Best apps for navigating London during the strikes: From live travel info to bike hire

Rail passengers will face disruption in late August due to strikes, as the long dispute over pensions, job cuts and working conditions continues.

The RMT has revealed that its members will be going on strike on August 26 and September 2, with one of the dates affecting travel during the August bank holiday weekend. The industrial action is expected to have an impact on different sections of the Tube.

This followed Aslef taking action from Monday August 7 to Saturday August 12 by implementing an overtime ban.

Here is everything you need to know about the best apps you can download to stop the strikes from spoiling your plans in London this month.

Best live travel app: Citymapper

Citymapper is still the reigning champion of free real-time travel apps, despite its growing focus on monetisation.

At its core, the app gives you a detailed breakdown of the quickest and cheapest route to your destination via public transport and alternatives such as cycling, walking and ride-hailing.

Power users can grab extra features, including personalised routes and rain warnings as part of the Citymapper club subscription, which costs £2.99 per month or £19.99. This is available to Citymapper Super-Duper travel pass holders.

Citymapper on App Store and Google Play Store

Alternatives: TFL Go, Google Maps

Best map app: Google Maps

Like Citymapper, Google Maps is another everyday travel essential for commuters.

Beyond navigation and public transport information for your chosen destination, the app can also show you nearby rental bikes and e-scooters, wheelchair-accessible routes and detailed prices for select ride-hailing apps.

All the features are free and easy to use, plus you can use the app to find nearby attractions and points of interest, including supermarkets, restaurants, bars and shops.

Google Maps on App Store and Google Play Store

Alternatives: Apple Maps

Best ride-hailing app: Uber

While there’s no shortage of ride-hailing apps available in London, Uber is still the most popular, with more than 3.5 million users in the capital alone. The app lets you book a car ride for a fee, which fluctuates based on factors such as demand.

You can choose from different types of rides, from regular UberX cars for up to four people to more luxurious and larger vehicles. You’ll then be provided with a nearby driver to take you to your destination.

Uber says a ride in an UberX in London costs £1.16 per mile during off-peak hours and £1.37 per mile during peak times.

Still, it’s always worth having alternative ride-hailing apps available on your phone to compare prices and availability.

Uber onApp Store and Google Play Store

Alternatives: Bolt, Gett, Kabbee, Free Now, Ola

Best bicycle hire app: Swapfiets

Swapfiets, which defines itself as “the world’s first ‘bicycle as a service’ company” is offering free city bikes to Londoners between Saturday, July 22 and Monday, July 31 to make their lives a touch easier during the strikes.

All users need to do is sign up for a £0 one-off flexible membership that they can cancel whenever they want. Then they can pop into the Spitalfields store on Commercial Street with proof of ID to pick up their order.

Subscriptions normally see members receive a bicycle or an e-mobility solution, as well as a repair service, for a monthly fee starting from £21.90.

Swapfiets on App Store and Google Play Store

Swapfiets website

Alternatives: Santander Cycles, Lime, Dott, Tier

Best road travel app: Waze

For car owners and renters, Google-owned Waze is a comprehensive, free road travel app that relies on a trove of real-time data provided by drivers.

With roughly 140 million users, that means in theory it should give you more up-to-date information about traffic conditions, road closures and hazards to help you to reach your destination quicker.

Users can also provide information on speed traps and roadworks. In addition to your phone, you can get Waze on Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, to use directly from your car’s head unit.

Waze on App Store and Google Play Store

Alternatives: TomTom AmiGO, Sygic, Google Maps