If you are an Android user you might be used to using some fairly standard and famous map apps. This is true for me as well, and I don’t want to keep multiple map apps on my smartphone just because I want to walk to work one day. Thankfully, you’ll have to get out of your comfort zone because most of the good map apps have also put emphasis on not only transport routes but also walking directions. It’s just that we never actually looked specifically for walking directions. One of the biggest things I look for in a map app that provides walking directions is whether it is considering shortcuts or not. Some parts may not be suitable for cars but are perfectly fine for walking and if an app is only recommending roads, it’s kind of useless for walking, in my humble opinion. Note: The map apps with good transport and walking directions were tested on a Samsung Galaxy S7 and Sony Xperia Z smartphone. I used all apps for walking but wasn’t able to actually ride a bus with them. However, I double checked the bus routes the apps were displaying to make sure they are not incorrect. You’ll need an active Internet connection to get up to date directions but usually off-line modes work just as well.
1. Google Maps
Conclusion
These are some map apps with good transport and walking directions and I hope they will serve you really well. I’ve been personally using 2 of the apps on the list and they have worked perfectly fine for me over the years. Granted, I don’t use public transport that much but I have walked around my city a lot and Google Maps has helped me in discovering small pathways and shortcuts which I would have never found if I traveled by car. If you want to know transport routes and timings, you can easily do that with the handy transport icon. One thing to consider here is that the timings are not always available in all the regions and most of the time they are also kind of incorrect. But, this is because I’m not in Europe or USA and transport timings are a bit wonky here. I also love how Google maps recommend small pathways while walking instead of sticking to the roads. This actually makes navigating through dense urban cities easy and would save you time in rush hours. Free Version
2. MAPS.ME
One good thing about this map app is that it is completely available off-line, so you won’t have to connect to the Internet to navigate. While you’re walking around, you can easily search through different categories such as cafés, restaurants and tourist attractions. This will allow you to sightsee when traveling to another city. I also really like how the app tells you whether you are going uphill or downhill when walking. Free Version
3. HERE WeGo
The best thing about this app is its ability to compare different ways to get around town, you can easily check how long it will take you if you walk or take a car. The app will also inform you of the next incoming train and how long it will take you to board it and reach your destination. One of the biggest selling points of this app is its complete off-line availability, sure you will need online connectivity for new map downloads as well as updating schedules but in day-to-day usage you can get easily by off-line. Free Version
4. Moovit
Granted it won’t work all over the world but that is understandable, however, Europe and USA are fully covered. This app covers 70+ countries as well as 1200 cities across the globe so chances are, your city is also covered. One of the best things about this app is that it tells you when to get off that train, so you won’t miss your stop and have to backtrack. The live direction feature is your own personal announcement system that informs you when it’s time to get off. However, this app is completely useless for walking directions, so you’ll have to install another app for it. Free Version What do you think about these great apps? Feel free to add on in the comments below if you have any more recommendations and I’ll make sure to check them out. Until next time, walk safe. Feature Image Credits
