Moovit is a transit app that prioritises accuracy and provides real-time updates. Covering over 3,500 cities worldwide, it provides schedules, live arrival times, service alerts, and walking directions to and from transit stations. The app is powered by both official data and user reports, offering hyper-local reliability even in smaller cities.
For international travellers, Moovit reduces the friction of unfamiliar systems. It provides clear visual instructions, including which station exit to use or which side of the platform to board from. If your destination is less tourist-oriented or has a more fragmented transport network, Moovit is often more accurate than broader navigation tools.
Rome2Rio is ideal for planning long-distance trips between cities, countries, or even continents. By entering two locations, the app provides a breakdown of possible routes that include flights, trains, buses, ferries, and driving options. It includes estimated costs and journey durations, making it easier to compare transport methods at a glance.
This app is especially valuable if you are planning multi-country travel or need to connect between smaller cities not served by airports. For example, it can show you how to travel from Florence to Dubrovnik using a combination of trains, ferries, and buses. It is less about real-time data and more about exploring possibilities when moving across regions.
Transit is a sleek, data-driven app that focuses on live public transportation information. It supports subways, buses, trains, and even bike- and scooter-sharing systems. Real-time arrival updates, departure countdowns, service alerts, and step-by-step trip planning are all part of its clean and intuitive interface.
Though it originated in North America, Transit is expanding into Europe and other regions. Its integration with micro-mobility services and ability to show how different options combine make it perfect for navigating urban environments. For travellers in large cities who need a fast way to make decisions on the go, Transit excels in simplicity and speed.
BlaBlaCar is a carpooling platform that connects drivers with available seats to travellers heading in the same direction. It is widely used in Europe and increasingly available in South America and India. Users can view driver ratings, vehicle details, and travel costs before booking a ride.
As an alternative to buses or trains, BlaBlaCar is an excellent option for reaching smaller towns or regions with limited public transportation. It also offers a cultural bonus - interacting with locals, practicing the language, or discovering offbeat spots through shared conversations. Rides are often cheaper than train tickets and more direct.
Lime is a global operator of electric scooters and bikes, allowing travellers to rent and ride short distances in major cities. Using the app, you can find the nearest available vehicle, unlock it with a QR code, and pay by the minute. The app also provides information on parking zones, safety tips, and vehicle battery levels.
In cities with congested roads or limited public transit at certain hours, Lime is a fast and fun alternative. It is perfect for short commutes, last-mile connections, or simply exploring a neighbourhood without relying on a car or train. Be sure to check local rules on helmet use, sidewalk riding, and speed limits.
AllTrails is a brilliant mobile app giving you tonnes of amazing trails and hikes to explore, giving you the opportunity to soak up all the city sightseeing, nature and whatever else you love to see.
Whether it's a hike, a mountain bike path or a jogging path, AllTrails connects you to the outdoors, giving your mind that sense of peace and serenity.
Besides finding you the best trails on your trip abroad, the AllTrails app provides excellent features such as trail data where you can see if there are any incline walks (So you can avoid them should you wish), length of trail and estimated time to complete.
The Expedia app is a must if you want to quickly find a warm and cosy place to eat and sleep. The app is super easy to use and wastes no time in working with you to get you warm and cosy.
While all iPhones have this app built in, it's good to note that Find My needs to be setup for it to work. The Find My app is great for letting your family know of your where abouts in case of an emergency and it's also great if you've just lost your iPhone or Airpods and need to locate them.
Remember to download a food delivery app like Just Eat, Deliveroo or FoodPanda, offering easy access to tonnes of restaurants local to where you are, these food delivery apps are a life saver when you're exhausted at the end of a long walk and need some TLC.
When travelling abroad, you may sometimes be restricted on the internet due to the country you are staying at, having restrictions. Using ProtonVPN, you can get over that hurdle and quickly access whatever you're after, whether it be shows, websites or movies.
A no brainer, the Google Translate mobile app is perfect when abroad, to help with translating words when the language barrier proves a little difficult.
Just type or use sound recognition to become a native instantly (Well....almost).
Both Bolt and Lyft are great apps that help offer us taxi rides quickly and easily and at an affordable price. If you're tired after a night out on holiday, and you want to get home quickly, these apps can help get you there.
It's a good idea to know the weather when travelling, and using the Weather Bug app is perfect way to stay informed of what's coming your way.
The Weather Bug app details information really well and just feels nice to use. The app also provides a neat map displaying the past hour's weather events where you are, allowing you to see in which direction clusters of rain clouds and other things are moving. Amazing!
Effortlessly coordinate with your family, friends, or whoever else using Flight Radar. You can quickly check where your loved one's flight is at and meet them accordingly, or have them meet you, if you're the one flying in.
Tips and Tricks for Using Commuting Apps Abroad
Downloading the right apps is a good start, but knowing how to use them effectively while travelling can make all the difference. These tips will help you maximize the benefits of your commuting apps and ensure a seamless experience on the go.
1. Download offline maps and schedules before you leave your hotel or accommodation
Wi-Fi is not always guaranteed once you step out the door. Apps like Google Maps and Citymapper allow you to download entire city maps and route data in advance. Do this each morning so you have access to essential navigation tools even if your mobile connection drops.
2. Use region-specific settings to customise your experience
Some apps will automatically adjust based on your location, but it is worth checking settings for units (miles vs. kilometres), language preferences, and transport modes. Citymapper and Moovit, for example, let you prioritise certain transport types based on your needs—such as avoiding stairs or reducing walking time.
3. Save important locations as favourites
Add your hotel, airport, or frequently visited sites to your favourites or “home” locations in your apps. This makes trip planning faster and helps you get back quickly from unfamiliar areas.
4. Be mindful of battery life and data usage
Constant GPS use and real-time updates can drain your phone battery quickly. Carry a portable charger, and if you're on a limited data plan, stick to text-based route summaries or switch to offline mode where possible.
5. Check for local promotions or passes through transport apps
Some cities offer digital travel cards or discounts for purchasing tickets through their app. Check the local transit app for tourist-specific offers, bundle deals, or multi-day passes that can be activated directly from your phone.
Final Words
From navigating public transport networks to finding a last-mile scooter, the right apps can help you make informed decisions quickly, avoid costly mistakes, and explore with confidence.
As global transportation continues to evolve, digital platforms are becoming just as essential as your passport or boarding pass. Whether you are travelling for business, leisure, or something in between, consider these apps as your on-the-go travel companions—ready to guide you through every obstacle.
