Train Timetable vs Live Running Status: What Is the Difference?
Understand why scheduled arrival times can differ from live running updates and where to check each one.
A timetable shows the planned service
A timetable lists the intended route and schedule: stations, planned arrivals and departures, journey days and other route details. TrainTime presents this information as a dated snapshot. It is useful for comparing routes and understanding the order of stops.
Live status reports current running information
A live enquiry is designed to show a train's reported progress for a particular journey date. Depending on the service, it may show a recent location, delay or upcoming stations. Always check when the result was updated.
Why the two can differ
A train can run early or late, skip or add a stop, or follow a changed schedule. A static timetable cannot reflect every operational change. Even a live result can be delayed, so use station announcements and official railway information for time-sensitive decisions.
Which should you use?
- Use a timetable to explore the route and compare scheduled options.
- Use a live enquiry to check reported progress on the day of travel.
- Use a station board for current arrivals and departures at a station.
- Use a booking enquiry for PNR, fare or seat availability; those details are not in TrainTime's route snapshot.
Open the live train status resource, station board or other travel tools.