Google Maps gets UK train travel info

Google and the ticketing site thetrainline.com have signed a deal to provide UK public transport information on Google Maps.

The companies said on Thursday that the service would include timetable information for more than 2,500 rail stations and 170,000 possible journeys. The site already provides details for 8,000 bus stops and over 250 tube stations in the Greater London area.

As part of the deal, travellers will also be able to click through to the thetrainline.com to search for and book tickets.

"Google Maps seeks to provide a wide range of relevant local information, and public transport station and schedule information is definitely a part of that," Google's UK geospatial technologist, Ed Parsons, said in a statement.

Christopher Rodrigues, the chairman of the UK tourist authority VisitBritain, said the enhanced Google Maps service would be useful during the Olympics.

"We want to encourage visitors to explore the whole of Britain," Rodrigues said. "With the Olympics less than 200 days away Google's new initiative is exciting news. Millions of visitors plan their itinerary using Google maps and this additional information will act as a catalyst and inspire them to discover all that is wonderful about our great country."

Those wanting to use the service from a desktop computer need to click on the 'get directions' function in Google Maps, enter the locations of departure and arrival and click on the train icon. Smartphone users can use GPS to get directions from their current location "to any given destination in Britain", the companies said.