• Fare Information: The journey planner displays fare information, helping you estimate the cost of your journey and make informed decisions about ticket purchases.
• Step-by-Step Directions: It offers detailed step-by-step directions, including walking directions to and from stations, to ensure you reach your destination efficiently.
• Accessibility Options: The journey planner caters to individuals with accessibility needs, providing information on accessible routes, facilities, and services.
• Points of Interest: You can explore nearby points of interest, such as attractions, restaurants, and landmarks, making your journey more enjoyable and convenient.

3. How to Use the TFL Journey Planner

Using the TFL journey planner is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Visit the TFL website or download the TFL Journey Planner mobile app from your app store. Step 2: Enter your starting point and destination in the designated fields. Step 3: Choose your preferred departure or arrival time. Step 4: Select your preferred mode of transport or leave it as default to include all available options. Step 5: Click on the “Plan my journey” button to generate your travel itinerary.

4. Planning Your Route with the TFL Journey Planner

The TFL journey planner takes into account various factors when planning your route, including the distance, estimated travel time, and any disruptions or planned engineering works. It offers different options based on your preferences, allowing you to choose the fastest route or the one with fewer transfers.

To optimize your route planning experience, consider the following tips:

• Check the peak and off-peak hours to plan your journey accordingly and avoid congestion.
• Utilize the “Via” option to include specific locations or landmarks in your route.
• Explore alternative routes to discover hidden gems or avoid crowded areas.
• Save your frequently traveled routes for easy access in the future.

5. Real-Time Updates and Alerts

One of the significant advantages of using the TFL journey planner is its real-time updates and alerts. London’s transportation network is dynamic, and unexpected disruptions can occur. The journey planner keeps you informed about any delays, diversions, or planned maintenance work, allowing you to adjust your plans accordingly.

6. Accessibility Options for All Travelers

TFL is committed to ensuring accessibility for all travelers. The journey planner provides information on accessible routes, step-free access, and facilities for individuals with mobility challenges or other disabilities. It also highlights stations with elevators, ramps, and other accessibility features.

7. Integrating Other Modes of Transport

London offers a diverse range of transportation options beyond buses and trains. The TFL journey planner integrates other modes of transport, including trams, river services, and even cycling routes. This comprehensive approach allows you to explore multiple options and choose the most suitable one for your journey.

8. Saving Time and Money with the TFL Journey Planner

Efficiency and cost-effectiveness are vital when traveling in a busy city like London. The TFL journey planner not only saves you time by providing accurate and optimized routes, but it also helps you save money. It suggests the most economical ticket options and highlights any available discounts or promotions.

9. Exploring Nearby Points of Interest

London is a city rich in history, culture, and attractions. The TFL journey planner lets you discover nearby points of interest along your chosen route. Whether you’re interested in visiting renowned landmarks, trying local cuisine, or exploring hidden gems, the journey planner provides valuable information to enhance your journey.

10. TFL Journey Planner Mobile App

For seamless travel planning on the go, TFL offers a dedicated mobile app for the journey planner. The app provides all the features and functionality of the web version, allowing you to plan your journeys, receive real-time updates, and access additional travel-related information directly from your smartphone.

11. Tips and Tricks for Using the TFL Journey Planner

To make the most out of the TFL journey planner, consider the following tips and tricks:

• Check for updates before starting your journey, especially during peak hours or when disruptions are expected.
• Save your frequently visited locations or routes for quick access.
• Consider alternative routes to avoid crowded areas or explore different parts of the city.
• Familiarize yourself with the symbols and icons used in the journey planner for better understanding.

12. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

While the TFL journey planner is designed to be user-friendly, you may encounter occasional issues or have questions. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps:

• Clear your browser cache and cookies if the journey planner is not loading properly.
• Ensure you have a stable internet connection to receive real-time updates.
• Contact TFL customer support for specific queries or technical difficulties.

13. TFL Journey Planner for Visitors

If you’re visiting London as a tourist, the TFL journey planner is an invaluable tool. It helps you plan your sightseeing adventures, find the most convenient routes to popular attractions, and navigate the city’s public transportation system with ease. Make sure to check for any available visitor passes or discounts to optimize your travel experience.

14. Sustainability and Green Initiatives

TFL is committed to promoting sustainable transportation and reducing the city’s carbon footprint. The journey planner encourages the use of public transport, walking, and cycling as eco-friendly alternatives to private vehicles. By utilizing the TFL journey planner, you contribute to a greener and more sustainable London.

The TFL journey planner revolutionizes the way you navigate London’s vast transportation system. With its user-friendly interface, real-time updates, and comprehensive features, it empowers commuters and travelers to plan their journeys efficiently and with ease. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring the city, the TFL journey planner is your ultimate companion for seamless travel in London.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I use the TFL journey planner offline? No, the TFL journey planner requires an internet connection to provide real-time updates and accurate information.
• Is the TFL journey planner available in multiple languages? Yes, the TFL website and mobile app offer language options for international users.
• Are there any additional charges for using the TFL journey planner? No, the TFL journey planner is a free service provided by Transport for London.
• Can I plan my journey in advance using the TFL journey planner? Yes, you can plan your journey in advance by selecting your preferred departure or arrival time.
• Does the TFL journey planner provide information on disruptions during weekends? Yes, the journey planner provides information on disruptions, including planned engineering works, during weekends and other specific periods.

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General moan about the shite that is the TFL journey planner!

ConsistentlyElectrifiedElves · 17/04/2024 12:16

Tell me I'm not alone in my annoyance with this website?! Last week it abandoned me on the wrong side of the river because a pier I wanted to use was closed, but the journey planner didn't acknowledge it. Then, why when you choose your start and end point to be tube stations, does it tell you there's X minutes of walking involved? Example - choose HotH tube station start and Aldgate tube station. Apparently it'll take 4 minutes to transfer from HotH tube station to HotH tube station, then 3 minutes to walk from Aldgate station to Aldgate station. Or is this some sort of estimated time to figure out which way is the way out/in to the station? Plus, half the time the first option it gives me is a really indirect route using busses, when there's a perfectly acceptable (quicker) tube station available. The pier example last week also suggested I walk from one tube station to a bus stop, then get on a bus to the pier, even though the walk was in the opposite direction to the pier and just walking to the pier would have been quicker. Honestly - it drives me mad!

I can't stand it! It's so awkward if you put in your departure place and destination and then when you want to change the times it won't easily let you. Plus it seems to come up with cycling and walking options first. Just realise that I want to use tube or bus first.

I don't use it anymore - have you tried citymapper? (it's good for other cities too, not just London)

Use Citymapper, it’s much better than tfl! 😄

I'm very glad I've read this. Trying to plan my way around London for a trip in September and I found the same issues. Telling me to get several buses and a tube and then scroll right to the bottom to see the tube on its own is an option (plus all the random extra walking). It seems to contradict the tube map from what I can work out so I won't use the journey planner after all.

I just use Google maps, I don't find Citymapper and better or easier

Nobody uses TFL anymore! Citymapperall all the way.

I agree - I used it for a trip to London recently and most of the time it gave me routes involving two or three buses or bus, tube, bus when there was actually a direct bus from a to b. Good to know about citymapper, I will use that in future.

It's rubbish. CM is better. Google Maps is fine but doesn't update when there are planned engineering works. Another app is Moovit though I don't use that myself,

I'm glad I posted - hadn't heard of CityMapper! Thank you! I tend to figure out the journey myself using Google maps but often just want to know how long the tube part of my journey should be. Will definitely try CityMapper next time. It reminds me of the old Olympics journey planner they brought in in 2012. I had tickets to the archery at Lords and live on the Chiltern line, so knew to just get the train in to Marylebone and walk. If we could get a fast train, we're in Marylebone in less than 30 minutes, then a walk per google is 25 mins, so in reality about 20. The quickest journey per the Olympics journey planner was 3 hours and involved a coach! 😂 I wonder how many people that didn't travel to London regularly got caught out with very long winded routes due to that thing.

Yeah it is rubbish it told me to get off a stop earlier than I needed to, not a massive deal but just why?! Bit confusing why it would say to get off the stop before the actual stop. I didn't like citymapper personally either

I hardly ever use it any more as it never gives the most direct route. I’m another Citymapper convert.

Citymapper or Google both fine. TfL only offers limited choices of routes, whereas Citymapper will give you loads, so you can decide to pick the one that suits your particular preference (less walking, more walking, avoids the bus full of school kids, takes you past Lidl so you can grab some shopping etc). I do still try it every now and then because it looks beautiful, but it's just such a PITA to use.

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The London App 17+

Tube & bus times travel guide, shane gable.

• 4.7 • 3 Ratings
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LONDON GUIDE WITH MAP, TRIP PLANNER, TFL TUBE & BUS SCHEDULE, CHAT WITH FRIENDS & LOCATION SHARING FUNCTION. Stop wandering, start experiencing. Feel the real soul of London, and create lifelong cherished memorieswith the London App. Don’t waste a minute – see the best sightseeing spots and attractions; eat at the best places; drink atthe best local bars; plan journeys, and transit with accurate tube and bus times. See why we are the must-have London travel guide app for anyone planning to visit London. ■ EXPERIENCE LONDON IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE A personal tour guide in your pocket 24/7, the London App gives you key information and tools to see the best attractions, find fun things to do, and easily navigate London's bustling streets and transportation networks. ■ JOURNEY PLANNER Add places to your trip planner and make the most out of your days. We integrated Google Maps so you can find a location and add it to your trip with ease. Creating customized itineraries tailored to your interests and preferences is easy with the London App. ■ USEFUL LONDON TRAVEL INFO Navigate London with confidence, thanks to our real-time updates on bus and tube schedules, disruptions, station closures, travel costs, distances, and route information. Whether you're into exploring iconic landmarks or uncovering off-the-beaten-path treasures, the London App provides you with the knowledge and recommendations you need to make the most of your time in the city. ■ BUS COUNTDOWN, TUBE SCHEDULE Check live bus times, London underground, and overground transport times. Use optional filters that allow you to: - either avoid or include certain transport types. - see ticket price, departure, and arrival times - see platform number, busyness of the stations, fare zones, - check WiFi, toilet accessibility, and much more. ■ FREE ROAM & TRAVEL SEARCH By integrating our free roam function with TfL search (Transport for London), you can view specific bus stops, stations, travel routes, and timetable information at the click of a button. Even more our search feature provides detailed information about everything from arrival times to busy or quiet locations. The Free Roam mode is powered by Google Maps which lets you explore the city as much as you like without ever having to worry about getting lost, where the nearest train station is, or whether you might be missing out on any interesting local activities or places of interest in London. ■ CHAT WITH FRIENDS/FAMILY, OTHER TRAVELERS & SHARE LOCATION Unlike other London transport and travel apps, the London App allows you to chat with your friends and family, view their real-time location, and plan trips together on the same dashboard. Additionally, you can add other London tourists and travelers as friends, chat, plan, and do things together. ■ LONDON APP FEATURES: • London travel guide and TFL journey planner • free roam function with TFL search (Transport for London) • view specific bus stops, stations, travel routes, and timetable information • see ticket price, departure and arrival times, platform number, busyness of the stations, fare zones, WiFi, toilet accessibility, and much more • current data on bus and tube schedules, disruptions, station closures, distances, route information, step-free options. • departure and return times • see and select the fastest and cheapest routes • select your preferred transport (or pick mixed transport) • add friends to chat, share location, plan trips With the London App, you can explore the city, safe in the knowledge that can get you anywhere you want, reliably and conveniently. ■ SUBSCRIPTION : • The London App is free to download on the Apple store. Terms of use - https://londonapp.co.uk/terms-conditions/ ► Download for FREE and experience London in the best way possible!

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Good one but want to improve lot more..

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