realtime-trains-py 2026.1.0b1

Python API Wrapper Package for the Realtime Trains API.

Realtime Trains API Python Module

Maintained and managed by members of realtime-trains-lang.

Check out our release notes.

Read the documentation.

About this package

realtime-trains-py is an open-source python API Wrapper designed to allow you to access data directly from the Realtime Trains API, in a simple and user-friendly way. This package includes five different complexity modes that allow you to customise how you want to see the data provided by the API.

This package can be used for anything railway related, whether you're a rail enthusiast or commuter, this package can be used for all your purposes. The package can be used in personal applications or for personal rail data access. For commercial use, you should contact Realtime Trains. More information can be found on their API home page

This package is not affiliated with Realtime Trains.

What can I do with this package?

This package allows you to access data directly from the Realtime Trains API using one of five complexities. Each complexity mode gives you access to different access to the data the API offers.

For the most flexibility, you can use simple mode, the recommended mode. Simple mode allows you to access a fair amount of the data available from the Realtime Trains API. This mode is recommended for those that want a manageable amount of information while keeping it easy to read. Use complexity="s".

For the most freedom with the API, you can use complex mode. Complex mode lets you access all the data available from the Realtime Trains API. This mode does not format any data for you - it creates new .json files with the data you requested. This mode is recommended for those who have a good understanding of python and managing json files. Use complexity="c".

For a balance of freedom and flexibility, you can use advanced mode. Advanced mode allows you to access most of the data available from the Realtime Trains API. This mode is recommended for those that want to see a bit more information, but like to keep things easy to read. Use complexity="a".

Using advanced and simple mode, you can optionally select between prettier or normal mode. The default, prettier mode, gives you your data in a nicely formatted table, while normal mode gives you your data as a list of objects, so you'll need to get the data out of the objects yourself. To use a normal mode, use complexity="s.n" or complexity="a.n". Don't worry though! If you're confused, we have plenty of documentation to help you out.

Installation Instructions

To install the package, simply run the following command in your terminal:

$ pip install realtime-trains-py

Alternatively, you can clone, fork or download the repository onto your device.

Once installed, you can import the package. Place the lines below in your file or you can run them directly in your terminal.

from realtime_trains_py import RealtimeTrainsPy

rtt = RealtimeTrainsPy(
    username="<your_username>", 
    password="<your_password>", 
    complexity="<your_choice>"
)

Check out our full setup guide for more help setting up.

You'll need an account for the Realtime Trains API to use this package. You can sign up for free at the API home page.

Examples

Get Live

The example below will display a live departure board for Ely.

rtt.get_live(tiploc="ELYY")

Get Departures

The example below will return up to 15 rows on the departure board for London King's Cross at the time you run the program.

rtt.get_departures(tiploc="KNGX", rows=15)

Get Arrivals

The example below will return up to 15 rows on the arrivals board for London King's Cross at the time you run the program.

rtt.get_arrivals(tiploc="KNGX", rows=15)

Get Service

The example below will return the service information of G28171 (2H18 0958 London Liverpool Street to Cambridge North) at the time you run the program.

rtt.get_service(service_uid="G28171")

Get Station

The example below will return up to 30 rows of departures and arrivals for London King's Cross at the time you run the program.

rtt.get_station(tiploc="KNGX", rows=15)

More in-depth examples can be found on our examples page.

Licensing

The realtime-trains-py API Wrapper uses an MIT License.

All data is kindly provided by Realtime Trains through the Realtime Trains API.