Google Maps is built for driving, so I ditched it for this transit-focused app

I'm lucky enough to live in a North American city with decent public transit, which makes me a frequent Google Maps user.

Add Android Police on Google Add as Preferred Source

That means I rarely use Google Maps for turn-by-turn driving navigation. Instead, I use it almost exclusively for walking directions and transit timetables, and to stay on top of delays and service changes.

While Google Maps absolutely delivers all the transit-related data I need, I've been let down by its routing algorithm more times than I can count. The way it presents that data on my screen leaves much to be desired too.

If you don't follow what I mean, I don't blame you — I was blissfully unaware too, until I stumbled upon Citymapper, a navigation app dedicated to public transit that makes Google Maps look completely outdated.

Related

8 best Google Maps alternatives: Our guide to ensure you don't take a wrong turn

Think Google Maps is a trip? Reroute with these alternatives

Posts 1
By  Tshaka Armstrong

Citymapper feels like a breath of fresh air

Google Maps has a clutter problem

If there's one word I could use to describe Google Maps' transit directions interface, it would be cluttered. All the information you need exists, but it's hard to decipher at a glance.

Citymapper offers the same amount of information as Google Maps, but it's laid out differently. It neatly separates every leg of the journey, with specific guidance for each step in chronological order.

Take the following screenshots, for example. Both apps show me the same information, but Citymapper presents each step of the journey one at a time.

Citymapper dedicates one box to walking directions and another to which train I need to board. A final box tells me how many stops I need to ride, when to get off, and how long the journey should take.

Meanwhile, Google Maps combines several steps into one and buries information in plain text, requiring more focus to decode.

Google Maps doesn't just spread the information I care about across several lines; it also shoehorns several unnecessary elements like onboard temperature and crowd level. I've never seen these reported accurately, and they take up valuable screen space.

I especially like that Citymapper shows past and upcoming departures, making it easy to tell when the next bus or train will arrive. Selecting a later departure updates the rest of the trip schedule too — something you cannot do within Google Maps.

The only downside to Citymapper's cleaner approach is that I often need to scroll more than I typically would in Google Maps.

Even though Google Maps has the edge in information density, it doesn't offer fare information for every trip in my city.

Citymapper doesn't just show me the exact fare I'd pay; it also accounts for transfer rates and digital discounts in my city. Google Maps shows the cash fare, which often comes out much more expensive.

Citymapper's routing algorithm feels more thoughtful

When comfort trumps speed

Unlike Google Maps, Citymapper isn't available everywhere in the world. Instead, it's limited to a few hundred metropolitan areas.

This may seem disappointing, but I prefer this handpicked approach because Citymapper offers a consistent experience in every supported city.

Citymapper's developers reportedly gather transit data from several sources and manually fix inconsistencies and errors. The app's routing algorithm makes adjustments based on local preferences — it might suggest trips that require less walking in less walkable cities, for instance.

Now, the Google Maps team likely considers these factors as well. But for a smaller company to match that effort is impressive. And I notice the difference in the real world too.

When navigating to a destination with multiple transit options, I've noticed Citymapper offers the more sensible and comfortable option at the top, even if it isn't the fastest route.

In the above screenshot, for instance, Citymapper first suggested a single-seat bus ride all the way to my destination before showing other results.

As a local, I can confirm the other options would require significant walking, waiting between transfers, and are generally much less comfortable. Google Maps nevertheless recommends them before the single-seat journey.

If I'm in a brand-new city with no knowledge of the local transit system, I would definitely gravitate toward Citymapper for its thoughtful routing.

Beyond trains and buses

Biking is transit too

Citymapper isn't limited to buses and trains, either. The app supports micromobility services like e-bikes and scooters.

Google Maps technically supports these services too, but it hides them in the cycling tab. Even after you click over to it, the difference in information layout and usability is immediately visible.

Citymapper allows me to choose my starting and destination bike stations, while Google Maps offers no customization.

Several times, I've made a 10-minute walk over to a rack suggested by Google Maps only to find a solitary bike with a broken seat or pedals. Citymapper's interface lets me avoid this by picking a station with more options every time.

Citymapper is the only one that estimates how much the trip will cost. It also shows this information on the trip selection screen (pictured above), making it easy to compare with other transport options.

If you don't own a monthly pass, these micromobility services can cost much more than a train or bus ride. If other options are available, I only ever use them to save time or money.

Citymapper is the perfect A to B app

No reviews, but that's the point

I'll be the first to admit that Citymapper isn't a full-fledged replacement for Google Maps. You can't use the former to decide where you should spend your evening, and it doesn't offer Street View to preview your surroundings before you get there.

Google, meanwhile, will happily point you to dozens of interesting places nearby. More importantly, it delivers reliable turn-by-turn navigation when you have your own vehicle.

But when I know where I'm going and just need to figure out the best way to get there, I'd rather use Citymapper. Its transit directions are easier to follow, and its interface puts the information I care about front and center.

I've put up with Google Maps' cluttered transit interface for years because it was the default option. But sometimes you don't need an app that does everything. You just need one that gets you from A to B as reliably as possible.