Fastest Train
Catch the right train. Live UK platform info and countdowns in one tap. No clutter, no missed connections.
Download on the App StoreThe Commuter's Dilemma
Most railway apps are bloated with ticket sales, hotel bookings, and distracting advertisements. When you are sprinting through the station with two minutes to spare, you don't need to buy a ticket—you just need to know which platform your train is on right now.
Built for Speed
Fastest Train is stripped back to do exactly one thing perfectly. Open the app, and it instantly shows you your favorite stations, live departures, and platform numbers without any friction.
New: Train Tracking & Live Disruptions
Version 1.2 brings major updates: long-press any departure to pin and track trains with live status updates. See full calling point lists with real-time timing at each stop. Live disruption banners show delays and cancellations with plain-English explanations. Coach formation data helps you board in the right position.
- Train Tracking: Long-press to pin departures and track live status with automatic background refresh.
- Live Disruptions: Instant alerts for delays and cancellations with clear reasons explained.
- Full Journey Details: Complete calling points with real-time platform and timing updates.
- Coach Formation: See train composition data to board at the optimal position.
- Live Platform Numbers: Find out where you need to be before it's even announced on the station boards.
- iPad Landscape Mode: Dedicated side-panel layout perfect for office or home displays.
- 2,500+ UK Stations: Full coverage including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Zero Clutter: No ticket sales. No account creation. Just the data you need to get home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check live UK train times on my iPhone?
Download the free Fastest Train app from the App Store. Open the app and search for any UK train station by name. The app displays live departure times, platform numbers, and train status directly from National Rail's Darwin feed. Save your favorite stations for instant access to departure boards.
Does Fastest Train work at all UK train stations?
Yes! Fastest Train covers all 2,500+ National Rail stations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This includes major hubs like London Paddington, Manchester Piccadilly, Edinburgh Waverley, and Cardiff Central, as well as smaller regional stations.
Can I track specific trains in real-time?
Absolutely. Version 1.2 introduced train tracking—simply long-press any departure to pin it. You'll see live status updates, full calling points with platform numbers, real-time delays, and coach formation data where available. The app refreshes automatically in the background.
How does Fastest Train compare to National Rail app?
Fastest Train focuses exclusively on live departures and train tracking without ticket sales, hotel bookings, or advertisements cluttering the interface. It's faster to open, shows platform numbers earlier (often before station displays), and includes features like live disruption banners and iPad landscape mode for home/office displays.
Does the app work offline or require internet?
Fastest Train requires an internet connection to fetch live National Rail data. However, it doesn't track your location, require accounts, or use unnecessary background data. It only connects when you actively check train times.
Is Fastest Train free to use?
Yes, Fastest Train is completely free to download and use. The app is supported by discrete advertisements. There are no subscriptions, premium tiers, or in-app purchases. All features including train tracking, disruption alerts, and iPad mode are available to everyone.