Citymapper may not come pre-installed on Android phones like Google Maps, but it’s a great alternative to Google’s flagship mapping app. It provides the information you need to navigate cities, from public transport to safe walking directions. While it shares many of the best features of Google Maps, it’s a unique app that can serve you better.
This guide breaks down the similarities and differences between both apps so you can decide which one is best for you. Citymapper is available on the same platforms as Google Maps, including WearOS smartwatches, so you can navigate without your phone.
Google Maps vs. Citymapper: Availability
Before downloading and experimenting with Citymapper, check if it’s available in your city. While Google Maps offers worldwide coverage with varying degrees of accuracy, Citymapper focuses on quality rather than quantity.
Citymapper is available in 107 cities worldwide. Europe has the largest share, with 71 cities covered by Citymapper, and the US has 27. Citymapper covers another nine cities in the rest of the world. You can see the full list of supported cities on the Citymapper website.
Citymapper used to lock some features behind a paywall. These features are now free to use. Paying a subscription only removes ads.
Google Maps vs. Citymapper: Navigation
Google Maps and Citymapper offer different navigation experiences. To help you compare apps by preferred travel method, we’ve divided their navigation tools into three categories: driving, public transportation (including taxis, e-bikes, and ride-sharing), and walking and biking.
Google Maps vs. Waze
Which navigation app is better for you?
Driving
Google Maps easily wins here because Citymapper doesn’t offer driving directions. If you need a navigation app for driving directions, consider Waze, Google’s dedicated driving app. However, Citymapper shows the amount of traffic, so you can check how busy the streets are before you go.
Public transport
While Citymapper doesn’t offer driving directions, it does have fantastic support for local public transport options. Entering a start and end point in the app shows a detailed breakdown of each option you need to get from A to B, including prices, estimated times and later times for the same services. At the bottom of the screen, you can filter results by common factors like speed, or by valuable tips like options with the least amount of walking (perfect for rainy weather). You can compare buses, trams, trains and more at a glance.
Although you can find the same information on Google Maps, it is less intuitive. It shows fewer public transport options, and comparing them means flicking back and forth between screens.
Citymapper’s strengths become more apparent when you use public transportation. It tells you the number of stops between you and your destination and updates your estimated arrival time in real time. It also notifies you just before you need to get off.
We used Citymapper alongside Google Maps and found Citymapper to have more up-to-date information than Google Maps. Citymapper is usually the first to report roadworks, delays, moved stops and canceled trains.
Walking and cycling
Entering walking or cycling directions into Google Maps and Citymapper results in similar directions and estimated times, at least on the surface. However, key differences make Citymapper a better app for those directions.
Citymapper offers a brilliant walking directions feature that Google Maps doesn’t have. Tapping the Main Roads option guides you along main roads, perfect for when you’re walking at night and want to stick to brightly lit streets. Additionally, Citymapper tends to offer more accurate directions, but not significantly more than Google Maps.
Cycling options are more extensive on Citymapper. It offers three route options (quiet, regular, and fast) and displays locations, estimated walking time, and city bike rentals. Google Maps also shows bike rentals, but with fewer options.
Google Maps vs. Citymapper: Location Information
The all-in-one approach of Google Maps means you can search for places to eat, check reviews, check the menu, find directions and be on your way in minutes. Citymapper only offers directions. You can’t see any information about the place you’re going, not even the opening hours.
If you want to explore your destination, Google Maps or another app like Yelp should be your choice. Citymapper fails in this area. It’s easy to set your destination without realizing the opening hours have changed.
Google Maps vs. Citymapper: Useful features
Each app has unique features that help you navigate from A to B. While we can’t list them all, here are the most significant unique features of each app that we haven’t discussed yet:
Citymapper
- Check traffic news (for example, strikes).
- Check the battery level of e-scooters and bicycles.
- See detailed analysis of travel data.
- Access digital versions of official maps.
Google Maps
- Lots of views, including satellite imagery.
- View from the street.
- The timeline shows a detailed view of your past trips.
Choose the application that suits you best
While Citymapper’s focus on public transport means it’s not a comprehensive travel solution like Google Maps, it does offer more accurate and comprehensive public transport support. If you’re ready to give it a shot, try these essential tips and tricks for using Citymapper’s best features.