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

ail passengers are preparing to face disruption in late July due to , with the long dispute over pensions, job cuts and working conditions continuing. that its members will be going on strike between Sunday July 23 and Friday July 28, with the industrial action having an impact on different sections of the Tube. Between Wednesday July 26 and Friday July 28, , which represents the majority of Tube drivers, will also be taking strike action.

This latest round of industrial action comes on top of targeting National Rail services on Thursday July 20, Saturday July 22 and Saturday July 29. Here is everything you need to know about the best you can download to stop the strikes from spoiling your plans in this summer. Citymapper is still the reigning champion of free real-time apps, despite its growing focus on .

At its core, the app gives you a detailed breakdown of the quickest and cheapest route to your destination via public and alternatives such as cycling, walking and ride-hailing. Most Citymapper features are free but you can pay for extras including more personalised results and additional bus information 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 holders. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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. .