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Comparison of websites/apps to plan routes in London, tweaking results when unfamiliar with areas

Posted by (Indiana, USA) on

This is similar to another thread, but I just did a comparison of planning sites, using Earl's Court to British Museum as a test. First the comparison:

Google Maps Picadilly to Holborn 26 minutes
Citymapper Picadilly to Holborn 30 minutes
TFL website Picadilly to Russell Square 29 minutes
Moovit District to Embankment, Northern Line to Tottenham Court 33 minutes

My impressions: Google and Citymapper obviously most similar. Using four different sites, was taken to three different tube station as destination. So if you were planning to go to major site, you can either enter that site, or if you were specifically wanting to go to a specific tube station, be sure to enter that tube station as your destination. I was interested in Moovit app because I had read it helped finding best entrances and exits of tube stations, but does not seem as good (or at least does not agree) as other sites/apps. In this particular comparison, you might prefer one over the other because of wanting to use front entrance or entrance on Montague St. Would appreciate others' impressions. Other than a possible preference of stations, and taking into consideration the busy peak travel times, is there anything else that someone might take into consideration when planning a route, or choosing planning site?

Posted by
16621 posts

Chuckling a bit here as we did London with just an old-fashioned paper map with a tube diagram on the back: worked just fine. In fact, we've done all of our European city trips so far with just paper maps. The nice thing is that if you drop them, they don't break, if you lose them, they are easily replaced, and pickpockets aren't the least bit interested in them!

Yeah I know, we're dinosaurs but whatever works! :O)

Posted by
60 posts

Kathy, I often prefer paper maps. I especially think they are helpful to see a larger area to get an overview. I am printing out some neighborhood maps to take with me to London.

Posted by
16621 posts

I especially think they are helpful to see a larger area to get an
overview.

Spot on!
Enjoy London: it's a fun and very interesting city!

Posted by
4071 posts

There are no worries about the battery draining/dying when looking at a foldable map. :-)

TFL and CityMapper are a minute off -- just pick one. I don't know Moovit and Google Maps doesn't have real-time reliable info like service disruptions/delays. For me, I look to find which tube station my destination is and then just go. The trains typically arrive regularly unless it's late night. In that case, I'll look at either TFL or CityMapper to see if there are any diversions or service suspensions.

Posted by
60 posts

emma I didn't realize that the apps were getting live information from TFL. I certainly am more interested in the easiest routes vs. saving a few minutes of time (even if they were accurate, which nothing is going to be all the time). I thought it odd that the recommended route by Moovit involved a change of lines, which the others didn't. I know I am overthinking this, but I am trying to do my stressing now so that I won't be on my trip.

Posted by
33997 posts

I use a simple rule of thumb for tube travel times. I count 3 minutes for every stop, and one transfer = 2 stops, and add a couple of minutes if I am walking slowly or the tube is busy (a relative term). It has worked for me for years and years and is close enough to get me around. A glance at the map reminds me which changes I have to make.

Some just take local knowledge. For example if you are on the Northern Line and want Covent Garden it is easier, closer, and faster to get off at Leicester Square and walk than change to the Piccadilly Line and wait and queue and walk.

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