realtime-trains-api-python README

A Python wrapper for the Realtime Trains API v1.

This library simplfies the process of making a call to the Realtime Trains API. Requests to specific endpoints can be made from the RttApi class, with the returned JSON data parsed and wrapped into a data object.

For now this is a literal mapping of the Realtime Trains API data structure into Python data classes. Helper functionality may be added in future.

Prerequisites

In order to make requests from this library you must first sign up for a Realtime Trains API account. You can do so at api.rtt.io.

Getting Started

IMPORTANT - Note that you must use the API Auth Credentials as displayed within your Realtime Trains API account, not the credentials you use to log into the website.

Create an instance of an RttApi object using your Realtime Trains API auth credentials like so:

from rttapi.api import RttApi

api = RttApi('rttapi_exampleuser', '00112233aabbccdd')

Request Station Information

To request the list of upcoming departures from Clapham Junction station:

departures = api.search_station_departures('CLJ') 

This will return a SearchResult object with containing the station details and the list of upcoming departures. You may either search using the three-letter CRS (computer reservation system) code, or a longer TIPLOC (timing point location) code. You can find a station's CRS code by searching on the National Rail website.

Arrivals can also be queried by using:

arrivals = api.search_station_arrivals('CLJ') 

Which again returns a SearchResult object.

A detailed breakdown on the information returned can be found on the Realtime Trains API documentation page. This library mirrors the data returned by the API, albeit using Pythonesque underscore_case properties instead of the camelCase properties returned by the API.

Request Detailed Service Information

Detailed journey information for an individual service can be queried using:

service_info = api.fetch_service_info_datetime(service_uid, service_date) 

where:

• service_uid is the unique identifier of the service obtained from the SearchResult e.g. 8U09FW
• service_datetime is a datetime.date object representing the date on which the service is due to depart.

Alternatively, the year, month and day of departure can be explicitly set (e.g. 27th March 2021) by using:

service_info = api.fetch_service_info_ymd('8U09FW', '2021', '3', '27') 

Both of these examples will return a Service object, which is explained in more detail on the Realtime Trains API documentation page.

Other Examples

A more detailed example on how to use this library can be found in my pyRailTimes project.

Thanks

With thanks to the Realtime Trains API team.