I recently compared Google Maps vs Waze for a long drive to see which mapping software I preferred when I'm behind the wheel of a car. But that's not all that frequent for me, as I live in London, a city where driving isn't ideal a lot of the time. Instead, I find myself on the London Underground — our version of the subway. What can mapping apps do for me when I'm on the Tube?
Not a lot in the case of Waze, which is entirely driving-focused. But other mapping options, including Apple Maps and Google Maps, promise to help me get from Point A to Point B even when public transit is involved.
With that in mind, combined with how often I’ve helped confused tourists trying to navigate the myriad of tunnels that make up London’s public transport system, I decided to test the two against each other. I’ve been using Apple Maps and Google Maps over the last week while I travelled across the city, making sure to check both buses and even bike rentals, to see which app offers the most up-to-date information, best journey plotting and good alternatives when something goes wrong along the way.
Google Maps vs Apple Maps public transit face-off: Set up
Starting a journey on either Apple or Google Maps is pretty simple for the most part. All you need to do is choose a location and the apps will then offer you the ideal route. However, the differences start to appear when you want to see alternate routes and options to travel.
There is one similarity to note: both navigation apps seem to avoid mentioning alternative modes of transit if the difference in time is too drastic. For instance, it takes around 40 minutes to get the train from my home to work. However, the bus will usually take around an hour and a half. That means I would never take a bus if I followed the apps' recommendations, but it also ignores other complications that can arise with the train — usually in the form of delays.
That said, it is possible to see the other options on Google Maps and Apple Maps, though the latter app is considerably more limited. Apple Maps has four initial options when choosing how to travel, including buses.
In contrast, Google Maps has a myriad of different choices, while also showing options for ride-share apps and bike rental locations with prices. Apple Maps will only show a bike route if you choose it, and even then, it’s only useful if you have your own bike.
Google Maps vs Apple Maps public transit face-off: Accuracy
Receiving up-to-date information on the status of trains and buses is critical when you’re using public transit. You'll want to know when the next service will arrive, so that you have a better idea of when to depart instead of waiting on a platform or at a bus stop for ages.
Both Google Maps and Apple Maps are as up-to-date as one could hope for, right down to predicted arrival times. Apple Maps actually goes one step further, since it also notes what time you’ll arrive at each station (assuming that there are no issues — it’s still the London Underground after all.)
On top of that, the route in Apple Maps also notes the other lines that come into each station, which makes life just a little easier if you need to transfer or take an alternate route.
In terms of accuracy, I think these two apps are about even. However, Apple Maps only gives up-to-date times for the next two trains, with subsequent ones listed as “scheduled.” Google Maps shows several different trains' expected arrival times in real time.
Google Maps vs Apple Maps public transit face-off: How the journey went
I used both apps numerous times over the last week, both on routes that I know well and others that I have less experience with. I also aimed to use train lines that I don’t usually take to really get the full experience. And I took alternative options when, and if, those became necessary.
Apple Maps proved to be much clearer when it came to certain station entrances and exits. If you’ve not experienced London train stations, they can be a bit confusing, as they often have more than one entrance. This can be annoying if you’re not sure of the right exit for your eventual destination. Apple has invested heavily in on-the-ground details, so the app usually details the exact exit you want and offers directions that better match the real world. Google Maps does offer some information on which exit to use, but it’s in small text and not really ideal.
Still, Google Maps topped Apple when it came to looking for detailed alternatives. Over the last weekend, I took a train into the city and, as is often the case, there was a problem that meant I needed to take a detour. That’s where the wealth of options presented in Google Maps came in handy — I could quickly find a new route with little issue. Apple Maps made me work a little harder to find the same option.
Google Maps vs Apple Maps public transit face-off: Verdict
Overall, both apps are perfectly serviceable at navigating public transit, so your choice may come down to which mapping app you prefer for general navigation. Kf you have one of the best iPhones, then I would recommend Apple Maps for taking public transport. This is especially true if you are visiting London as a tourist, as the station directions can be a real pain to figure out.
When it comes to public transit, there are so many factors that can have an impact on the journey. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps are great options, with their own strengths and weaknesses. However, I’d love to hear your preference, as well as your experience while trying to get around without a car, so let me know in the comments.
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