Do other countries have better/worse apps than National Rail Enquiries App?

I don't think the National Rail Enquiries App is that great but do other countries fair any better? (excuse the pun).

When I put in Guildford to Amberley return for Saturday, outwards it suggests going via Reigate and Gatwick Airport. For the evening return via Leatherhead.

However a 18:08 via Clapham Junction is also shown for the return but it says no fare avilable for selected journey.

However if I put in via Gatwick Airport it shows up, along with a load of others and it doesn't say the selected fare isn't avilable. However nor does it say it's a return journey either.

Interestingly there is no ticket button when you put via Gatwick Airport and nor is there explanation as to why. Gatwick Airport is valid of course if you then go via Reigate. This being slower than the not valid Clapham Junction of course.

Ao how do other countries do with their official apps?

The NS app is great. Shows the exact type of train and loading levels (I think - the green bars below each carriage). Didn't try buying tickets on it though.

The green/yellow/red bars indeed indicate loading levels. This information is only available on a few routes, but is expanding.

Buying a ticket through the NS App will send you to their (mobile friendly) website, after completing the transaction you can then load the ticket into the app. You also use the app to cross gatelines (by scanning the QR code) and you show it to a guard when they come round to check your ticket.

An app which I can really recommend is the DB Navigator app. It has timetables for almost the whole of Europe (UK included) and you can buy tickets for journeys to, from, via or within Germany.

Don't much use apps but the Renfe and SNCF websites are - to put it politely - underwhelming.

30907 said:

Don't much use apps but the Renfe and SNCF websites are - to put it politely - underwhelming.

Click to expand...

Trenitalia is also too complex.

The Czech Railway app is good if you are in that part of the world, shows all the stops, current location, formation etc. Can also buy tickets.

https://www.cd.cz/en/typy-jizdenek/jak-koupit-jizdenku/-28095/

jamie_ said:

The Czech Railway app is good if you are in that part of the world, shows all the stops, current location, formation etc. Can also buy tickets.
https://www.cd.cz/en/typy-jizdenek/jak-koupit-jizdenku/-28095/

Click to expand...

It also allows you to download offline timetables for the rest of Europe including the UK as well which is very useful

The Belgian SNCB app is good, it has e-ticketing built in for all routes and a pretty decent interface

The Swedish SJ app is beautiful. Just a lovely coherent design, with nice features when it comes to selecting a seat on X2000 or X3000 trains or viewing train info. Worth downloading and playing with just to see.

Try the SBB app and weep. Sells tickets, has real time travel information and includes practically all bus services in Switzerland as well (and can sell tickets for it). A pleasure to use.

When in Paris earlier this year, I tried the RER and RATP apps... they make the National Rail app look good.