Frequently asked questionsTrackside questions, answered
Trackside is an iPhone app for live UK train times. It's free to download, coming soon to the App Store, and Trackside Plus is an optional £2.99 a month subscription. Here's what it does, what it costs and where its information comes from.
Last updated 17 October 2026
About Trackside
What is Trackside?
Trackside is an iPhone app for UK rail travel. It shows live departures and arrivals for every station in Great Britain, tracks the trains you use and shows them on your Lock Screen. Trackside Plus adds a map of where your train was last reported, predicted platforms, how busy trains usually are, punctuality records and help preparing Delay Repay claims.
Where can I download Trackside?
Trackside isn't on the App Store yet; it's coming soon for iPhone. There's no download link until it launches. Email gettrackside@gmail.com to hear when it's available.
Is Trackside available on Android?
No. Trackside is an iPhone app, and there is no Android version.
Is Trackside connected with National Rail or the train operators?
No. Trackside isn't run by or endorsed by National Rail, Network Rail, Transport for London or any train operator. It uses information they publish.
Price and Trackside Plus
Is Trackside free?
Yes. Trackside is free to download. Live departures, tracking up to four trains, the Live Activity, widgets, journey planning, passenger reports and station information are free for everyone. The free version shows adverts. Trackside Plus is an optional subscription.
How much does Trackside Plus cost?
Trackside Plus costs £2.99 a month, as an in-app subscription through the App Store. It renews every month unless you cancel at least 24 hours before the current period ends. You can manage or cancel it in your iPhone's Settings, under your name, then Subscriptions.
Is there a free trial?
No. Trackside Plus has no free trial. The free version of the app stays free.
What is included in Trackside Plus?
No adverts; notifications when a tracked train's platform is announced or it's delayed or cancelled; predicted platforms; a map of where your train was last reported; sharing your train's reported location by link; how busy trains usually are, where the operator publishes it; punctuality records; the Delay Repay helper; smarter journey planning; a compass; 20 tracked trains instead of 4; and skins and app icon colours.
Features
Can Trackside submit a Delay Repay claim for me?
No. Trackside Plus spots when a train you track arrives late enough to claim, or is cancelled, and puts the claim's details on one page ready to copy, with a link to your operator's claim form. You submit the claim yourself, and your operator decides whether you're paid and how much.
Does the Trackside live train map use GPS?
No. The map places your train where it was last reported in Network Rail's train movement data, which records trains at stations and other timing points. The train moves on the map as each report arrives, not continuously, so it can be a little behind where the train really is.
Can Trackside tell me which platform my train will use?
Confirmed platforms are free and show as soon as they're announced. With Trackside Plus you can also see a predicted platform before it's announced, where National Rail's system holds one. Predictions can change, so always check the station screens and announcements.
Which train operators provide busyness information?
As of 15 October 2026, eight operators publish loading data Trackside can show: Southern, Southeastern, Chiltern, Elizabeth line, Gatwick Express, London Overground, Great Northern and Thameslink, the last two for some services only. Other operators don't publish it at the moment, and this can change. Passenger reports of how busy a train is work on every train.
Can I track my regular commuter trains?
Yes. Press and hold a train to set it as your commuter train to work or home. You can also track up to four other trains free, or up to 20 with Trackside Plus; commuter trains don't count towards either limit. Trackside shows in the app when a tracked train is delayed, cancelled or changes platform, and Trackside Plus sends a notification too.
How far ahead can I plan a journey?
Up to 12 weeks ahead, free: direct trains, journeys with changes, and across London by Tube, with a live check on whether a connection is tight.
Information and accuracy
Where does Trackside get its information?
Live train times and platforms come from Darwin, National Rail's live train information system. Train positions come from Network Rail's train movement data. Busyness comes from train operators' loading data, and punctuality from National Rail's historical performance records. Tube, bus and cycle information comes from TfL Open Data, and flood and weather warnings from the Environment Agency and the Met Office.
How accurate is Trackside's train information?
Trackside shows what the railway's own systems report, so it's as accurate as that information at the time. Forecast times and platforms can change, data can arrive late, and train positions only update at timing points. Busyness and punctuality figures describe usual patterns, not your next journey. Station screens and announcements always take priority.
How do I report information that looks wrong?
Email gettrackside@gmail.com with the station, the train's time and what looked wrong. A screenshot helps.