# Train Beacon — Augmented Reality Train Times

> Augmented reality and map-based GB train tracking with real-time schedules. (iPhone/iPad app by Christopher Riches.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-beacon/id1464887688 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Christopher Riches](https://appshunter.io/developer/1464887687)
- Category: Travel, Lifestyle
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.50/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 16 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 76 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2019-05-27
- Data updated: 2026-08-01
- Monetization: freemium
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-beacon/id1464887688/reviews.md

## What is Train Beacon?

* NEW: Brand new train allocations and carriage count information is now available in Train Beacon Pro (subscription required) *

Train Beacon shows estimated, interpolated GB* train positions in augmented reality and on a map. Point your phone in the approximate direction that the track is running and see the estimated, interpolated position and distance of trains from your nearest station as beacons overlaid on-screen in augmented reality.

See Great Britain and London Underground real-time train times almost instantly from your nearest stations. Displays platform information where available. Automatically loads train times from your nearest station or loads train times from a station that you select from the stations screen. Filter train times by destination station.

Features

Widgets (Pro subscription required)

Easily see train times, cancellations, London Underground service indicators, rail incidents and service status on your homescreen.

Incidents (Pro subscription required)

Easily see information about the service status and news about rail incidents and current / future maintenance. The incidents screen includes information such as the incident details, routes affected, date/s of incident and direct links to the relevent National Rail Enquiries page and map, where available. Includes London Underground service status and incidents.

Augmented Reality mode (Pro subscription required)

Picture real-time train information in an interactive real-world environment. See nearby trains*, railway stations and London Underground stations in an immersive augmented reality experience. The app will locate trains that are departing from your nearest station and display them. Tapping on a train reveals more information about its calling points and last reported location. AR mode is available with a Pro subscription.

*National Rail trains only, and some trains are not displayed.

Train Tracker (Pro subscription required)

Using it’s advanced geo-location capabilities, combined with real-time train data and it’s UK rail network map, the app predicts the estimated, interpolated location of National Rail trains at any given time. The estimated train location is displayed on a map, with information about whether the service is currently running early, on-time or late.

High precision information

The app can report times from intermediary passing points such as junctions, providing you with a high level of precision and accuracy about the current status of a given train’s journey. Packed with detailed train information like number of carriages, train category, power type (eg EMU), timing load (eg Class 323), planned maximum speed (eg 90mph max), seating classes, reservations, catering, and operating characteristics (eg DOO). This information is only available if data has been supplied by the TOC. Some TOCs don't supply carriage data. The app can also show the calling point times and route map for London Undergound trains, if this data has been supplied by TfL.

Safety Info

Not for use in safety critical applications, level crossings, etc. Train position is estimated from latest available timing point data and may be incorrect. Care must be taken during use. Other trains may be present that are not indicated in the AR or train tracker mode of the app such as trains not stopping at the nearest station and also freight trains. Freight and non passenger trains are not displayed in the app. For your safety do not use your phone while you walk and take extreme care using the app near trains and railways.

App powered by National Rail Enquiries & TfL Open Data, it contains public sector information from Network Rail licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 and contains information of Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd.

Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

## Key features

- Augmented reality train visualization
- Map-based train tracking
- Real-time train times
- Platform information
- Service incident reports
- Home screen widgets

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Train Beacon Pro (Monthly) | $4.99 | per month |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 16)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-beacon/id1464887688/reviews.md

### 2/5 — App has changed from “Pay Once” to “Subscribe to Use”

*2024-03-11*

I paid for this app a few years ago and used it occasionally and found it quite handy. 

Recently it was changed to a subscription model. Those who had already paid for the app are now deemed “free users” meaning we get the same bare bones app that new users receive. 

It was worth paying a one-off fee, however £4.99/month is way overpriced.

**Developer response:** Hi Evan, thanks for reviewing the Train Beacon app. Please contact info@mobileappz.co.uk Kind regards,
Chris
Train Beacon

### 5/5 — Love the app

*2023-06-21*

I use it every morning and have so for the last year. I just wish it looked a tad nicer but absolutely love the app.

**Developer response:** Thank you very much for your kind review of the Train Beacon app. Really glad that you like the app and are finding it to be useful. Please feel free to email info@mobileappz.co.uk if there is any further feedback that you would like to share about improving the visual design of the app.

### 5/5 — Excellent app!

*2022-05-06*

Excellent app, extremely useful. 

I hope one day it will include freight trains as well as passenger services.

**Developer response:** Thanks very much for the kind review of the Train Beacon app, really appreciate it. Also, thank you for your feedback about freight trains, this is very useful to know which new content people would like to see in the app. Please email info@mobileappz.co.uk if there are any more features you would like to see.

### 1/5 — Waste of £4.99

*2021-09-20*

This app won’t let you set your departure station it just assumes based on your location. AR doesn’t work and it’s practically useless so I’ve requested a refund. Can’t understand how it gets 4 stars.

### 3/5 — Tracking

*2021-03-16*

Is there any way to be able to track freight trains, loco moments, stock movements and rail tours?

**Developer response:** Thanks very much for the purchasing the Train Beacon app, really appreciate it. Thanks for your question, it's extremely useful to know which features people are looking for. Non passenger trains have been requested quite a lot and will definitely investigate this. Please email info@mobileappz.co.uk if there are any more features you would like to see.

### 1/5 — Beware

*2020-06-17*

Beware before you purchase the App that the AR mode/facility doesn’t work on any phone. Mine is an iPhone 6 Plus which is apparently not compatible !

**Developer response:** Thanks very much for your review. Apologies that the app hasn't met your needs. Whilst I would love the AR mode of the app to be able to support devices older than iPhone 6S, unfortunately the chip in those devices doesn't have the capabilties needed for the highly advanced augmented reality mode of Train Beacon. You are very welcome to request a refund if the augmented reality features aren't compatible with your device. Please email me at info@mobileappz.co.uk for further information. 

Please see details of hardware requirements of the app. The primary train time displaying features of the app, excluding augmented reality (AR) mode, work with iOS 11 or higher. AR mode and the augmented reality features of the app require iOS 13 or higher, and an iPhone 6S, SE or later device, or an iPad 2017 or later device. 

Kind regards, Chris

### 2/5 — It’s a good app but..

*2020-05-05*

In general it’s a good little app.. my only problem with it is that you can’t access the map without tapping on a service.. if this can be changed in a future update then that would be super! And its only passenger services.. so if your wanting a proper train tracker which tells you every about train on the Britain’s rails that day then this isn’t the app for you..

**Developer response:** Thank you very much for the kind review and suggestion about accessing the map. Your feedback is much appreciated and helpful. Am always looking for ways to improve the app and will see if it’s possible to add this feature it’s a very good idea. Please email info@mobileappz.co.uk if there are any more features you would like to see in the Train Beacon app.

### 5/5 — Best yet  needs some work

*2020-04-04*

Iv been trying different Apps  out  
Useing the AI is great 
Hear is my way of improving the add the train provides  to the app will be great and add plan your journey

**Developer response:** Thank you very much for reviewing the app and providing feedback, it’s really useful and noted. Really appreciate you purchasing Train Beacon and taking the time to review it, thank you :)

### 5/5 — Great app

*2020-03-21*

Great app. Really like the AR mode.

### 5/5 — Great app

*2020-03-16*

Like that it shows intermediate stations on the destination boards. Had an issue with the app on mobile data at first. Emailed Chris and he replied promptly, and after sending him further information he new what the problem was and sorted it immediately.

**Developer response:** Thanks very much for the feedback and kind review, really appreciate you taking the time to review it. Best wishes, Chris

## Frequently asked questions about Train Beacon

### What is Train Beacon?

Train Beacon is an app that displays estimated train positions in augmented reality and on a map. It provides real-time train times and service information for Great Britain and London Underground.

### Does Train Beacon have ads?

No, Train Beacon does not contain advertisements. The app is free to use with optional Pro subscription features.

### What are the Pro subscription features for Train Beacon?

The Train Beacon Pro subscription unlocks features like home screen widgets for train times and service status, detailed incident reports, and advanced augmented reality train tracking. A monthly subscription is available with a free trial.

### How accurate is the train tracking in Train Beacon?

Train Beacon shows estimated, interpolated GB train positions. While it aims for high precision, some trains may not be displayed, and accuracy depends on data supplied by train operating companies.

### What information is available for trains in Train Beacon?

Beyond location and times, Train Beacon can display detailed information such as carriage count, train category, power type, timing load, planned maximum speed, seating classes, reservations, catering, and operating characteristics, if provided by the TOC.

### What devices is Train Beacon compatible with?

Train Beacon is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is rated for ages 4 and up.

### How often is Train Beacon updated?

The latest version of Train Beacon, 5.30, was last updated on September 30, 2025. Updates typically include new features and improvements to existing functionality.

### Can I filter train times by destination?

Yes, Train Beacon allows you to filter train times by destination station. You can also select train times from your nearest station or a chosen station.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 5.30 — 2025-09-30

* * * New allocations information available in Train Beacon Pro * * * 

Brand new train allocations and carriage count information is now available in Train Beacon Pro (subscription required). Please note that this feature is subject to availability and is currently unavailable for London Overground services.

### 5.23 — 2025-07-14

Minor bug fixes and improvements

### 5.22 — 2025-06-17

This update features some minor improvements

### 5.21 — 2024-07-25

This update adds new recently opened railway stations including Headbolt Lane, Leven and Cameron Bridge. 

Further stations have been added in preparation for their future opening. These include White Rose, Ashley Down, Northumberland Park (Tyne & Wear), Seaton Delaval, Blyth Bebside, Bedlington, Ashington, Cambridge South and Beaulieu Park.

### 5.13 — 2024-04-16

* * * New interactive departures widget available * * * 

Brand new interactive, scrollable departures widgets are now available in Train Beacon Pro (subscription required) on iOS 17 or higher in various sizes. See departures from your chosen station and scroll through the widget on your home screen to see later departure times.

## Apps similar to Train Beacon

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## More apps by Christopher Riches

- [Smart Watch Notes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-watch-notes/id6740913866)
- [Smart Watch Notes Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-watch-notes-pro/id6742542265)
- [Swimming Lap Tracker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swimming-lap-tracker/id6742799747)

All apps by Christopher Riches: https://appshunter.io/developer/1464887687

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-01.*