Best Free UK Train Apps in 2026

You should not have to pay to check when your train arrives. Here are the best free UK train apps with no subscriptions, no paywalls, and no hidden fees.

💡 What "Free" Really Means

Many train apps are "free to download" but charge booking fees when you buy tickets, require a paid subscription for certain features, or are funded by advertising. For this guide, we are looking at apps that are free to download and free to use for their core purpose - no catches.

Railtime - Free, No Ads, No In-App Purchases

Railtime is completely free. There is no subscription, no in-app purchases, and no advertising. You download the app and use it without paying anything. This applies to all features including the home screen widgets, which some other apps lock behind a premium tier.

The app is 6 MB, which means it downloads in seconds and barely uses any storage. It provides live train times for every UK station, multiple widget sizes and themes, and no account is required. For anyone who wants a cost-free way to check train times, Railtime is the standout option.

National Rail App - Free with Ads

The official National Rail app is free to download and use. It provides timetables and live departure boards at no cost. The app is clunky and web-based in feel, takes several taps to reach a departure board, and displays ads throughout. It is functional for an occasional reference, but not the fastest or most pleasant daily experience.

Railboard - Free for Live Times

Railboard offers free access to live train times and departure boards. Ticket purchasing is available but comes with booking fees. As a free live times tool it is functional and has a clean interface, though widget support is not currently available.

Trainline - Free App, Fees on Tickets

Trainline is free to download and you can use it to check timetables at no cost. When buying tickets, a booking fee is charged on some purchases. The app is over 300 MB and is primarily designed around the ticket buying experience, though live times are included.

Train Operator Apps - Free, No Fees on Their Own Routes

Apps from individual train operators (LNER, Greater Anglia, South Western Railway, and others) are free to download and charge no booking fees for tickets on their own routes. They are free in the fullest sense for their core purpose, though they only cover one operator's services. For mixed-route journeys you need a separate app.

🌐 Free Journey Planning Websites

If you prefer not to install an app, both the National Rail website and Google Maps offer free journey planning for UK rail routes. Google Maps is particularly useful for multi-modal journeys combining trains, buses, and the tube. Neither requires an account or payment for basic use.

✅ The Best Free Setup

For a completely free UK train app setup that covers everything:

Railtime for live times, departure boards, and home screen widgets - completely free, no ads
Your operator's app for buying tickets on your regular route with no booking fee - free
TrainSplit or TrainPal for finding split ticket savings - free to use (fees only when they save you money)

This combination costs nothing and covers every scenario from daily commuting to occasional leisure travel.

Download Railtime Free