UK Travel Planning

17 Best apps for London and UK Travel

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 13, 2023

If you want to find the best London apps and great apps for UK travel, this guide lists 17 of the finest. Whether you need the best app for London transport or want to find a great vegan restaurant nearby, these apps will make life on the go so much simpler.

From the cheapest train or theatre tickets to the closest public toilet facilities or a great deal on a hotel room , accessing the best London travel app can help you pin them all down – and many even work while you’re off-grid too.

If easy access to live transport updates and route planners for walking, hiking, cycling and mountain biking appeal to you, then don’t miss this quick reference guide to all the top apps for UK travel.

The following apps for London and the UK can also help you check the weather forecast at your destination, find an accessible route, choose an attraction to visit or tour to take and even transfer cash as quickly, easily and cheaply as possible. 

Read on to discover all the best London apps and top UK travel tips.

Not sure about how to use your mobile phone in the UK? Read our complete guide to the options available for accessing Wifi during your trip.

Best Transport Apps

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UK AND LONDON TRAVEL PLANNING

17 of the best apps for London and UK travel apps

Citymapper app.

CityMapper1

The Citymapper App describes itself as meeting all your transport needs on one app. Indeed the app will give you step-by-step directions for getting around by bike, public transport, car share, scooter and on foot. The perfect app to help you navigate London.

The CityMapper London app can also compare prices via partners such as Uber and Santander Cycles (for-hire bikes) and let you see live waiting times for trains, buses and trams. 

You can even select the ‘main roads’ option to ensure your way is well-lit at night, as well as sharing your journey details and your ETA with friends. 

The Citymapper app is a must-have if you are planning a London trip!

Google Maps

We all use Google Maps, and their coverage of the UK is pretty much unrivalled. You also use this app for satellite navigation, making sure you can find your way anywhere in the land. The app will also pinpoint the most efficient route to take.

Real time live updates mean you can keep ahead when it comes to road conditions and closures, as well as public transport times. With Live View, you can always see exactly where you are too, while Street View lets you look around at any area.

There are even offline maps for when you’re without a WiFi connection . Definitely one of the best apps out there!

TfL Go: Live Tube, Bus & Rail

TfL

Navigating the London Transport system isn’t always easy for beginners, but the official Transport for London app will give you a good head start. It will also help you find the nearest toilets. 

The best app for London buses, trams and trains can keep you updated regarding overground and DLR (Docklands Light Railway) trains, and the route planner can also be used to plan cycling and walking routes.

A great feature of the best London tube app is the step-free tube map, which is ideal for anyone using a wheelchair, buggy or mobility scooter. You can switch to the step-free option at any time while using it.

App store and google play 200 x 100

Trainline 

TrainLine

Popular across the whole of Europe, the Trainline app works just as well for coach travel as it does for rail.

Once you’ve downloaded the app, it’s simple to compare fares, find discounts and book your travel all in one place. 

The Trainline app also shows live information, and can also help you skip the queues and locate a carriage with vacant seats.  

Planning to travel the UK by train? Our Essential Guide to UK Train Travel contains everything you need to know to plan your rail adventure including 12 done-for-you itineraries plus practical tips, information and resources to remove the stress from planning your trip.

Graphic of updated UK Train Guide

  • National Rail Enquiries

National Rail Enquiries one of the best apps for London.

Savvy Brits have trusted National Rail Enquiries for decades to get them from A to B, and this useful public transport app also gives you the latest train info for the London Underground. 

The free app will allow you to plan rail journeys, see timetables, track trains and even save frequent journey or station details. 

A clever feature is the pin that you can add to a map, from then on tracking its progress. You can also set up alerts so you’ll be the first to know about any disruption to services.

Foodie app 4

Parkopedia is an excellent app for those of you planning to drive in the UK. It gives a list of car parking by city, place or postcode.

It is possible to search by price, distance, rating and availability.

Get Your Guide

GYG

Using Get Your Guide is the easy way to find out about all the top sights to see and things to do while you’re in the UK. 

You can even book tickets via Get Your Guide to avoid queuing at popular attractions, which is potentially a huge time saver. 

The app will also pinpoint the highest rated activities, tours and attractions so you can make the most of every moment – and offers flexible cancellations too should your plans change.

London Theatre Direct

LTD

Seeing a West End show is a must for many when in London, and London Theatre Direct can ensure you do this as cheaply as possible. You can also book last-minute tickets and purchase tickets in app.

In fact tickets can be purchased up to an hour before showtime, and can be collected there at the theatre. The app is also user-friendly and fully secure. 

National Trust  

National Trust 2

The National Trust (NT) is a British institution, and their app gives you easy access to the abundance of historic, cultural and natural sights the country is famous for.

From city to coast to countryside, the NT app will allow you to discover some very special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

You can even search when off grid, and browse current or future events. Audio files, maps and  trails can also be downloaded to help make the most of your visits. 

Wise card UK currency

Formerly known as Transferwise , the Wise app is adored by those who regularly receive or send international payments, as its fees are far lower than those charged by competitors.

It’s not only the lower fees that will save you cash – the exchange rates are far more favourable too. You can even order a Wise debit card to pay directly from your account.

We use our Wise debit card when we travel as we have found it one of the cheapest ways to pay around the world – it lets you send and spend money at the real exchange rate avoiding fees or exchange rates charged by ATM machines.

The card is accepted wherever Mastercard is accepted and can hold multiple currencies (on our last trip we had Australian $, Hong Kong $, UK £ and Euros € on our card. On our return, we simply converted all our currencies into $ and deposited the total back into our bank account.

Weather app

Brought to you by the UK’s official weather department, the Met Office app gives users the latest and most up-to-date weather forecasts around. 

You can check the forecast from an hour to a week in advance, and the app will also alert you to any Severe Weather Warnings that could affect your travel plans. We recommend checking the weather the week before you arrive so you can adjust your packing accordingly!

There is also an interactive rain map so you can see the likelihood of rainfall – something that’s frequently important in the often wet British Isles!

Toilet app Flush 1

Why Flush? Because it’s the quickest and easiest way to find the nearest public toilet! Which isn’t always simple when you’re in a strange city, especially as they’re not that often signposted.

The app can also let you know if there is any charge to use the bathroom or whether it has disabled access. If this is the case, it can also tell you whether a key is required.

Users can also help improve the app by rating the facilities and adding new ones they come across to Flush’s list.

Booking.com 

Booking 3

Even when you make last-minute plans, the Booking.com app can come to the rescue by helping you book a great value and highly rated place to stay.

The interface allows you to search in the way that suits you – whether that’s by name, location or a nearby attraction. 

Free cancellation is often included, and the app also gives you access to a range of daily deals across all price levels. 

All Trails App

With its mild climate and varied landscape, the UK is a great destination for lovers of outdoor life, and the All Trails app will help you make the most of this.

This travel and fitness app is ideal for activities such as walking, hiking, climbing, biking and even winter sports.

The trail maps are great and even include images and reviews from other real life app users.  

Kamoot App

Active UK residents love Kamoot, because it makes route planning so much simpler. Whether you want to walk, cycle or hike the city streets or off-road terrain, Kamoot will help you find the right roads, paths or trails to follow. 

The voice navigation feature is ideal for when you’re not in a position to keep checking the screen, such as in busy places or when cycling. 

Happy Cow 

Foodie app 2

Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free or vegetarian – or simply a committed carnivore with a craving for a healthy meal – the Happy Cow app will help you track down a great place to chow down on nutritious, delicious food.

As well as cafes and restaurants, the app will also help you find local food markets, grocery stores and health food shops.

The Happy Cow community is also a great place to share images, reviews and advice with fellow app users. 

Opentable 

Foodie app

Not sure where’s good to eat during your UK stay? Opentable will help you find all the hidden foodie gems, wherever you are.

With this free app you can take advantage of special deals and discounts, check out the menus and see other people’s reviews and recommendations before booking a table.

An RSVP invite can even be sent to your friends, directly from the Opentable app. 

LONDON-ITINERARY

Whether you’re more interested in where to stay and eat, what to do in London or how to plan your travel via the likes of a London bus app or London tube map app, I hope this guide has helped you decide which apps to download for your trip to this fabulous destination.

Our top 3 choices of London apps are

  • The Citymapper App

Plan your visit to London

  • London Travel Guide – links to everything you need to know to plan your trip and explore London with confidence
  • Looking for accommodation? Read our guide to where to stay in London
  • First time visitors? Read our top tips for visiting London for the first time
  • How to get around London? Read our guide to using public transport in London and our guide to London’s main train stations
  • What to see and do – Complete London bucket list with guide to all the top sights and attractions
  • How to puchase tickets for London attractions – Guide to purchasing tickets for the lost popular London attractions
  • Visiting on a budget? Read our budget guide to London with tips to save money when visiting
  • Free things to do in London – Discover 32 free things to see and do in London
  • Best day trips? Read our guide to the best day trips by train and ou r guide to the best tours from London
  • Love castles? Our guide to the most popular castles to visit from London

London Travel Guide and itinerary planner.

Visiting London? Download These 8 Apps Before You Go

From Banksy to Bikes, and Much More

travel apps for london

Planning a trip to London? Forget guidebooks and paper maps, out-of-date brochures and visiting the same boring "attractions" as everyone else.

Instead, install a bunch of these useful apps and be better informed, save money and have a more enjoyable time in the UK capital!

London Official City Guide

Start off with the city's official guide, crammed full of local tips for restaurants and bars, attractions and things to do. The app works offline, so you don't need to worry about expensive roaming charges, and includes step by step public transport directions.

You can create your own itineraries, and there's a full list of amenities like pharmacies and currency exchange outlets.

Free on iOS and Android

There's no shortage of free navigation apps out there, but for London, CityMapper is one of the best. You'll get detailed transit options for all available modes of transport, including city bikes, Uber and more – and exact or estimated prices for all of them.

Service disruptions are factored in, in real time, and you can get a live ETA at a glance.

National Trust

Britain's National Trust administers over 500 sites throughout the country, including historic houses and buildings, archaeological sites and monuments, and much more. You can search the entire database, or just see what's nearby.

It works offline, and you can create a wishlist to ensure you don't miss anything. With around 20 sites in Greater London and plenty of others within an easy day trip, you'll run out of time before you run out of places to visit!

MetOffice Weather

The weather in London is infamously fickle, regardless of the time of year. You can't do anything to change it, but at least you can be prepared with the MetOffice app. It includes hourly forecasts for the next two days, extended forecasts for a week, and push notifications for severe weather.

Oh, and if you don't want to deal with your temperatures in Celsius while you're in the UK, the app lets you switch to Fahrenheit to make life easier!

London is massive, with something for every taste – but just getting a handle on your options for any given day can be an overwhelming challenge. The companion app for the city's venerable Time Out magazine helps you narrow things down with up-to-date listings for concerts, food and drink, theatre and events and much more.

Search and filter to your heart's content, book restaurants, and tickets, and save favorites for later use.

London Theatre Direct

The UK capital is rightly famous for its theater scene, with world-class shows every night of the week. While the most-popular can be sold out months in advance, it's often possible to pick up seats for other great performances with little notice – sometimes, even the same day.

The London Theatre Direct app lets you browse and purchase seats for a wide range of shows, and (usefully for travelers) gives you the option of collecting tickets at the box office.

Santander Cycles

When the weather's nice, cycling around London is a fantastic way to see the city at its best and get some exercise into the bargain. The shared city bike service is a flexible and inexpensive way to get on two wheels – paying two pounds gives you unlimited half-hour journeys within 24 hours.

After registering your payment card, the official app shows you bike availability at nearby docking stations and sends an unlock code to your phone when you decide to rent one. Just walk up to the docking point, enter your code and ride away. Easy!

Street Art London

For fans of good street art, look no further than this dedicated London app. You can filter by your favorite artist, or just see what's nearby and follow the map to track them down. Sure, Banksy's works are included – but so are those from hundreds of other, lesser-known artists across the city.

You'll get detailed information about both the artist and their art, and there are interviews and other features in the app to help you learn more.

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London in Real Life

Ultimate Guide: 49 Brilliant London Apps Everyone Should Know

What are the best London apps for you? That all depends!

Here’s my complete guide to all the best London apps for travelers, residents and tourists. I’ve got you covered for everything from transport to groceries to finding where to charge your phone in a pinch.

Read on to find alternatives to your old reliable apps, or discover new ones you didn’t even know existed.

iphone graphic with image of London underground sign with text overlaid: "Best London Apps for locals, travelers and tourists"

Best Apps for London Travel

Here’s the top apps for London travel including public transport, trains, ride shares and taxis, cycle hire, travel planning, and more.

⭐️ My #1 Essential App for London: Apple Pay or Digital Wallet ⭐️

No need to take out your cards or worry about losing your Oyster Card.

Just install a digital wallet on your phone, plug in your card details, and pay for everything in London with a tap of your phone.

This is the #1 essential app for London I tell everyone to download and set up before you arrive.

Best Travel Apps for London: Public Transport 

image of hand tapping on iphone travel apps with text overlaid: "essential transport apps for london for visitors, residents and tourists"

Note: If you want a map of just the most popular London attractions, I made one!

⭐️ Citymapper

Simplified, real-time urban navigation integrating various transport modes. This is the best app for navigating London.

  • Best for: Savvy travelers and residents.

⭐️ Google Maps

Comprehensive mapping with navigation, traffic updates, and location search.

  • Best for: Tourists and locals who want to see reviews.

TFL Go & Oyster Card App

TFL Go is a decent journey finder to plan your route (though I still prefer Citymapper) with live bus & tube timings. Manage your Oyster Card & top up with the separate Oyster Card App.

  • Best for: London commuters or tourists who don’t use a digital wallet.

UK Bus Checker

Offers real-time bus data across the UK, including arrival times and route maps .

  • Best for: Regular bus travelers. If you use Citymapper, you don’t need this.

Station Master

Provides detailed information about London Underground stations , including layouts and facilities.

  • Best for: London Underground regulars or careful travel planners with mobility issues.

An easy-to-use app offering an interactive London Underground map and route planner.

  • Best for : First-time Tube users and tourists who want a general overview. Use Citymapper, too.

Helps users find the best carriage to board for an efficient exit or interchange on the tube.

  • Best for: Time-efficient commuters (Citymapper will sometimes also tell you the best exit and entrance for your route).

Best Apps for London Travel: Trains & National Rail 

image of a train emerging from a phone app with text: "London apps for trains and national rail"

⭐️ Trainline

Streamlines train and coach travel bookings across the UK and Europe, for all your quick escapes from London.

  • Best for: Frequent rail travelers and fare finders.

⭐️ National Rail Enquiries

Offers real-time train information and scheduling for UK’s National Rail network.

  • Best for: Regular train commuters & UK travelers.

Simplifies booking trains, buses, and flights across Europe with easy comparisons.

  • Best for: International travelers who want all the options in one app.

Split My Fare

Specializes in splitting train tickets to find cheaper fares for the same journey .

  • Best for: Savvy train fare savers.

Focuses on finding cheaper rail fares by splitting tickets over a journey.

  • Best for : Budget-conscious rail travelers.

Best London Travel Apps for Rideshares & Taxis

image of ride share app open on a phone in hand with text overlaid: "essential ride apps for london"

A global ride-hailing service offering quick and convenient taxi, private car, and carpooling options.

  • Best for: Travelers and Londoners who want to save money.

Focuses on black cab and premium rides, ideal for reliable, high-quality transportation.

  • Best for: Business travelers and those preferring traditional taxis.

Offers a range of options including taxis, private hires, and e-scooters for flexible urban travel.

  • Best for : Versatile city transport users.

Provides affordable and fast ride-hailing services, also offering scooter and bike rentals.

  • Best for: Budget-conscious, eco-friendly travelers.

Apps for London Residents – Cycle Hire & Scooter Hire 

image of hand scrolling a bike hire app with text: "best apps for london travel: cycle hire and scooter hire"

Which mobility hire app is best for you will depend on your neighborhood. Generally, Santander, Lime, and Barclays have the most options in Central London.

Offers electric scooter and bike rentals, ideal for short, eco-friendly urban trips.

  • Best for: Quick, sustainable commutes. Rent anywhere, return anywhere.

⭐️ Santander Cycles (formerly Barclays, aka “Boris Bikes”)

London’s public bicycle hire scheme, with docking stations across the city for easy pick-up and drop-off.

  • Best for: Leisure and commuter cyclists in London.

Provides accessible electric scooter rentals in urban areas, promoting easy and fast travel.

  • Best for : Eco-conscious city navigators.

Specializes in electric scooter and bike sharing for convenient and low-emission transportation.

  • Best for: Environmentally-friendly, on-the-go travelers.

Best London Travel Apps for Eating & Drinking 

image of hand ordering food delivery on an iphone with text: "Essential apps for London eating and drinking"

⭐️ Open Table

A reservation platform for discovering and booking dining experiences at various restaurants.

  • Best for: Anyone who wants to book a table, pretty much anywhere!

⭐️ Deliveroo

An extensive food delivery app connecting users to a variety of local and international cuisines.

  • Best for: Urban dwellers, busy professionals, tired tourists.

⭐️ Uber Eats

A food delivery service offering a wide range of restaurant and takeaway options.

  • Best for: Food lovers seeking convenience.

Pret a Manger

Offers easy access to menus, locations, and loyalty rewards for Pret A Manger cafes.

  • Best for: Pret enthusiasts, quick-meal seekers, budget eats.

Best App for London Tickets & Events 

graphic of hand selecting seats on a ticket app with text: "best london travel apps for tickets and events"

⭐️ Today Tix

Offers easy booking for a wide range of last-minute and discounted theatre tickets.

  • Best for: Theatre enthusiasts and spontaneous ticket buyers.

⭐️ Time Out London

A comprehensive guide to London’s events, attractions, and eateries, with reviews and recommendations.

  • Best for: Seeing what’s going on in London right now.

A discovery platform for finding and booking trending events, experiences , and places in major cities.

  • Best for: Finding cool events, pop-ups and experiences.

Offers a straightforward way to discover and buy tickets for live music shows and cultural events.

  • Best for : Concert-goers and cool cultural experiences.

Curates the best restaurants, bars, events, and experiences in London, tailored to user preferences.

  • Best for: Finding the hot new restaurant, or those amazing ones that fly under the radar.

Focuses on finding affordable events and activities, catering to those on a budget.

  • Best for: Budget-conscious explorers and locals.

Best London Apps for Hotels & Accommodation 

image of hotel booking app on iphone with text: "apps for london hotels and accomodation"

There are a million ways to book hotels and stays in London. These are my favorites that have always been reliable.

Specializes in booking hotel rooms for short stays during the day, without overnight accommodation.

  • Best for : Jet-lagged tourists, layovers, or if you need a quiet, private place to work or sleep for the day.

⭐️ Booking.com

A global travel booking platform offering a wide range of accommodations, from hotels to vacation rentals.

  • Best for: Getting the best hotel deals on an intuitive platform, plus loyalty rewards.

Airbnb or VRBO

Connects travelers with unique local stays – usually homes and flats instead of hotels.

  • Best for: Family travel in London.

London Apps for Grocery Shopping & Delivery

graphic of online grocery shopper on an app with text: "Essential London apps for groceries"

Here are my favorite – and most useful – grocery apps for London. Which ones are best for you will depend on what’s near you, how you shop , and if you need delivery.

Offers convenient online grocery shopping, in-store navigation, and exclusive deals for Tesco stores.

  • Best for: Tesco shoppers and deal hunters.

⭐️ Sainsbury’s Smart Shop

Enables in-store scanning of items for a quicker checkout experience at Sainsbury’s.

  • Best for: Efficient Sainsbury’s customers.

⭐️ Ocado & Ocado Zoom

Provides a seamless online grocery shopping experience with quick delivery options.

  • Best for: Home cooks and busy professionals.

Waitrose Quick Check

Allows for scanning items while shopping for a faster checkout at Waitrose stores.

  • Best for: Time-saving Waitrose shoppers.

Asda Scan & Go

Facilitates self-scanning of groceries for a more efficient shopping experience at Asda.

  • Best for: Asda customers seeking convenience.

Quick deliveries of essentials like toilet paper, snacks, and even ready made meals and booze.

  • Best for : time-sensitive deliveries.

Best London Apps for Phone Charging While Out and About

image of phone with low battery and text: "phone charging apps for london travelers"

See my complete guide to charging your phone in London here . These are my top mobile charging point apps.

⭐️ Charged Up

A network of on-the-go phone charging stations, available at various public venues.

  • Best for: Mobile users in need of a quick charge.

Provides portable power bank rentals for smartphones, accessible at numerous locations.

  • Best for: Travelers and busy urbanites.

Rent a mobile battery pack for the day, and return it to any Aircharge location.

  • Best for: London travelers on the go.

London Public Toilet Apps

Image of a hand holding a phone with a mens & women's toilet icon on the screen with a location pin. Text reads: "Toilet Apps for London travelers to find the loos"

Out and about and need the loo? There’s some great apps to help you find toilets in London.

⭐️ Flush App

Find bathrooms in London and all over the world.

  • Best for: world travelers.

Toilets4London

Find public toilets in London near you.

  • Best for: London travelers and locals.

ToiletFinder

To find toilets near you anywhere you are.

  • Best for: frequent travelers.

Apps for London Locals – Neighborhood & Community 

image of hand scrolling social app with text: "best apps for london communities and neighborhood connections"

⭐️ Whatsapp

A messaging app that is very popular in the UK and Europe. Most community groups and Londoners use it to communicate.

  • Best For: Connecting with free messaging across country codes.

Connects neighbors to share surplus food and other items, reducing waste and building community ties.

  • Best for: Eco-conscious sharers and savers, plus meeting nice people near you.

⭐️ Too Good to Go

Connects users with local restaurants and stores to buy surplus food at discounted prices, reducing food waste.

  • Best for: Eco-conscious foodies and bargain hunters.

A neighborhood hub for trusted connections and the exchange of helpful information, goods, and services.

  • Best for: Seeing what’s going on hyper-local to you.

Encourages walking by discovering and sharing enjoyable walking routes in and around cities.

  • Best for: Walkers and nature enthusiasts; leaving the city without leaving the city.

Apps for Londoners: Medical 

graphic of virtual doctor appointment with text: "essential medical apps for london residents, tourists and travelers"

Provides health information, access to services, and the ability to book GP appointments and order repeat prescriptions.

  • Best for: UK residents seeking health services and advice.

An online pharmacy service offering prescription management, delivery, and online doctor consultations.

  • Best for: Getting your NHS prescriptions delivered for free.

What are Your Favorite London Apps?

What apps work best for you in London will depend on what your goals and needs are. I’ve got mine down to a streamlined 10-12 that I use daily, but it’s all trial and error!

The best travel apps for London are easy to use, streamlined, and intuitive. What are your favorites?

Let me know and I can add it to the list: jen (at) London in Real Life (dot) com.

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Ultimate Attraction Map of London: See it All, Efficiently!

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“Trains Now on Uber”: What’s the Deal With Uber Trains?

31 Exclusive & Unusual Things to Buy in London, and 15 Things to Avoid

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Top 5 Best and Worst Times to Visit London

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21+ Best London Apps 2024 (for visitors)

This post contains affiliate links for which I may make a small commission to help keep the site running. You will not be charged extra for these items had you not clicked the links. Thank you for your help to keep the site running!

Wondering what the best apps for London and the most useful apps in London are?

From public transportation apps to event apps to informational apps, there are so many London apps that you can use as an important tool for getting around London and having the best time in London.

Here are some of my favorite apps in London to recommend to visitors to help you make the most of the city.

GET A FREE LONDON INTRO GUIDE and ACCESS TO MY FB GROUP

Start your planning with this “Intro to London” guide and access to my London planning Facebook group!

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The Absolute Must-Knows (from a Londoner)

  • 😍 Cheapest Way to See it All: Get the London Pass here (yes, it’s worth it)
  • 🎭 Cheapest site for West End theatre tickets: London Theatre Direct
  • 🚕 Cheapest and most reliable airport transfer service: Welcome Pickups
  • 🚉 Cheapest Way to Book Train and Bus Tickets: Omio
  • 🔌 Most Reliable Adapter for UK Plugs: This one

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Check out the YouTube channel for more London tips

1. Visit London App

This is the official Visit London app which has both articles on things to do, events going on during your stay, and sometimes offers and deals across the city.

travel apps for london

It’s particularly good for if you want to know what events are happening around you on a particular weekend, which is something you sometimes can’t plan for super far in advance if it’s just a pop-up market or something like that.

Use it to scroll through ideas while waiting at a bus stop or just to keep you updated on local events, but have it downloaded.

travel apps for london

🛎 Still looking for somewhere to stay in London?

My favorite hotel in London for all visitors is the Strand Palace ( click here to check prices ). ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. CityMapper: one of the best apps for London

This is the ultimate in London navigation.

travel apps for london

Plug in anywhere you want to go and it will give you lots of different options on how to get there, including the price and how long it should take.

Easy to understand icons make it easy to figure out what you’re doing, and when it tells you to take a bus or the tube, it will tell you what number/line and how long you’ll need to wait until the next one.

This is a favorite of not just visitors, but Londoners, so download CityMapper before you leave and get familiar with it so you can just plug, pick a route, and go, once you’re in London!

IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?

In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.

  • Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
  • International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here .

3. Tube Map – London: best travel apps in London

travel apps for london

This app is specifically for the tube.

You’ll get tube maps galore, easily navigated so you can check it without carrying a paper map around, as well as a section where you can see the first and last tube times for any stop and live departure information.

What more can I say?

This map is invaluable for anyone taking the tube in London , which is almost everyone!

travel apps for london

4. London Live Bus

travel apps for london

London’s bus system can be confusing for a new visitor, but it’s easily figured out with an app like London Live Bus that will help you figure out the route and options for each stop you’re at.

You can also type in your location and it will show you the bus stops nearest you (each bus stop is lettered, making it easy to find by looking at the letter on top of the bus stop and comparing it to which letter bus stop you’re supposed to be at!)

You can also see the live times of when the next bus is coming to your stop and where it’s headed.

Seriously, this is one of the best apps to visit London!

5. Google Maps

This is a basic one, but I sometimes prefer Google Maps to CityMapper for walking directions, and you’ll do a lot of walking in London.

You can also use it for public transportation directions by choosing the icon that looks like a bus/train. 

It’s likely that you’re already familiar with Google Maps and use it in your daily life, so make sure to keep using it while in London.

6. Rome2Rio

travel apps for london

When you’re thinking about taking London day trips or going a bit further out like Hampton Court Palace or Windsor Castle , Rome2Rio comes in handy!

This transportation app will help you figure out your journey including buses and trains outside of London – the London bus and tube app will obviously work for inside the city, but once you’re out of the city limits, those apps can’t help you!

With Rome2Rio, you can see all of your transportation options for outside of London, and it will also give you the comparisons when it comes to drive time and the time it will take on public transportation, for example.

7. Globe Convert

travel apps for london

When you’re making transactions in a foreign currency, it can be helpful to have a currency converter on hand to figure out how much money you’re spending in London so you don’t get hit by crazy shocking figures when you get home!

This is a great and easy to use currency converter app, though there are plenty more – just make sure to download one before you go.

Many will work offline, so you don’t need to be connected to plug in the amount and let it do the work for you based on the current exchange rates.

travel apps for london

Uber operates the same in London as it does anywhere else, and many people find it useful and prefer to get the cheaper prices of Uber instead of using a London taxi.

If you’re not familiar with Uber in your home city, play around with it before you go to make sure you understand how to order a ride when you’re in London, but if you’ve used it before, no practice needed!

You’ll just be taken to the Tower of London rather than your local neighborhood restaurant, and that’s something to smile about!

9. Met Office Weather

travel apps for london

If you don’t already have a weather app on your phone that you like, try Met Office Weather.

The weather in London is constantly changing, and it could be super sunny in the morning and grey and foggy later in the day.

I always check my weather app before getting ready for the day to see what is coming up, as well as checking it when I’m out and about to see if I need to change plans or head indoors.

It’s one of the best apps for London tourists.

10. Addison Lee: one of the best apps for visiting London

travel apps for london

One of the best apps in London for people who want to preorder car transfer services/taxis is the Addison Lee app.

I recommend Addison Lee to all London visitors, as they’re cheaper than hailing a black cab while also being more professional than Uber.

The great part is you can prebook a ride in advance, unlike Uber or a taxi where you basically need to try for it right when you need it.

So if you know that you need to be picked up at 5pm to get to the airport in time for your flight, you can preschedule it in the app and know that the driver will arrive at 5pm and not be desperately trying to hail a taxi at that time.

11. London Theatre Direct Tickets: one of the best London apps

travel apps for london

London Theatre Direct is a legitimate and trustworthy website selling theatre directs in London, often at discounted prices.

The app will help you see what’s on sale, what is currently playing in the West End, and how many tickets are available.

The other way to purchase London theatre tickets is to go to each theatre’s website individually, which means you may miss what else is on or not get the best deals.

Download the London Theatre Direct app and then, even if you’re out and about, you can still purchase theatre tickets and get them send straight to your phone.

12. Voice Map

travel apps for london

Want to explore London with a guided tour, but don’t want to be following another gaggle of tourists around?

Enter: Voice map!

This app will let you take tours of various places across London, narrated by helpful experts and locals, so that you can learn more about the place you’re visiting without needing to prebook onto a guided tour.

This is also fantastic for solo travelers who don’t want to join big tours, as well as those looking to save a bit of money while in London.

13. First Table

travel apps for london

Restaurants book up quickly in London, particularly during peak times of the year. While it is possible to find reservations and to eat last minute, if there are certain places you have your heart set on, booking is a must-do.

Use an app like First Table to see what’s available and to make multiple restaurant bookings through one app rather than having to use each of their separate platforms.

The beauty of this app is that you can also see other availability, so if your reservation time isn’t available on one day, it’ll show you which ones it is available on.

It’s one of the best apps to download for London foodies, for sure!

travel apps for london

Cheaper than Uber, but with a similar concept, Bolt helps you hail “Bolts” in London to get you where you need to go.

This app is known for offering more discounts, but with longer wait times than Uber, so download both and see which one you like better.

15. Ticketswap

travel apps for london

Many visitors come to London for specific events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year.

If you’re looking to snag last minute tickets to an event or can no longer use your ticket, use an app like TicketSwap to securely sell your tickets or to purchase them from people who can no longer go.

16. Toilets4London: must-have apps in London

travel apps for london

This is probably one of the most important apps for London in this list!

When you’re out and about during the day, what do you usually need the most after awhile?

That’s right, the toilet!

Particularly in large cities, it can be hard to find free toilets that aren’t gross, if you can even find them at all.

This app will help you locate the nearest bathrooms so that you can build it into your itinerary or know where you need to make a mad dash to.

17. FreeNow

travel apps for london

Another ride sharing app, Free Now is used in Europe and offers the ability to book private vehicles (like Uber or Bolt) or a black cab.

This is a great feature, as you don’t have to stand on a street corner waving down a black cab if you’d prefer to ride with a London cabbie, and you can also see the price comparisons between the private rideshares and the taxi.

It will also show you other options it picks up, like e-Scooters if they’re around.

18. Rick Steves Audio Tour

travel apps for london

Rick Steves is known for being one of the travel gurus of Europe, and you can carry him and his guides around in your pocket with this helpful London app.

He’s got specific tours on places like the British Museum, or more general information regarding culture, currency, and more.

I prefer this app specifically for the tours available, as you know they’re coming from a trusted source and it’s easy enough to do a search for a tour if you find yourself in a museum or area of London you’d like to learn more about, but don’t have time for a full, official guided tour.

19. Open Table

travel apps for london

Another dining app for London, Open Table gives you the chance to book restaurants from the comfort of wherever you are in London using your cellphone.

It’ll give you suggestions, so you can see what’s available at the time you’re wanting to eat, or you can search for a specific restaurant to see the options.

Open Table is used around the world, and it is definitely one of the more popular reservation apps used in London town.

20. Tube Exits

travel apps for london

Whether you’re a transportation nerd or you just really like to be efficient, the Tube Exits app is a wonderful idea.

It will tell you exactly which carriage and door to stand on to most efficiently leave the train and depart the tube station, and if you don’t know why that’s a good idea, you probably haven’t traversed one of the tube platforms at Oxford Circus Stations during rush hour before.

It’s not a must-have for the average traveler, but it’s definitely something to impress your travel buddies with and can be fun to use (and a lifesaver during peak travel season and rush hour!).

21. Trip Advisor

travel apps for london

You know it, you love it, and now you can have it in your pocket.

The TripAdvisor app is a great way to be able to check ratings for attractions, restaurants, parks, and more while you’re in London.

We use it when we find a restaurant randomly and want to see what the reviews are like, as sometimes looks can be deceiving (and this goes in both directions).

What else should I not miss in London?

If you’re visiting London soon, here’s a very brief rundown of a few of my other favorites to make sure you don’t miss anything!

  • Hidden London Walking Tour – this tour is the absolute best if you want to see London in a different light and uncover hidden nooks, crannies, and histories that you won’t get on your normal, run-of-the-mill London walking tour. Click here to check prices and book.
  • Historical Westminster Walking Tour with Churchill War Rooms – if you’re a history buff or even mildly interested in all of the insane things that have happened in London, particular during the wars, you have to book this tour which is an absolute bargain for the tour + entry to the Churchill War Rooms (basically two must-dos in one). Click here to check prices and book .
  • Cutest London Afternoon Tea on a Bus – want to see the sights and enjoy afternoon tea at the same time on the upper deck? Yes, absolutely you do. This afternoon tea is a real delight and helps you get out and about while also putting your pinkies up. Click here to check prices and book.

Want more helpful London guides? Check these out!

  • 45 Things to Do in London at Night
  • 53 Things to Do in London for Couples
  • 57 Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in London
  • 11 Tourist Traps to Avoid in London
  • 23 Best London Tours
  • 41 Best Things to Do in London with Kids
  • 21 Best Castles Near London
  • 15 Best London Hotels
  • 17 Best Street Food Markets in London
  • 15 Best Areas to Stay in London
  • 23 Best Afternoon Teas in London
  • 25 Best London Museums
  • 33 Free Things to Do in London
  • 21 Best London Markets
  • 23 Best Pubs in London
  • 35 Best Restaurants in London
  • 21 Harry Potter Things to Do in London
  • 35 Things to Do in London in the Rain
  • 25 Best Art Museums in London
  • 17 Famous London Filming Locations
  • 25 Best Places to Shop in London
  • 35 Best Day Trips from London
  • 31 Best Parks in London
  • 41 Most Instagrammable Places in London
  • 27 Best Views in London
  • 27 Best Birthday Ideas in London
  • 29 Best London Cinemas
  • 29 Best Things to Buy in London
  • 41 Things to Do in London Alone
  • 16 Best London AirBnbs

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

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Globetotting

The 18 best apps for London

London is a big city and sometimes even locals need a helping hand to navigate the city. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best apps for London.

Apps are a great way to make the most out of the city and can help with everything from navigating the London Underground to finding the best coffee.

Many of the useful apps listed below are free but there are a couple that you need to pay for. The majority of the mobile apps included are available for android devices and iOS.

All you need to do now is download them to your phone and you’re ready to explore London!

This post may contain affiliate links. I have been or could be if you click on a link in this post compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See our full disclosure policy for more details.

Best apps for London

The best London travel apps

Table of Contents

The majority of the following London apps are available for iPhone and Android devices. Most of these apps are free although watch out for any in app purchases.

For more ideas on exploring London with kids, take a look at my London guide and join our London with Kids Facebook group. 

Best Apps for London

You may also enjoy these London posts:

  • The 44+ best free things to do in London with kids
  • The best Premier Inn in London for families
  • The 19 best London playgrounds (2024 + map)
  • London’s Horrible Histories Boat Tour is brilliant
  • The 15 best beaches near London by train 2024 (+ map)

The first app you should download when you arrive in London is the Citymapper app . This really is the best app for London if you plan to use public transport. Citymapper helps you navigate London using all transportation options available including cycling, Zipcar, black cabs and Uber. It now even includes Lime, the electric scooter service.

The Citymapper London app tells you the fastest and cheapest route as well as any delays taking place on routes. One of the best things about the app is that it tells you the best carriage to choose on the tube so that you can exit quickly once you’ve arrived at your destination. Don’t miss seeing  London’s most famous streets  while you’re here!

CityMapper is available free on  Android  and  iOS

Oyster Card App

This is another must-have app for exploring London. The free TFL Oyster card app is a really handy app for managing your Oyster card. Available for Android and iOS, the TFL Oyster app allows you to do a number of things. You can top up pay as you go credit (no more queuing at ticket machines), you can buy travel cards, view your journey history and cost, and check your pay as you go balance. 

The TFL Oyster App is available free on Android and iOS .

If you’re wondering whether when the next bus will turn up at the bus stop, take a look at the London Bus Live Countdown app . This London bus app is linked directly to live Transport for London data meaning that you get live updates and know exactly when your bus is supposed to arrive. The app also gives live status updates on the London Underground lines.

London Bus Live Countdown app is available free on  Android  devices and  iOS .

Tube Map 

Even Londoners sometimes need a little help using the underground which is why you should have Tube Map on your phone. This london underground app includes the official TFL (Transport for London) Tube Map. It also offers offline maps.

Tube Map is available free on  Android  and  iOS .

London Tube Live

London Tube Live is another one of the best apps for London. It includes up-to-the-minute real time departures information for all tube lines including DLR and London Overground and will let you know if there are any delays or engineering works taking place.

Other features include the best carriages to board so that you’re at the right exit when you get off the tube and information on station facilities such as parking and lifts.

London Tube Live is available on Android and iOS

Station Master

This is not a free app but if you’re spending a significant amount of time in London – or you’re a London Underground geek – then you may want to invest in this. Station Master is not a route planning App, rather it tells you all you need to know about London’s famous tube lines.

There are 3D Maps showing you the facilities and layouts of all 270 tube stations , accessibility information such as step count and elevators and transport links. The app also features travel tips, history and fun facts for every tube station.

Station Master is available on iOS .

Santander Cycles

If you feel like exploring London on two wheels then download the free Santander Cycles app from Transport for London. Originally called Boris Bikes after former London Mayor Boris Johnson, Santander Cycles is the self-service, bike-sharing scheme for short journeys in central London.

The App receives bike release codes straight to your smartphone so that you don’t have to deal with the docking station terminal when you want to borrow a bike.

The App includes information about finding your nearest docking station and which docking stations have bikes available. A map is included in the App for planning your journey.

Santander Cycles is available on Android and iOS .

E-Scooter Rentals

In early June 2021 electric scooters became available to rent in a handful of London boroughs. Currently, this is the only way to legally ride an e-scooter on public roads or in other public places in London. Riders must be  18 or over  and have a full or provisional driving licence to rent an e-scooter.

There are three different operators offering e-scooter rentals:

Lime: available on Android and iOS

Dott: available on Android and iOS

Tier: available on Android and iOS

Uber boat by Thames Clipper

One of the best ways to see London’s most famous landmarks is on board one of the Thames clippers that sail up and down the River Thames. This is a particularly fun way to explore the sights with kids. Download the official app and you can skip lines, print tickets and have access to the best deals.

Uber boat by Thames Clipper is available on Android and iOS .

Ride-hailing Apps

You’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to taxi hailing apps in London . The big one is  Uber  but there are other ride hailing apps out there. 

These include  Bolt , which promises lower fares for passengers and better pay for drivers. They also offer an in-app “panic” button for passengers and drivers, which contacts the Metropolitan Police directly when activated.  Free Now  is another cab hailing app. 

There are a handful of black cab-hailing apps such as  Gett UK  and  TaxiApp UK . Addison Lee is one of the most established taxi brands in the city and has its own app.

Uber is available free on  Android  and  iOS

Bolt is available free on  Android  and  iOS

Free Now is available free on  Android  and  iOS

Gett UK is available free on  Android  and  iOS

Addison Lee is available on iOS

The best London apps for food and drink

Best Apps for London

The best food delivery apps are Deliveroo and UberEats.

My favourite restaurant app for London is definitely OpenTable . The free app allows you to search by location, cuisine type and budget. You can also see menus and reviews.

OpenTable is available free on Android and iOS

London’s Best Coffee

Coffee can make or break a family holiday so I recommend that you download the Best Coffee app to your smart phone sharpish! There is an excellent London coffee network and that’s what this app focuses on: good independent coffee shops.

Each coffee shop listed comes with a detailed review as well as the type of coffee offered whether that’s cold brew, decaf or just regular filter coffee. The listings also offer handy details such as whether or not there’s a baby change space and seating available.

If tea is more your things, take a look at the  best afternoon teas in London for kids .

The Best Coffee app is available on  Android  and  iOS

Best London apps for information, events and tickets

Best Apps for London

Visit London 

The official Visit London app is an excellent app for helping you plan your family trip to London. It includes offers, must see sights, current events and plenty of insider tips a such as things to do in London for free . There are shopping ideas, theatre reviews and restaurant recommendations. It’s a very handy app to have on your phone when you visit.

For more ideas on things to do in London, take a look at our list of  32 free things to do with kids !

Visit London is available free on  Android  and  iOS

The Tower Bridge Family Trail App

If you’re visiting Tower Bridge then you must download the free Family Trail app . This fun app allows you to turn your mobile phone (or tablet) into a working wrench and tighten the bolts of an engine, shovel coal into the boiler to power the bridge and steer your boat along the thames by moving the phone from side to side.

It’s a fun way to discover the history of Tower Bridge as well as some of its functions.

The Tower Bridge App is available on Android and iOS

Secret Stories

Recently launched by the Ordnance Survey are these excellent self-guided interactive tours around London . The tours are bite-sized, tongue-in-cheek stories that make exploring London with kids a lot of fun. Think Horrible Histories and you’ll get the picture! Some of the London tours available include Hyde Park’s Robbery & Riot Tour , a Haunted Highgate Tour and a guided tour of Literary London .

Each walk is includes a map, details on the distance and duration of the walk, an age rating and information on, for example, whether the terrain is pushchair-friendly. Some of the walks are free, others are paid for.

Secret Stories is available on Android and iOS .

If you’re planning to see a show when you’re in London then take a look at the Stagedoor app . This app offers detailed reviews from both critics and visitors, shows current offers and allows you to book tickets as well. It’s a must for anyone who loves going to the theatre, particularly to lesser-known venues and recently opened shows.

Stagedoor is available on  Android  and  iOS

The TodayTix app gives you access to the best of theatre around the city as well as some of the best deals . You can purchase tickets in-app, including last-minute tickets, and you can even choose the best seats. It’s the perfect app for theatre lovers.

TodayTix is available on Android and iOS

London Pass

The London pass is an “interactive guidebook” that works in tandem with the London Pass itself. The London Pass allows you to visit a number of attractions and tours around the city, often with fast track access. Passes are available for 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 days and can be good value.

The app includes an interactive map that locates attractions closes to you and includes passholder offers . You can also use the app to scan your digital ticket at each attractions.

Even if you don’t purchase a London Pass, the app is handy for information about local areas , information on public holidays, ideas for days out and more.

London Pass is available on Android and iOS

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About the author.

travel apps for london

Katja Gaskell

6 thoughts on “the 18 best apps for london”.

travel apps for london

I would never have thought of putting together a list of apps for a place. This is great!

travel apps for london

Thank you so much, I’m glad you found it helpful!

travel apps for london

Wow, what a great resource for visiting London! I haven’t been yet and would love to have some of these available when I make it there, especially Open Table, Street Food, and Time-out.

Thank you! Open Table is a lifesaver!!

travel apps for london

Awesome tips – thanks for this! I’m pinning the post and will download the apps before our next trip to London.

Thank you! Hopefully it won’t be too long before you can visit again.

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12 Best London Travel Apps for Tourism & Transport

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London is a massive city, and for those new to the City, it can be a little overwhelming.

But with the right applications downloaded onto your iPhone or Android device, your trip can be made a lot more comfortable.

Apps are a great additional for exploring a city and can make sure that you don’t get lost.

They can assist you in finding the most popular tourist spots to visit, or help when you travel on the tube – something that most non-Londoners have difficulty with (and even some Londoners if we’re being honest).

Fortunately, most of the useful apps are free when you visit London, and although some are paid, they can still be worth downloading.

Here are some mobile apps available for iPhone and Android that you’ll need to download on your next visit to the UK’s capital.

London is well known for its public transport, but there are various different ways to get around the city.

This includes the tube, the train, London buses, black cabs, cycling routes and more. We’re going to run through all of the must haves for the average person when visiting London.

12 Apps for Getting Around London

Londons public transport is amazing and varied, with the Tube being the best way to travel through the city for most people. \Here’s a few of the best apps to download if you plan on getting the Tube in London.

Tube Map – The best London underground app

The first app that you should download when visiting London is the Tube Map app.

This is an interactive map that allows users to quickly learn the Tube maps of London without getting overwhelmed.

It’s an award-winning navigation application to the London Underground, and the app shows the arrival times, prices on different routes as well as live departures from each tube station too.

You can also use this app to check for delays and closures of certain lines. One of the best things about Tube Maps is that it can be used offline.

Offline maps means you don’t need to worry about phone signal (something that’s few and far between on certain tube lines (looking at you, Jubilee line).

TfL Go (The TFL app)

If you want to download the official app for those wanting to access London via Tubes, you need to download TfL Go.

It’s worth downloading the TFL app as the map includes a tube map, as well as live bus and trains times to all stations too. It also features the quietest hours to travel if you want to avoid rush hour.

This is a useful app to download if you plan to walk/bike around London on your trip too. You can download the app on iOS or Android to help you find the easiest route around London.

London Tube Live App

This is an official London Underground map that has sections for each train line with live arrivals, and it’s really useful for keeping up with live times.

Though it doesn’t have much more information than the two previously mentioned apps, it gives a unique view of the iconic tube map that many users prefer.

It’s available on both iOS and Android devices, and it’s worth downloading this award winning navigation app when exploring London.

London Bus Live Countdown

The bus is one of the most convenient transport methods when you’re travelling in London.

And if you plan to travel by bus, the London Bus Live Countdown app works well when showing the entire route for buses.

It also shows the arrivals and departures of all the buses across London, as well as well as the delays and cancellation details if there’s any issues.

The London Bus app also has an online travel planner that can give you information about where and how to go.

You can easily put your bus names into the favourites section within the app too if you plan on making the same journey more than once.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

Though river transport isn’t as well known in London as other major cities, London does have a large river running through it, making boat the best option in certain circumstances.

Uber Boats by the Thames Clippers service is a river transport system that runs exclusively on the Thames.

You can use their mobile phone app to make a booking, and there’s also a website that you can use to find the stops and plan your route .

The app lets the user book tickets, but you can also view departure schedules using the app too.

It’s worth making this part of your trip to London, as travelling across the river Thames will allow you to see London in a different light.

Not a common app used across other cities, Virtuo has become more popular over the past year or so.

Virtuo basically helps you to rent your car easier, so you can both rent your car out and rent cars from others too.

It is the most popular phone-less rental vehicle service in the UK – it allows people to rent a luxury car in London without having to pick up keys, as you can unlock the car from the convenience of their smartphones.

Because Virtuo’s apps are essentially digital keys for the vehicle, you can easily pick up your car with just the phone.

It’s a handy app to download, with the only downside being a high charge for any additional mileage that you do.

Uber is the most popular ride sharing app in London, and it’s an essential download if you can’t access public transport.

Though not as useful when you’re in Central London, it becomes increasingly important when you go outside of Zone 1 and Zone 2.

There’s not much to say about Uber – it’s a great app that’s essential for route planning.

You can also check out some alternative taxi apps for London if you want to get a black cab whilst you’re visiting the city.

AccessAble for Disabilities

As with most major cities, London is trying to become more accessible for those with disabilities.

AccessAble is an ideal mobile app to download if you plan to travel around London with someone in a wheelchair, or even those that may struggle with stairs.

This mobile app will provide you all of the precise information needed when it comes to accessibility, and its workforce is trained surveyors that actually evaluate the area.

It’s a must download for those that want to visit an accessible London.

Citymapper London app

If you plan on visiting London attractions on your bicycle, Citymapper is the best app for cycling when it comes to identifying London routes.

The Citymapper app has the most data when it comes to cycle paths, which is really important when it comes to a route planner.

The city is becoming more and more cycle friendly in a plan to combat high pollution.

Citymapper is more than just a cycling app, and it has information on a lot more than just cycle routes.

Though, it’s the best journey planner if you need the ability to navigate London overground on your bicycle – you may also want to download Santander Cycles too.

The Santander cycles app will allow you to rent bicycles short term in London, which can be much quicker than walking.

All you need is the bike release code and you’ll be able to rent the bike, and return it to another Santander cycles stop later in the day.

Natural History Museum App

The Natural History Museum App is an excellent resource for visiting many of the finest museums in the city.

There are both free and paid versions of the app, but the free app is definitely worth downloading if you want to explore the NHM.

The app provides a guide which walks you through your journey around the National History Museum, and it gives you a map of each section of the Museum. There are also some free tour options you can use within the app too.

The app has a lot of information about many London landmarks and features, and you’ll find a ton of information in this section that’s devoted not just to the Natural History Museum but all of the museums around London.

When you explore London, this is undoubtedly one of the best London apps to download if you want to make the most of your time in the capital.

Stagedoor App

London isn’t London without a visit to the theatre, and if you plan to take in a show then Stagedoor is the best app for booking theatre tickets in London.

You can buy tickets directly via the app – it’s a mix of musicals and plays, and though many of them are well known at big venues in the West End, there are some hidden gems in amongst them too.

It’s an excellent app to download if you want to watch the Lion King or the Book of Mormon on your London trip .

London Architecture Guide

London is one of the best places in the world for sightseeing, but few people really know the history of the City.

If you’re interested in the history of London’s buildings, then the London Architecture Guide app is worth downloading.

Within the app you’ll find features of contemporary and historical buildings which you can then explore you can view buildings according to periods, style and architecture – there are also essays about British architectural history within the app too.

You’ll find commentary from some of the most well known and famous architect critics in the app too, so it’s worth downloading if London history is interesting to you.

We’ve tried to include all of the best apps in the UK when it comes to getting the tube, travel and tourism in general. These apps can help to make your visit a little easier.

Downloading the right travel apps when you’re in London is essential, and hopefully this guide will make your trip through London that little bit easier.

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Edward brings years of experience in a variety of different fields including online marketing & No-code app development, and he's been investing in stocks and cryptocurrency since 2016. Outside of work you'll usually find him watching movies at the local cinema or playing games in the Apple Arcade.

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Five Great Travel Apps for London

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Welcome to the second installment in our series highlighting useful destination-specific apps for travelers. I’ll list apps that will help you get around, find things to do, and maybe save a few bucks. This time, I’ll be covering London.

Now, since we’re in London, there is the issue of roaming charges when using the data link on your smartphone. If plan on bringing your phone abroad, you’ll want to pre-purchase an international data package rather than pay your provider’s outrageous roaming fees. Also keep an eye out for free Wi-Fi. A city like London is bound to have numerous free Wi-Fi hotspots at cafes, hotels, and public spaces. Londonist has a great map of free Wi-Fi locations throughout the city, though the map hasn’t been updated in a while.

London Tube/Tube Map : As with most major cities, London’s subway system is a bit daunting to first-timers. But you won’t look like a first timer with either of these apps. Both provide maps of the Tube, as well service updates. London Tube costs $0.99 whereas Tube Map is free, but London Tube is more comprehensive, with a route planner and a Google map showing your location and proximity to nearby Tube stations.

Spoonfed Radar : Spoonfed’s Radar App shows you what’s going on near where you are, whether you’re looking for music, theater, comedy, or other forms of entertainment. The app tells you where, when, and how much the event costs, and provides a short description of what you’ll find there. Best of all, the app is free!

T ime Out London : Time Out’s app is similar to Spoonfed Radar, in that it locates events and such near wherever you are. But Time Out’s app also includes restaurants and bars, as well as nightclubs and cinemas. And it’s also free.

London Taxi : This app calculates your cab fare and helps you plan a route, which is extra helpful for travelers not family with London’s streets. The app says it takes traffic congestion into account when factoring the fare, but it’s probably a good idea to make sure you have a few extra quid in your pocket. This app costs $0.99.

The National Gallery : The National Gallery’s mini-tour app includes interviews and videos that provide an extra layer of information about works of art in the museum’s massive collection. You can even zoom in on a select number of paintings to get a sense of the detail and brushwork. $2.99.

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The best apps to explore London

We've rounded up some of the best apps to help you find the best places to visit in london: the best food, the best entertainment and the best ways to get around the city, published: monday 29th november 2021.

London is one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in the world, but it is also huge, and even locals sometimes need help finding their way around. Fortunately, there are plenty of apps out there that have been designed to help you find your way around.

If you are planning a trip to London and want to make the most out of it, here are some of the best apps that you can use to find the  best places to visit in London, the best food, the best entertainment and the best ways to get around the city.

Apps for travelling around the city

London is a big place, so it's best to be prepared. Here are some of the best apps that can help you to travel around the city with ease:

Citymapper : If you need one app on your travels to London, this is it. Citymapper will show you all the travel options available, including cycling, black cabs, Uber and even electric scooters. It will also tell you the fastest and cheapest way to get there.

Tube Map : The London tube is iconic, but it might be difficult to use if you have never been on it before. Make sure that you are prepared with a mobile version of the tube map, so you can work out tube times and where you need to be.

Apps for popular attractions to visit

You will never run out of things to do in London, so make sure you see all of the most important attractions with the help of these apps:

Visit London:  This is the official London app, and it has everything you need to find the top attractions. With a handpicked list of the top things to do, maps and great deals, this app will make it incredibly easy for you to find the best attractions and how to get there.

London Architecture Guide : Are you a lover of old buildings? Whether you want to brush up on your historical knowledge or just want to learn more about the city, the London Architecture Guide has an interactive map that will teach you all about the fascinating history of different structures.

Apps for entertainment

Hype : Hype is an events app that is optimised for the area you are based in. This clever app will show you the hottest events that are happening around you and will show you any ticket deals. It will also show you the best shops, bars and restaurants in your area.

Online Gaming: Although London is full of cool things to do, it also involves a lot of travel and waiting in queues to get to the top spots. There are plenty of gaming apps that adults can play around the city from League of Legends: Wild Rift to Candy Crush, and from strategy games to casino apps. London tourists can enjoy playing games and online slots  on the go while they are on the bus or are waiting in line for the museum.

Apps for food and drink

There are thousands upon thousands of restaurants in London, and some are better than others. However, when you’re travelling around the city, it can be difficult to tell which restaurants are tourist traps and which are amazing restaurants. Fortunately, there are many useful  food and drink apps that can help you find the tastiest places to go in London:

OpenTable : Struggle to find a table no more with OpenTable. OpenTable has a list of all the available tables wherever you want to go, meaning that you can find the restaurants that you want to eat at and whether or not there are tables available.

HappyCow : If you’re looking for meat-free dining during your London stay, then HappyCow is one of the best mobile apps to have on your phone. Their mobile app can help you find the best places to eat in London that have veg-options, or vegan and vegetarian food, on their menu.

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Travel confidently around London with maps and live travel updates on our official TfL app. Check live arrival times for Tube, London Overground, DLR, Elizabeth line and Thameslink trains as well as Trams and IFS Cloud Cable Car. Make step-free journeys and look up station facilities. See on the map when stations and lifts are closed. Walking or cycling? Our reliable journey planner will map a safe route. The app is built around our iconic Tube map. To get started: • Touch the map or search to plan your journey • See the status of all lines • Check how busy each London Underground station is right now • Re-route as you travel - we’ll suggest alternatives • Switch to the step-free map for accessible journeys • Find out when your next train, bus or tram is due • Look up which platform your train will arrive on • See when the stations you want to travel through are quieter • Check out station information and facilities such as toilets Most recently we’ve: • Added more information about station toilets – find out where they are by gender and which ones are accessible and/or with baby changing facilities • Built a new map showing nearby bus stops – making it simple to see where you can catch your bus from • Refreshed the navigation – it’s even easier to get to the features you want Our simple and clear layout is designed to make using the app easy for everyone. Planning your journey: We’ll suggest multiple ways to get to your destination – you pick the one that suits you best. Choose the quickest journey, bus-only or one that’s step-free. Check before you travel: See how the line is running and when to expect your next Tube, bus, train or tram Freedom to explore: Choose the right travel options if you or someone you’re travelling with needs to avoid steps, lifts onto a train or in a station. Bus stops near you: Find the bus stop nearest to where you are, and next bus live arrival information for every route. Available underground via Wi-Fi (or 4G in some places) for live updates on the go. What users have said: “I think that out of all of the transport apps I have owned on my phone, this is by far the best” “I love how clean the design of the app is & how easy it is to use. The best part of the app is it’s simplicity & how it helps you to navigate across London so effortlessly.” “The map is awesome! The ability to zoom in and out and see more/less information as you do so. The station information is really useful and seeing which lines/stations are closed or have delays at a glance is really helpful. It’s also beautifully designed! Very slick, clean, and responsive.” “The app is beautifully designed and free to use. Step free mode also works really well." “This is a must have app … very much worth the wait. Well done TFL.”

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I use this every time I go to London

This app is invaluable! I travel alone & am American , even tho this summer will be my 4th UK trip I am not comfortable going around London without a map ! . My first trip( 2016 ) it took me about 30 min every am & night to plan my journey etc ! I still got lost and my phone battery would die from constant use. This app allows you to find the tube line you need and w a spare battery you should be fine alone! I’m 60 and stay in Victoria area ( my fav) buy need no help now largely bc of this great app!

When an app feels this good

As a tourist in London finding this app was amazing, but it goes beyond usability and into art. This app is such a great example of thoughtful and precise design. I’ve kept it on my phone after leaving London just to continue to fiddle around with it and continue to discover additional layers of loveliness.

Simple, clean, functional

Fantastic job by the dev team, one of the easiest travel apps I’ve ever used. Displays the map very clearly, shows you everything you want to see. Perfect

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Best apps for london – download before you go.

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Last updated October 2020

Once you have booked your flights, planned your itinerary and sorted out your accommodation for London, don’t forget to download some handy apps to your phone.

There are thousands of London apps to help you with everything from navigating the tube to booking theatre tickets. I have chosen my favourite and best apps for London and some runners up that are worth chewing up some storage space on your phone.

Best apps for getting around London

Citymapper  [iOS and Android, free to download]

The Citymapper app is brilliant for getting you from point A to point B via any mode of transport – tube, train, bus, taxi, bike, walk, ferry, etc  – and letting you know how much it will cost.

You can choose the fastest or cheapest route or a specific method of transport. Where possible the app uses live data and can recalculate your route to account for any disruptions.

It will even tell you the closest transport options to you if you happened to get lost.  An added bonus is the app is available for many other cities in Europe and across the globe.

Google maps [iOS and Android, free to download]

Where would we be without our trusty Google maps? Lost! That’s what. If you don’t want to chew up lots of data make sure to set up your offline maps before you go.

Uber  [iOS and Android, free to download]

Uber is back in London after a lengthy ban (you can read about it here ) Thank goodness because Ubers are often the most available and convenient way to get around town if you don’t want to use the public transport network. Use it as you would in your home town or city.

Gett [iOS + Android]

Order, track and pay for black cabs – my favorite way to travel in London. Black cabs are one of the more expensive ways to get around the city but if you have a large group, lots of luggage or a stroller or wheelchair they are well worth the extra expense. You do not need to collapse your stroller – you just wheel it in the taxi. Genius.

You get up to £5 credit for your first ride with this Gett link

Best app for booking tours and attractions in London

Get Your Guide [iOS and Android, free to download]

Search, select and pay for all your London activities online using this handy app that also holds your ticket information. From skipping the line entry tickets for St Paul’s Cathedral or a street art walking tour , there are activities for every visitor to London.

It’s great if, like me, you don’t like carrying around paper vouchers and want to manage as much as possible on your smart phone. To read our full review of Get Your Guide – click here

London tour ideas from Get Your Guide

Best app for managing money when traveling to london.

Transferwise [iOS and Android, free to download]

If you are looking for an economical way to access your funds in London consider opening a TransferWise Borderless account. Simply load your account with your own currency and transfer funds into GB pounds as and when you need them. You access your money with a Mastercard debit card and track spending, manage your card and make transfers on the handy app.

With super low fees and up to the minute exchange rates it is a much cheaper option than using your bank, travelers checks or exchanging money when you arrive >> more information

Best app for restaurant reservations in London

Open Table    [iOS and Android, free to download]

Make instant reservations and access deals at some of London’s iconic restaurants with this easy to use app. You can also browse by cuisine, location, availability and price and read reviews to help you decide where to eat.

An example of a current deal: 3 courses and 2 glasses of wine at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester for £60 per person. Note – you really need to be quite well organised to book the best restaurants so take heed or take note of the next app.

Best app for for last minute and high end restaurant reservations in London

Velocity [iOS only currently, free to download]

If you have not been super organised and secured your reservation for The River Cafe, Hakkasan or other restaurants on your London wish list, this app reveals available tables at some of the hottest places in town for same and next day bookings.

Best app for what’s on in London 

Time Out London app [iOS and Android, free to download]

For over 50 years, Time Out has been the definitive guide to what’s on in London. Download the app to learn the events happening in the city during your stay including festivals, theater, concerts and more.

Best app for London theatre bookings

London Theatre Direct   [iOS only, free to download] Your trip to London would not be complete without catching at least one show. With the London Theatre app you can browse musicals, plays, opera and ballet listings and read reviews to help you decide what you would like to see. Then continue in the app to review seating plans and book seats for your favourite show.

How to access data in London

All these apps are fantastic resources but you will need data to make the most of them. Here are the top ways to use your phone data in London

  • International roaming with your provider – unless you are coming from the EU (where your standard rates apply) this will probably send you broke
  • Purchase a prepaid or rechargeable  international SIM before you depart – OneSimCard offers 4G coverage across the UK at reasonable rates. You can use the same SIM card if your trip includes countries in mainland Europe too – click here for more info
  • Use your hotel or AirBnB wifi plus public or restaurant wifi- free and easy, but you won’t be able to cross live to your followers on Insta from Buckingham Palace! Also, prepare for slower speeds..
  • Our favorite method  – take a wifi hotspot with you so you are connected wherever you go. We use the Skyroam Solis – it can be used by up to 5 devices so it is perfect for couples, families and friends traveling together.You can also charge those devices with it – now that’s smart! For more information on the Skyroam Solis click here . If you’re interested in this option you can use our coupon  UNTOLDM  for 10% off
  • Purchase a local SIM – simply head to a corner store or newsagency in London and you can easily buy a SIM. Don’t expect a lot of support though and speeds are woeful. You could also buy one from the local carriers – our favorites are “3” or “EE”

More apps for your London trip

Street Art London [iOS only, free to download] – view and visit street art by artist and location BBC Weather [iOS, Android and Amazon, free to download] – will you need a cardigan or coat? TodayTix  [iOS and Android, free to download] – last minute theatre tickets

Disclaimer –  Untold Morsels assists our readers with carefully chosen product and services recommendations that help make travel easier and more fun. If you click through and make a purchase on many of these items we may earn a commission. All opinions are our own – please read our  disclosure  page for more information.

The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels , Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.

Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy

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10 Best Apps for London Travel In 2023

Are you visiting London for a city break? Travelling around London can be tricky, which is why we’ve found the best apps for London travel for you. The city is vast which so many fabulous things to see and do, so you may need some help figuring out where you’re going! Luckily for those visiting the city , there are plenty of great apps for travelling around London that will seriously save you some time. So, forget that panicky feeling when you think you’ve got on the wrong tube because we’re here to help you out! Let’s take a look at the best apps for London travel, perfect for those who are keen to explore this incredible city.

best london travel apps 2023

1. Citymapper London app

Rating – 10/10

City mapper best app for London travel

The Citymapper London app bags the number one spot for our best apps for London travel! It displays transport options with live timing between any two locations in the city and works out the length of time for different transport methods. Whether you choose to walk, cycle, drive, or take the tube, Citymapper London app works out the best option for you! It’ll even tell you how many calories you’ve burnt if you walk it, which is a pretty cool feature. Say for example you want to get from Westminster to Tower Bridge, Citymapper will tell the next tube available to get you there, the price, and how long. You can get the app on your desktop if you want to work out your journey before you leave, but it’s also available on iPhone and Android. Find a specific bus or line on the app which has live updates on delays, reduced services etc. The best part? All you need to do is save your journey for when you’re offline because we all know the 4G is rubbish when you’re underground! It’ll be saved offline and on your home screen waiting for you when you need to figure things out.

2. Santander Cycles app

Rating – 9/10

Santander Cycles best apps for London travel

Fancy cycling around the city? Just download the Santander Cycles app and you’ll be able to skip past the terminal and hop on your bike. You’ll be able to get release codes sent to your phone so you can hire your bike quicker and see live cycle and docking space availability. Users will also be able to check their recent activity as well as hires and charges to keep an eye on their funds. The app has a nifty journey planner so you can easily plan your route, and even save your favourite docking locations for future use! It’s available on Android and iPhone , and they have a great guide on their website for tips on where to visit by bike and how long it’ll take.

Rating – 8/10

TfL app best apps for London travel

This free app lets you manage your contactless and oyster cards on the go, perfect for keeping everything all in one place! You can top up your pay as you go credit and get notifications when it gets low, so you don’t get any nasty surprises when trying to purchase a ticket. The TfL app is definitely one of the best London travel apps out there, allowing you to buy adult rate Travelcards that can be valid between seven days and 12 months! Not only is it visually appealing, it’s very easy to use with great navigation which is always a total bonus. Top up your balance on the app, wait for 30 minutes and you’re pretty much good to go – perfect for those visiting London for a city break. Just add your oyster card number to the app and get going – hooray.

Download the app now for Android or iOS. 

4.  London Tube Live app

London Tube Live App

This particular app is super popular with over 20 million downloads, so it’s no wonder we’ve picked it for one of the best apps for London travel! It’s super easy to use and has live literally up to the minute departure information on all the tube lines. This also includes DLR and London overground, so you really can plan for any journey within London with ease! The Tube Live app works online and offline, making it already a lot better than the other apps available. Just download it onto your iPhone or Android , plan your journey, find disruptions, access your favourite routes quickly and you’re good to go. We’d really recommend this app to visitors as well as commuters, it’s very simple, effective, and doesn’t lag in the slightest!

5. Virtuo App

Virtuo app

If you can’t be bothered with public transport, sometimes it’s best to take matters into your own hands! This is why we’d recommend the Virtuo app as one of the best apps for London travel – it’s so easy. Virtuo launched in London after some rave reviews in other European cities where you can book a car of your choice. You don’t need to fill in any paperwork or wait in any long queues, just find your car on the app and have it waiting for you! Users can pick whether they want to pick up their car from a Virtuo station nearby, or delivery/collection. So, if you fancy touring London or even the outskirts of London independently, check out Virtuo on iPhone and Android.

6. AccessAble app

AccessAble app best app for london travel

This app is absolutely fantastic for those who need wheelchair access when exploring London. They want to eliminate the stress and anxiety of planning a day trip out, as everyone has different accessibility needs. Their detailed guides tell you about the venue’s access with facts, figures and photographs to keep you fully informed on their accessibility! All you have to do is put in the search bar what you’re after, whether that be a restaurant, bar or museum and its location. It’s available on iPhone and Android, and you can also get it online if you want to do some research on your laptop before your trip.

7. Uber Boat By Thames Clippers app

Uber Boat By Thames Clippers app

You’ve heard of uber right? Well…how about uber BY BOAT? Pretty cool eh! This new partnership is a pretty cool one and only launched in the summer of 2020 – all the more reason to give it a try. If you’re wanting to spice up a commute, you can travel by river bus and find their route map here! You’re never stuck in traffic if you’re travelling by boat, and you get to soak up some amazing views too. Download the app on iPhone and Android here, where you can buy tickets, check out live departures and even buy hot drinks!

8. Uber App

Uber app best apps for London travel

We had to include Uber on the best apps for London travel, because let’s be honest, Uber is just the best! If you haven’t downloaded Uber yet, we’d highly recommend it, because sometimes it’s just a nice change from grabbing the tube or a bus. Find your driver close by through the app, and it’ll tell you how far away they are from picking you up, and how long it’ll take. It’ll also provide you with information on your driver, and charges you on the card you’ve linked with your account. The best thing about uber is its reliability, quickness and general friendliness of drivers 😊 Grab it on your iPhone or Android phone here today – you won’t regret it.

9. Visit London App 

Visit London travel app

We couldn’t put together a guide to the best travel apps for London without mentioning the Visit London app, it’s the ultimate travel guide. 

If you’re wanting to experience London like a local, this free travel app is great. 

You can browse handpicked lists of the best things to do and see, find hidden gems around different areas of the city, build your own personalised maps to make the most out of your travels, as well as access and book great deals directly from the app. 

Download the app for either  iOS or Android.

10. OpenTable 

OpenTable best london travel apps

Whilst exploring The Capital you’re going to be indulging in your fair share of food and drink, right? 

The ultimate app for wining and dining in London has to be OpenTable

In a few taps you can explore thousands of food hubs, book and manage reservations, find available tables as well as read reviews from previous diners. 

The best part? You can even earn points towards free meals – who could say no to that! 

OpenTable is available on iOS and Android, download now! 

And there you have it! We hope you found these suggestions useful for best apps for London travel. London is such a fabulous city, and with so many transportation options available, you’re bound to have an amazing time.

Struggling to decide what to pack for your city break? Check out our latest blog here for some hints and tips!

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Must have London Apps for your Next Trip

London is a big city and apps helped me so much on my recent, and first trip to London . Searching for apps before or during travel can be a challenge because you never know which ones are going to help you the most. I’ve had my fair share of duds when it comes to apps.

Luckily, when it comes to the best apps for London, I’ve done the work for you! These must have London apps will help you find tours, events, and get your around the city quickly. Here they are, a bunch of apps to help make your next trip to London the best it can be.

Best London Apps

Table of Contents

London Apps: Transportation

Citymapper is a must-have london app.

 Best Apps for London

This is the ultimate transportation app for any trip to London. I heard about this app over lunch with with two Londoners early on in my trip and it was a game changer.

This app is everything you’ll need to find transportation options not just in London, but over 40 other cities around the globe.

CityMapper takes all of the city’s transportation systems and combines them into one app. In one place you can see real-time departures, compare prices, travel times, and time disruptions.

The only difficulty I found with this app is it’s inability to use offline. While some of the services are understandably only available while connected to the internet, it would be helpful to have access to maps while off-line.

Available on iOS and Android, Free to download

Santander Cycles

Santander Cycles is an amazing and affordable way to get around London. For around £2 a day you can use their bikes for up to 30 minutes at a time for 24 hours.

To get a bike: download the app, find your closest bike docking station using their live map, hire the bike, and you’re off. It really is that simple. You can return your bike to any other docking station in the city.

A quick note, if you use your bike for more than 30 minutes you will be charged more than the original £2. As much as I love the app, this can cost you a bit if you don’t keep an eye on the time. However, I found that most of the docking stations are close together enough that you can easily make the time limit.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Santander Cycles (@santandercycles) on Jan 28, 2019 at 4:10am PST

MBNA Thames Clippers

When I climbed the O2 Arena while I was in London I took the Tube down to the North Greenwich station. I didn’t know that the Thames Clippers even existed until I got there. I was walking around the O2 and ended up over by the Thames and saw the boats. With 5 different routes covering the Thames from Putney to North Greenwich this is a great way to get from one place to the next and see London from the Thames.

By using the app you can purchase your ticket in advance without having to print it out before arrival and get a discounted rate. Plus you won’t have to join the queue to purchase a ticket like the other day of travelers. The app also shows live departure times.

Here’s a quick how-to video MBNA Thames Clippers put together to show how easy the app is to use.

Must Have London Apps

 Gett App - Best London Apps

If you’ve always wanted to travel via one of London’s famous black cabs, you’ll want this app.

Gett is the Uber of the London Black Cab. You can order one to pick you up immediately or book now for a pick up later. They even boast about having the highest rated drivers in the city, which is no easy feat with so many drivers in London.

They’ll even take you to and from these 6 London airports: London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London City Airport (LCY), London Gatwick Airport (LGW), London Stansted Airport (STN), London Luton Airport (LTN), and London Southend Airport (SEN).

Black cabs are known for being a bit pricey through, so keep that in mind when you’re using this app.

Looking for things to do in London? Check out my London Itinerary !

Google maps.

While this one is kind of obvious, I needed to put this on the list because so many people don’t know that you can download the maps for offline use.

This is by far the best feature of the app! While traveling data use can add up, I know mine does. I use this feature everywhere I go to help me get around. I’ve included a helpful video below to show you how to download maps for use offline.

 Best apps for London Virtuo

If you’re planning to take a trip outside of London and want to rent a car Virtuo will save you time because you don’t have to wait in line at a car rental dealership. The entire rental experience happens right on your smartphone!

One of the best parts is you can rent a car 24 hours a day (if available at your desired pick-up location.) You go on the app, enter some important information including drivers license and credit card, choose your pick-up location – various underground stops including London Heathrow airport – and your smartphone is your key! Could it be any more simple? Virtuo is also available in over 10 other locations including: Paris, Nice, and Bordeaux.

The rental cars themselves are a bit high end, so plan accordingly with your budget.

Best London Apps: Sights & Attractions

Keetoo is a must-have london app.

Instagram post by Keetoo * Sep 14, 2018 at 11:27pm UTC

Keetoo is your key to experiencing some of London’s best attractions at a discounted price. While I was in London I worked with Keetoo. Having never heard of them previously I was surprised and delighted about how easy the app was to use and what they offered.

To use the app you simply by a DayTripper pass and you’ll instantly have access to 2 London attractions for the next 48 hours. Attractions include, the Tower of London, a bike tour around central London, and Kensington Palace to name a few. They are always adding new attractions, so check their app for the full list.

Hidden London

 Best Apps for your trip to London Hidden London App

London has a long and storied past with hidden gems around every corner. The Hidden London app helps visitors and locals alike discover the city in a new way.

If you’re looking to uncover the secrets of the city and see a new side of London, get this app! It will show you the location of some amazing places you would walk right by if you didn’t know they were there. 2 of my favorites include a crypt under Fleet Street and the Roman thermal baths located right in central London!

While it is not the most beautiful app, it is simple and easy to use. Get this app if you don’t mind a no frills app with interested information and to find special places in London.

iOS only, free (in-app purchases)

Get Your Guide

 Must have london travel apps get your guide

For visitors looking for an easy way to find and book tours in London the Get Your Guide app is perfect!

If you’re looking for a street art tour with a guide, a central London tour or, whatever else, the app is easy to use. I personally love that you don’t have to keep track of bunches of paper tickets and everything is easily managed from your smart phone.

They also offer attractions tickets for sale, but from what I’ve seen on the app the prices are around the same price as they would be at the ticket office. There are other apps and deals to use for attractions, in my opinion.

Riverside London

 Must Have London Apps Riverside

There is always something going on along the Thames River, the Riverside London app helps you know what’s on, and serves a guide to attractions and food.

Londoners and visitors use this premiere travel app to look for events from famous attractions by the Thames including the London Eye, National Theatre, Southbank Centre, BFI, Borough Market, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast and The View from The Shard.

The best features of the app are the ability to create an itinerary for upcoming attractions and events, and the the map function allowing you to see what’s going on nearby.

London Apps: Food & Drinks

Best coffee – cafes guide.

While I’m not a coffee drinker this one is for all my friends who can’t start their day without a good cup or need a little pick up in the afternoon.

In London, like in most major cities around the world coffee chains like Starbucks are popping up all over. If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee you’ll need to download this must have London app. Best Coffee – cafes guide app allows you to search for cafes around your location and search by personal preferences. There is a premium version as well that lets users to save their favorite cafes and share them with friends.

British St.Food

 British Street Food App

If you’re in search of street food in London, or anywhere in Britain for that matter, this is a must have app for your next trip!

Put together by the organizer of the British Street Food Awards, you know it’s going to provide the best and most up to date information on tasty treats around London.

For lovers of street food the app includes a Find Street Food near me function, a search via hand-picked categories, the ability to save your favorite food vendors, as well as sharing of photos and reviews. Don’t be caught in London without this app the next time your tummy starts to rumble.

Cheers like tomorrow isn’t Monday! Celebrate the weekend @oliveivyrm or one of our thousands of other restaurants.

Wandering around the city looking for a good place to eat? Want to make dinner reservations for tonight and don’t know where to start? Download OpenTable!

OpenTable is a dining reservation app and so much more. Booking tables at over 48,000 restaurants world wide has never been easier! In London you’ll find plenty of amazing places to eat on the app including some amazing brunch places . You can do a search by location, cuisine type, date and time.

The app even allows users to see restaurant reviews, photos, and menus. For foodies this is a must have app!

London Apps: Tickets, Events, and Whats On

Spring means cute animals, wisteria hysteria and alfresco boozing. For the latter, check out our guide to the rooftop bars already showing off their views in this week’s mag and try @theculpeper for size. Last year, it had a giant pickle on its roof. This year, it’s back sans gherkin but with a view of the big G nonetheless.

If you don’t already have Time Out, this is your sign to download it! This app is a never ending wealth of knowledge for cities around the world.

From film, art, bars, restaurants, festivals, and any other type of every a person could possibly dream up, it’s probably listed on Time Out.

The best function of the app, for the budget traveler that I try to be, is the ability to search for Free & Cheap events. Time Out also allows users to download information for off-line use allowing you to build an itinerary for when you don’t have access to WiFI.

Tired from all that walking and exploring? Then treat yo self with the TreatWell app.

TreatWell is your guide to booking, messages, salons, haircuts, and other beauty treatments across London. The app gets amazing reviews from it’s users and comes highly recommended.

Stagedoor is a Must-have London App

StageDoor

If you’re looking to explore London Theatre this is the app for you. With access to amazing prices (with exclusive discounts) and instant ticket booking this app is the best friend of any theatre goer in London.

Don’t know which show to go to? There are thousands of reviews from critics and fellow theatre enthusiasts to help you choose.

What are your must have London apps? Let me know in the comments!

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London is a big city and apps helped me so much on my recent, and first trip to London. These are the best apps for your trip to London.

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10 Apps You Need When Visiting London

Here's How To Get Free SkyGarden London Tickets (6)

London Town is one of the best cities in the world…and yes, I am slightly biased.

One of the best things I like about London is its diversity and the number of opportunities there are to travel and try new things! and it really makes it easier for me to dash around our amazing city with the help of a nifty app!

Here's How To Get Free SkyGarden London Tickets (4)

Want good coffee? Catch a train from the airport? See your favourite band?

London has an app for that! Thinking about the thousands of Apps that can help you in London can be daunting, so I have collated my favourite apps that are convenient, helpful and really allow you to enjoy your time in London, without having the stress of trying to trawl websites for the most up-to-date information.

1.) Heathrow Express

10 Essential Apps That You Need When You Visit London! (6)

The first step to any trip to London is actually getting from When arriving at London Heathrow Airport, you have a few options to get to Central London. the fastest and most convenient has got to be by Heathrow Express.

It only takes 15 minutes to arrive in Central London (at Paddington Station) and they leave EVERY fifteen minutes.

One thing I like most about the Heathrow Express free app is that I can quickly buy my ticket while I am waiting to alight from the plane. Its connivance is its major selling point and my ticket gets downloaded straight to my iPhone (and Android devices).

10 Essential Apps That You Need When You Visit London! (7)

Ok, hands down… this free app allows you to organise your night at very short notice.

Stuck for things to do when you arrive?

Want to find something really different or unique.

YPlan curates a list of everything that is going on around you (within a distance you set) so you can make the most of your time here! It also lets you book directly through the app, so it’s super easy and fast.

3.) London’s Best Coffee

10 Essential Apps That You Need When You Visit London! (8)

So this is a paid-for app (£1.49), but I really love the concept.

We are blessed with many coffee houses in London and we obviously have lots of big brands named coffee houses too.

What I like most about this app is that it showcases some of the more independent coffee houses and stalls that showcase the best coffee in London ! It’s a perfect way to explore those secret coffee houses of London.

4.)  Hype!

10 Essential Apps That You Need When You Visit London! (5)

As I mentioned, London has loads of different things going on that stretch across the whole of our city. The city itself is very proud of its diverse London neighbourhoods from Shoreditch , Soho, Camden , South Bank, Notting Hill, to name a few.

What I like most about the free app from Hype! is that it allows you to discover and locate some of the most happening and trendiest places across our wonderful city.

With the option to give Hype! a shout directly through the app if you need any other help. Evening drinking cocktails underground…. sorted!

5.) London Official Events Guide: What’s On? :

10 Essential Apps That You Need When You Visit London! (4)

This app is very handy for planning your itinerary before you arrive in London and for even while you’re in London.

It works offline too and even provides reviews on restaurants, bars and cafes! It’s powered by the official Visit London team so it’s definitely worth having on your phone when you visit.

6.) Citymapper

The Top 12 FREE Travel Apps You Should Have! (12)

Talked about this before and mentioning it again as it’s a must-have app in London when it comes to planning your travel!

It helps you route how to get to your destination in the most convenient (or the fastest) way possible.

7.) Tube map

The Top 12 FREE Travel Apps You Should Have! (8)

This is basically the tube map on your phone and it’s particularly great as it works offline and can also help you plan your journey on the tube.

It’s not a particularly revolutionary one (like say the Citymapper app) but it’s definitely an essential app to have when in London.

8.) London Bus

The Top 12 FREE Travel Apps You Should Have! (9)

Chances are that you will need to use the bus at some point when in London.

And, so should you!

London buses can be quite convenient to use and not to mention a great way to catch the main sights cheaply especially if you take the bus route 4 or 88 – do remember to sit upstairs though.

The only downside with London buses is that some bus stops never tell you when you expect your next bus.

This all means you could just be sat there absolutely clueless.  This app fills that knowledge gap by telling you when the next buses will arrive, where they’re going to and what stop to catch them from.

It’s so handy for visitors to London and Londoners alike!

9.) Vouchercloud

10 Essential Apps That You Need When You Visit London! (2)

London is expensive, there’s just no point beating around the bush on that one, however, one of the savviest ways to save money and still do as much stuff as you want is to check out this app which offers you vouchers on a lot of things; most importantly, on restaurants.

It’s easy to eat out as much as you’d like and still stay within budget with this app so it’s definitely a must-have when you’re visiting London.  

10 Essential Apps That You Need When You Visit London! (1)

While not strictly a London based app and hence why it’s not included in the main list, this app helps you save money on your data roaming costs by compressing the information before it is received on your phone and hence keeping your costs low.

Of course, there are increasingly more free WiFi hotspots in London (which is fantastic) but when you need to use your mobile data; this is a pretty handy app to have!

Read more: Best areas of London to explore

15 Of The Best Areas In London You Have To Visit

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Home » Apps for getting around London: the 7 best to download

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Apps for getting around London: the 7 best to download

  • October 26, 2023

London is one of the biggest cities in the world. So whether you’re here for work or on holiday, organizing your journey can be a challenge. 

But technology can help. London travel apps can help you plan your itinerary, speed up your commute and find the right mode of transport for your needs.

Here are 7 must-have apps for getting around London.

#1 – CityMapper

One of the must-have travel apps for London is CityMapper . CityMapper is a useful app for getting around the city easily. With this app you can plan your trips by combining all modes of transport: bus, tube, train, ferry, taxi, bike sharing, electric scooter and walking routes. 

What’s more, the app can tell you in real time how long it will take you to get to your destination by following the route of buses and trains on a map and alerting you when it’s time to get off.

#2 – Google Maps

Another very popular app for getting around London is Google Maps. Google Maps is Google’s free app that allows you to see the best routes to get from one point to another in the city, using different public or private transport options.

Maps provides users with street maps, interactive 360° panoramic views of streets, real-time traffic conditions and the ability to locate businesses of interest on the map. For example, you can search for nearby restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions, shops and other places of interest and view reviews from other users.

#3 – LimoLane

Among the apps dedicated to transport , LimoLane is definitely an important resource for managing your travels in the British capital with the utmost comfort.

If you’re looking for a way to get around London without having to deal with the inconveniences of public transport, the uncertainties of journey times and crowds on board, an ideal solution is the Hire With Driver. 

Chauffeur driven hire is a high end form of mobility that provides you with a car and a private chauffeur to manage your itinerary and get you to your destination.

With the LimoLane app, you can rent a car or van from the options available and choose a driver to assist you with an airport transfer , business trip or city tour .

With LimoLane you can:

  • Plan your trips by choosing from a variety of vehicles in the fleet according to your preferences and schedule. Select the date and time of the service and choose a business, luxury or green class car;
  • Pay for your service directly through the app using your credit card and know the cost of each transfer in advance. Unlike traditional taxis, chauffeur-driven hire prices are not affected by traffic or the use of taximeters, ensuring total transparency on the cost of the service;
  • Choose a qualified driver who speaks your language and will attend to your every need throughout the journey. 

To find out more about LimoLane and get in your chauffeur-driven car, download the free app now and book your private driver.

#4 – Tube Map – London Underground

If you want to know how to get around London on the Underground, Tube Map can help you plan your movements. Tube Map is an app that offers the official London Underground map provided by TfL (Transport for London).

With this app you can plan any journey on the London Underground in detail, check the status of the line for delays, closures and service changes, and see departures in real time.

What’s more, by entering a departure and arrival point, the app can suggest the best way to travel on any London Underground line.

#5 – TfL Go: Live Tube, Bus & Rail

Continuing on this theme, one of the best apps for getting around London by public transport is TfL Go. 

This is the official app for Transport for London, and it gives you a map of all the public transport in London, the stops and the frequency of services. 

The app provides real-time arrival times for the Tube, London Overground, DLR, Elizabeth line, trams and the IFS Cloud cable car.

You can plan your journeys by keeping an eye out for arriving trains, save your favourite routes and check out all the services available at the station you are at.

#6 – Santander Cycles

If you need to make short trips around the city and like to get around by bike, you can download the Santander Cycles bike-sharing app.

By downloading the app, you can receive the codes to unlock the bikes directly on your smartphone, bypassing the docking station terminal and speeding up the rental process. 

The app also gives you the latest information on the docking stations and allows you to see on the map which bikes are available and which are not. It also gives you a summary of the routes and rental costs.

#7 – Trainline

Finally, if you want to find out how to get around London by train, the Trainline app is a great resource. With Trainline, you can buy train tickets directly from the app, as well as access other features to manage your journey, such as changing your ticket and checking the timetable. 

Plan your trip to London

Whether you’re planning a business trip to London or a sightseeing tour, get around with LimoLane. 

With LimoLane, you can count on a chauffeur to take you to the city’s best attractions, as well as to your scheduled meetings if you’re in town on business. 

To find out more, get in touch with us now.

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45 Must Have Apps in London for Food, Tube, Events & More

By: Author The Working Line

Posted on Published: July 5, 2023  - Last updated: January 19, 2024

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There may be affiliate links throughout the content you're about to read. When you purchase from my links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which helps me provide even more awesome content for you :)

Today, you’ll learn about all the must have apps in London to use whether you’re looking for things to do, places to eat or Tube and bus updates.

I have included all the best apps to use in London, those I personally use on a daily basis (or weekly basis for events).

Hopefully, they’ll also come in handy for you, especially if you’re traveling to London for the first time !

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Whether you’re looking for cheap eats in London or ways to go from West Hampstead to Covent Garden, I’ve got you covered here.

I’ve already written plenty of London travel guides here, but this is one of the most important.

Especially if you’re traveling with the project of moving here, and actually living in London on a budget .

These apps here will tell you about your next Tube, restaurant deals, grocery shopping and more!

Must Have Apps in London for Transport

Must have apps in london: citymapper.

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One of the must have apps in London is Citymapper, which I never uninstall, wherever I am in the world.

In London, Citymapper works particularly well and helps you navigate the city in a way less stressful way.

If you’re traveling to London for the first time, one of the best tips I can give you is to get Citymapper!

Must Have Apps in London: Bolt

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Bolt is the same type of app as Uber, but in my experience, it does tend to be cheaper than Uber overall.

In London, we’re lucky to have plenty of secret places to visit and amazing restaurants.

But if you can get a driver for almost the price of a Tube ticket, why not?

Must Have Apps in London: Lime

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Lime is an amazing company which offers mainly bikes and scooters in London, and they’re quite cheap as well.

As easy to use as the Boris bikes, but I do like Lime better as I tend to find bikes and scooters more often in the city.

Taking a Lime scooter is clearly not one of the nontouristy things to do in London , but it does offer some pretty views.

Must Have Apps in London: Uber

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As I said before, Uber does tends to be a tad more expensive than Bolt and Ola, two other transportation services.

I do like having all three of these apps on my phone at all times so I’m sure I can get the best deal out of getting around in London .

Must Have Apps in London: TfL Go

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Another one of the must have apps in London is TfL Go, Transport for London’s app.

It’s one of the best crafted and most useful apps to understand the Tube, the bus map, and completely free to use.

Must Have Apps in London: London Live Bus

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I remember freaking out the first times I had to take the bus in London, but the London Live Bus app is another really useful app to use.

This is an app which will show you live times of buses at your stop, as well as all the stops close to you.

Really intuitive and one of the best apps to use in London!

Must Have Apps in London: Santander Cycles

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We’ve talked about the Lime scooters and bikes, and the Santander Cycles app is another one of the useful apps to use in London.

It shows you all the closest cycle stands with available bikes, and it’s pretty affordable too.

Perfect if you’re looking to pay a visit to hidden gems in London and don’t want to waste time on the Tube!

Must Have Apps in London: Trainline

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Taking a day trip from London is one of the coolest things you can do, if you can afford it.

Whether you’re traveling on the DLR or taking a train from London to other UK cities, Trainline is one of the most useful apps to use in London.

You get all the deals on the app, and can log in to save your tickets as well.

I personally almost only ever use Trainline to go from London to Brighton, Oxford or Cambridge.

Must Have Apps in London for Food

Must have apps in london: too good to go.

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Another one of the must have apps in London is Too Good to Go.

It offers you plenty of possibilities to get cheaper groceries in London , and avoid food waste.

You can find some real hidden food gems on Too Good to Go, too – make sure you try it!

Must Have Apps in London: Olio

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Olio is another useful app to use in London when you’re staying here longterm.

At the beginning, Olio was designed as a food sharing service – people who would leave London or wouldn’t use the food they bought would pass it along.

Olio has then grown to share quite anything, from clothes to toys.

So, if you’re living in London on a budget, it could be one of the most useful apps for you.

Must Have Apps in London: The Fork

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If you’re looking for ways to eat in London on a budget , The Fork is a great booking app to use.

I’ve used it more times than I can recall, and have saved sometimes up to 50% on the bill.

Must Have Apps in London: Uber Eats

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Uber Eats is sometimes cheaper than going out to the restaurant, especially if you’re living in London already.

If you’re visiting London for the first time, I wouldn’t say you’re going to need a delivery app that much.

Do spend time looking for the best halal breakfast in London or the cutest pink cafes – keep delivery apps for when you’re home!

Must Have Apps in London: Deliveroo

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I actually tend to like and use Deliveroo more than Uber Eats – Uber Eats simply always seems to have issues with my account and I cannot order anything.

Deliveroo, however, has cheaper deals, faster delivery times, with the same kind of offer.

If you’re staying in London around Central London, it can be cheaper to order with Deliveroo – but as always, get both apps to compare prices!

Must Have Apps in London: Best Coffee

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Best Coffee is another one of the must have apps in London to use when you’re looking for a chill cafe to relax!

From coffee shops in Shoreditch to cute, instagrammable cafes in Central London, you’ll have it all here…

As long as the coffee is premium quality.

Best Coffee focuses on coffee quality, but in many of the places listed, you’ll be able to have some incredible breakfast and brunch in London !

Must Have Apps in London: Pret

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If you’re planning on moving to London, having the Pret a Manger app on your phone will come in handy.

Getting a coffee in London is an institution, and few people are never to be found with a coffee cup in their hand.

Pret offers a cool monthly subscription which costs £25 for up to 5 drinks a day – the cheapest way to get coffee in London.

Must Have Apps in London: Happy Cow

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Happy Cow is another one of the must have apps in London, especially if you’re following a specific diets.

From grocery stores to food markets and restaurants, Happy Cow shares vegetarian, vegan and gluten free places.

Health food spots, completely vegan bakeries and gluten free restaurants…

You basically have everything you might wish for there.

You can also leave your reviews; so if you try a few spots that wow you (like the vegan doughnuts at Crosstown Doughnuts!), make sure to leave a note!

Must Have Apps in London: OpenTable

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OpenTable is another one of the best restaurant booking apps to use in London.

It’s very clear and understandable, with some great deals and discounts on some of the most famous, fanciest restaurants in London .

I collaborated with OpenTable and visited two restaurants:

  • Aqua Kyoto in Soho
  • Whitcomb’s at The Londoner , Leicester Square

Both of these were incredible, with some of the best food in Central London overall.

Must Have Apps in London: Elan London

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If you’d like to save money on coffee, use the Elan Cafe app.

I’ve already written a complete Elan Cafe Soho review a while back, and it’s one of the most nontouristy things to do in London.

I love finding new instagrammable cafes in London , and if I can get £5 off my first coffee, as well as deals with Elan Cafe… Why not?

Must Have Apps in London: Groupon

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Whenever I look for cheap massages in London, I check out the Groupon app.

It’s one of the most useful apps to use in London in my opinion, especially if you tend to go out a lot.

From cheap afternoon tea vouchers to haircuts, massages and even fancy dinners, you have it all on Groupon.

Anyone serious about saving money in London would do well to keep this one at hand!

Must Have Apps in London for Everyday Life

Must have apps in london: toilets4london.

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It’s not easy to find clean and free toilets in London, but with the Toilets4London app, you’ll find it’s quite easier.

I know a couple that are always clean, and that includes the Charing Cross Road Station toilets – these always come in handy when I’m close to Trafalgar Square.

In any case, Toilets4London are completely free, so always worth having ready on your phone!

Must Have Apps in London: EventBrite

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Eventbrite is a specialist when it comes to booking events in London, and a must have app to travel that I’ve used countless times.

You can find free and cheap tickets to lots of different performances, from movies to music and plays.

The amount of free things to do in London you can find on Eventbrite is really interesting, too, if you’re on a budget!

Must Have Apps in London: Meetup

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Whether you’re a local or traveling to London for the first time, one app can really come in handy: Meetup.

This one revolves around free meetups that can typically take place while walking, grabbing a bite or having a picnic.

They can be music production meetups, hiking groups, food groups… and really a good way to make friends in London easily.

Must Have Apps in London: Secret Stories

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There are plenty of secret gardens in London .

Secret rooftops, colorful spots and secret beaches.

And well, if you want to learn all about the most beautiful architecture in London and hidden gems , I’d recommend using the Secret Stories app.

From all the beautiful statues and sculptures in London to houses and bridges, you’ll learn lots about the city!

Must Have Apps in London: TodayTix

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TodayTix is another one of the must have apps in London, perfect if you tend to go out a lot.

There, you’ll be able to find discounted tickets and last minute tickets to famous shows – mainly in the West End.

If you’re living in London on a budget and still want to enjoy the thrill of the theatre tradition here, that’s a great app to use.

Must Have Apps in London: Accessable

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If you have limited accessibility, are in a wheelchair or have crutches, use the Accessable app.

It shows you all the best things to do in London with accessibility.

You can plan a day out from the comfort of your own home, and it’s completely free to use and find anything from restaurants to famous attractions.

Must Have Apps in London: London Architecture Guide

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The London Architecture Guide is another one of the must have apps in London when you want to learn about history, architecture, and hidden gems .

From statues to houses and hidden gardens, you’ll have access to over one thousand places in London – unveiled.

Really a very interesting app to have when you’re planning a trip to London and don’t know where to stay!

Must Have Apps in London: Currency Converter Plus

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I love the Currency Converter Plus app and have been using it for years now – it’s easily understandable and allows you to have accurate conversion rates.

Completely free to use, and you have on Currency Converter Plus all the currencies in the world.

And you can also use the calculator at the same time as you’re doing the conversion – so intuitive!

Must Have Apps in London: Fever

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Fever is a bit similar to Eventbrite in that you can really plan your weekends out with it.

The difference is that Eventbrite really has lots of free things to do in London , whereas Fever focuses on bigger stuff, like concerts and tours.

And if you’re ever looking for immersive experiences in London, Fever is also the app you’ll want to check.

Must Have Apps in London: TicketSwap

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And if you ever happen to forget about booking such and such ticket and can no longer go, you can sell it on TicketSwap.

It’s one of the safest ways to sell and buy cheap tickets in London for plays and events.

Completely secure, and the prices you can find there are incredible when you can’t really splurge on going out!

Must Have Apps in London: Central Tickets

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Another one of the must have apps to use in London for cheap tickets is Central Tickets.

It’s not a discount app per se – rather, Central Tickets focuses on seat filling tickets.

This can allow you to book tickets for events and plays for as low as a couple of pounds.

Perfect if you’re looking for romantic things to do in London and are on a budget!

Must Have Apps in London: StageDoor

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Stagedoor is a bit like Fever, but this app focuses on plays and musicals mostly.

You’ll also be able to find deals and discounts on Stagedoor, so I’d highly recommend downloading the app way before you visit London !

Must Have Apps in London: SpareRoom

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Another one of the must have apps in London is Spareroom, which I always have on my phone.

You can pretty much use it in the whole of the UK, but when you’re looking to rent a cheap room in London, Spareroom is a reliable app to use.

I’ve booked a couple of my own rooms by using Spareroom, and I’d even recommend getting the upgrade if you want to find something faster.

Must Have Apps in London: Treatwell

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Treatwell is a great app to have when you’re looking for cheap haircuts, massages and aesthetic services in London.

From spa treatments to makeup applications, you can really find a lot of things to do on Treatwell at a fraction of the cost.

However, if I may, Treatwell does tend to set higher prices than what you’d find at the salon, so book with a coupon code if you can!

Must Have Apps in London: Depop

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Depop is the perfect place to shop if you’re looking for vintage clothes in London.

I know I love checking out the markets in Shoreditch , but if you’re looking for must have apps in London to shop, Depop is one you need.

You’ll find 90s tops, vintage and brand new shoes, perfect tracksuits, and even makeup and perfume on Depop.

A great place to find cheap clothes if you don’t want to go to the store!

Must Have Apps in London: Vinted

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Vinted is just like Depop, and I have always felt like it focused more on accessories.

It’s just my feeling, but in any case, where Depop has more vintage clothes, Vinted has more secondhand clothes.

The prices are usually lower on Vinted in my experience, so that’s perfect if you’re living in London on a budget and would like to treat yourself.

Must Have Apps in London: Reddit

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Reddit has been a lifesaver of mine for ages.

When I looked for places to go roller skating in London, I found all the answers there.

(and some comfort when I broke my ankle skating, too).

If you’re ever looking for cafes to work in Oxford Street , or how to make friends in London…

That’s one of the apps that won’t let you know.

I’ve met quite a few friends through Reddit, and that’s an app I always check at least once a day.

Must Have Apps in London: Loyalty Card Apps

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I don’t necessarily love using loyalty cards in supermarkets in London, but some of them really are useful.

My favorite is the Tesco Clubcard, as it allows you to have rewards, collect points and save money on everyday items.

For instance, the Tesco Meal Deal costs £3 with the Clubcard, which means you’re saving 50 p – and we all know how that adds up.

If you tend to shop at different food shops in London, Morrisons, Lidl, Aldi, and Sainsbury’s (amongst others) also have a rewards system.

Must Have Apps in London: Mapstr

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Mapstr is another app which will come in handy whether you’re a local or visiting London for the first time.

On this interactive map, you can see personal recommendations from your friends, influencers, and publications.

You can also leave your own reviews and recommendations so people can find your own hidden gems !

Must Have Apps to Save Money in London & Make Money

Must have apps in london: wecasa pro.

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Wecasa Pro is a flexible job app I have personally used a lot last year, when I was still trying to make The Working Line a full-time business.

From massages to beauty and cleaning, you have lots of possible jobs on Wecasa Pro and payments are prompt.

So, if you’re looking for ways to make extra money in London, that’s a good one to download!

Must Have Apps in London: Coople Jobs

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I’ve used Coople Jobs a good couple of times, and when you first sign up, you might feel overwhelmed with how many jobs are available on this app.

Still one of the must have apps in London to make money easily, since there are new shifts added several times a day.

This one has been a really useful app to have when I was in London last year and looking for some shifts here and there!

Must Have Apps in London: Stint

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Stint is a great app to find flexible jobs in London.

When I used to be a receptionist at Oblix at The Shard, we had lots of people joining the reception from this app.

You get lots of really flexible shifts in London with Stint, and it’s really easy to get jobs from this app.

Must Have Apps in London: CV Maker – CV Builder

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CV Maker – CV Builder is one of the must have apps to live in London in my opinion.

It’s completely free and allows you to make classic resumes.

You never know when a company is going to ask you for a resume, and I’ve created plenty of resumes last minute by using CV Maker – CV Builder.

Must Have Apps in London: Babysittor

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If you’re looking for apps to make money in London, Baby Sittor is a great one.

I’ve used it a couple of times for babysitting, and it’s pretty straightforward to use.

You’ll need references to start working as a babysitter in London via this app, but one it’s set, you can get jobs pretty often.

Must Have Apps in London: Monzo

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Monzo is one of the must have apps in London to budget and basically pay for stuff without extra fees.

I have had an account with the British bank for years now, and have always felt that Monzo did a great job with helping you budget more accurately.

Must Have Apps in London: Fudget

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You must have at least one budget app to use when you’re traveling/living in London!

I like Fudget a lot since it can be used freely and is very clear to understand.

You can also use the budgeting tools included in bank apps like Monzo, though.

Plus, there are plenty of free apps to budget when you’re in London!

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There you have them, all the must have apps in London to help you get around, eat cheaper and find cool things to do!

Hopefully, you’ll have found here your new favorite travel apps for London – and the best part is, they’re all completely free!

Until next time!

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Sam is a certified fashion makeup artist, a freelance writer, a blogger and a digital nomad. Since 2019, she roams around the world, from London to Rome and shares her knowledge about makeup, scented candles, travel, blogging and the digital nomad lifestyle.

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Best Travel Apps London

travel apps for london

We know you’ll want to be making the most of your time in this city. So, we’ve compiled a list of what we’ve found to be some of the best travel apps London has to offer – whether that’s for finding out about events or fun things to do, or simply for getting from A to B. And, they’re all downloadable for free. All of the below apps are available to download on iOS or Android.

10 best travel apps London

This really is your must-have app for arriving in London. A bit like Google Maps, it allows you to choose which mode of transport you want to take before directing you – but unlike Google Maps, it includes specific transport options like the e-scooters, Santander bikes, Zipcar, Uber and Black Cabs. It also offers maps offline which is pretty essential if you’re on the Underground and need to check a route on your map.

Citymapper gives you helpful tips like which carriage of the tube you should head to on the Underground to be able to exit quickly at the other end. It even has a ‘rain-safe’ option for rainy days. It also tells you which means of transport is the cheapest option available at that time (very handy for students on a budget), or, the fastest option available – perfect if you’re in a rush to get somewhere. 

Santander Cycles

The Santander Cycles (also known as ‘Borris bikes’) are the city’s rent-a-bike network and they’re run by TFL (Transport For London). It’s a self-service bike-sharing scheme and you’ll need this app to be able to use one of the bikes. When you register and log in , it will show you where the closest available bike is and where you can drop yours off when you’re finished with it. It works by the app giving you a code to release a bike close to you, and your payments are made through the app too. 

If you feel like exploring the city on two wheels, this is the easiest and cheapest way to do it if you don’t already have a bike of your own. 

E-Scooter App

If you have a full or provisional driving licence, you can now rent an e-scooter in London. In June 2021, electric scooters became available to rent in certain areas of the city. This is the only way to legally ride an e-scooter on public roads or in other public places of the city. They’re a great alternative to the Santander bikes if you’re not a confident cyclist, but it’s worth noting they can be a little more expensive. 

There are 3 main providers of e-scooters in London. Each operator has its own app on the iOS or Android app stores. Just search for either Lime, Tier or Dott.

Most of the major taxi services that you’ll already be aware of, like Bolt or Uber, operate in London. The Cabwise app is for hailing one of London’s many black cabs you’ll see around the city, or minicabs (the licensed taxis that aren’t black cabs). It’s worth having this app on your phone as the black cabs are sometimes more readily available than services like Uber. 

The Cabwise app will tell you where your nearest cab office is. Like any town or city, just remember that whichever taxi app you use, be sure to stay safe and only hop in a taxi that you’ve pre-booked.

London Bus Live Countdown 

The buses in London can be a little more unpredictable than the Underground service – but sometimes getting the bus can be a much easier, quicker or cheaper option for getting from A to B. 

If you’re at a bus stop without a screen and you’re wondering when the next bus service is due to arrive, this London Bus Live Countdown app has a live feed which is directly linked to live TFL data. This means that you can see exactly when your bus is due to arrive and you’ll get live updates on any delays. It also shows you if your bus is due to be a couple of minutes early. The app also offers live status updates on the London Underground lines.

VoiceMap London

This app offers an alternative to a tour guide . When you first arrive in the city, this is a great way to get your bearings and also learn a little history about London. VoiceMap allows you to select and download audio tours of certain areas of London, so you can even access them when you have a poor internet connection. 

You can choose a photography focussed tour of Camden for example, or a tour voiced by Sir Ian McKellan on the best theatres of the West End.

TimeOut London

Wherever you are in the city, you won’t need to travel far for something to do. The Timeout app is a wonderful source of information on everything you could possibly think of that’s happening in and around London. It is comprehensive and easy to use and lists the latest events, gigs, shows, shopping opportunities etc week-by-week. It even breaks down recommendations into specific categories like Free or Cheap, top 10 in a particular month or even broken down by each borough. 

Lists and individual items can be downloaded from the app and accessed offline which lets you put together your very own itinerary for whenever you have some time off from your studies and want to explore the city. 

Visit London

A bit like Time Out, the Visit London app gives you a wealth of information on what’s going on in the city so it’s perfect for planning a day out with friends. It tells you where to find certain landmarks, eateries and hidden gems and it hand picks long lists of things to do which are suited for you and are put together by London touring experts. There’s a handy GPS feature which allows you to have a fun day out without planning too much ahead of time as you can find things to do wherever you end up – so it’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t know their way around the city yet.

Like Time Out, you can use the app offline too by saving the information before you head out and about. Unlike Time Out, you can use Visit London to book some of the attractions or deals directly that can be found on the app.

Met Office Weather

Weather in the UK is infamous for being a little unpredictable, and at all times of the year. You might leave the house in the morning amidst a heatwave in your shorts, then be caught in heavy rain a couple of hours later and find yourself needing shelter. The weather can change in a matter of minutes, so avoid it ruining your days out by regularly checking your weather app. 

The most reliable weather app is the one offered by the Met Office. It offers weather predictions hourly and is directly linked in real-time to the UK’s official meteorology service. So, you can be sure you are reading the most accurate weather information.

We can all get caught short when we’re out and about exploring and need to find some toilet facilities. This can be hard to do when you’re new to a town or city, and popping into a coffee shop or café to use the toilet means you sometimes feel pressure to purchase something so as not to be rude.

There are a few bathroom-finder apps out there, but Flush has approximately 200,000 individual public toilets listed on the app currently – and many of which are in London. Unlike many of the other loo locater apps available, this one allows you to filter by those public toilets that are completely free, compared to those you need to pay for.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Map shows London Marathon route map and road closures for 2024

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MArathon runners going past Big Ben.

Thousands of people will be making their way into the capital today for this year’s London Marathon.

Crowds of people will be supporting the runners as they take on the 26.2 mile course through the city.

The course will set off in Blackheath and will take the runners past such sites as the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, Canary Wharf, The Shard and Tower Bridge, before finishing up at St James’s Park.

There will of course be travel disruptions and road closures today, so read on to find out where you can expect them and from what time.

Which roads will be closed for London Marathon 2024 and at what times?

Map showing the London marathon route

Which roads are closed for the marathon?

Here are the closures to be mindful of:

  • Charlton Way, Greenwich: 4am to 1pm
  • Shooters Hill Road: 4am to 1pm
  • St John’s Park: 7am to 1pm
  • Charlton Park Road: 7am to 1pm
  • Old Dover Road: 7am to 1pm
  • Little Heath: 7am to 1pm
  • Charlton Park Lane: 7am to 1pm
  • Artillery Place: 7am to 1pm
  • John Wilson Street: 7am to 1pm
  • Woolwich Church Street: 7am to 2pm
  • Woolwich Road: 7am to 2pm
  • Trafalgar Road: 7am to 3pm
  • Creek Road: 7am to 3pm
  • Evelyn Street: 8am to 4pm
  • Surrey Quays Road: 8am to 4pm
  • Salter Road: 8am to 4pm
  • Brunel Road: 8am to 4pm
  • Jamaica Road: 8am to 4pm
  • Tower Bridge: 8am to 7pm
  • The Highway (south side): 8am to 7pm
  • Narrow Street: 8am to 7pm
  • Westferry Road: 8am to 7pm
  • East Ferry Road: 8am to 7pm
  • Marsh Wall: 8am to 7pm
  • North Colonnade: 8am to 7pm
  • Poplar High Street: 8am to 7pm
  • Commercial Road: 8am to 7pm
  • The Highway (north side): 8am to 7pm
  • Byward Street: 7.30am to 8.30pm
  • Upper Thames Street: 7.30am to 8.30pm
  • Victoria Embankment: 7.30am to 8.30pm
  • Birdcage Walk (westbound): 6am on April 21 to May 18
  • Birdcage Walk (eastbound): 7.30am on April 22 to May 18

There will be closures right across the route of the London Marathon occurring at separate times throughout the day.

For more information on road closures, download the official guide from the  TCS London Marathon website .

London Underground on marathon day

The  London Underground , London Overground and Docklands Light Railway are running extra services throughout marathon day and are recommended as the best way to get around to keep up with the race action.

Due to the nature of the day, expect services to be busy with crowds of spectators along the route.

Stops near the Marathon route are likely to be very busy, especially the Jubilee, Circle and District lines, and the DLR.

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Transport for London is encouraging everyone to plan their journeys in advance and check the  TfL website  or TfL Go app for the latest travel information.

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Buses on marathon day

Bus routes along the route of the marathon will either be diverted or will not run the length of their usual journey until the roads are back open.

If travelling by bus on the day, visit  tfl.gov.uk/bus/status  to see if your bus route is affected.

What time does the London Marathon start?

The race will kick off at around 8.30am with professional athletes leading the way.

The rest of the runners will then set off in waves from rom 10am to 11.30am, with gaps in between to allow the course ahead to clear. All start lines will be closed by 11.30am. 

Start waves and times are allocated based on runners’ predicted finish time, which will have been given to organisers ahead of time.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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travel apps for london

Free Taylor Swift tickets: Company will pay 2 friends to travel to London, attend Eras Tour

Taylor Swift fans are being offered the opportunity of their "wildest dreams."

Flytographer, a platform that connects travelers with photographers around the world, is looking to hire two Swiftie BFFs to attend the Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium in London on Aug. 19, 2024.

The company launched three Taylor Swift-inspired photo tours in London, Paris and New York, according to a press release.

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"The Capture Your Era Photo Tours will include stops inspired by iconic moments in history, including Cornelia St. in New York, Pont des Arts in Paris, and the West End in London," the company wrote.

"To debut these new tours, Flytographer is hiring two best friends as the company’s Chief Memory Makers, tasked with taking the trip of their wildest dreams to test out the new Capture Your (London) Era Photo Tour."

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The lucky new hires will test out the London-based photo tour experience, capturing pictures and videos for Flytographer’s Instagram account.

TAYLOR SWIFT FANS DRIVE NEW TRAVEL TREND OF ‘GIG TRIPPING': HOW DOES IT WORK?

The job includes a $5,000 travel stipend, premium tickets to the Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium, and a Flytographer photo shoot.

The two hires will also receive a $100 salon credit and $100 shopping credit to buy the "ultimate Eras Tour outfit," the release said.

Flytographer founder and CEO Nicole Smith shared her hopes for the future hires in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.

"My hope for this ‘job,’ as a fan of Taylor myself, is that the Chief Memory Makers will be able to make memories that will last a lifetime, at the event of a lifetime, and have photos that help them capture and remember the magic of the entire experience," she said. 

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"We’ve all seen the tremendous impact Taylor Swift has had, with millions of fans coming together to celebrate the Eras Tour with their best friends. From mothers taking daughters to their first concert to lifelong best friends reconnecting to go to a show together, and some even going solo and meeting fellow fans for the first time to celebrate an icon together, it’s been inspiring to see."

The CEO noted that Flytographer wanted to be a part of Swiftie history "by capturing the special moments for fans traveling abroad and giving two best friends the experience of a lifetime."

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Interested applicants can apply and prove their fan "reputation" at flytographer.com until May 9. 

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, though the BFF they bring along can be younger.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxbusiness.com/lifestyle

Original article source: Free Taylor Swift tickets: Company will pay 2 friends to travel to London, attend Eras Tour

Three Swifties walking in London next to an image of Taylor Swift onstage for the opening night of "The Eras Tour" at State Farm Stadium on March 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona. Getty Images

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