Why AR navigation changes walking in a new city
Everyone knows the tourist shuffle: you step out of a metro station, open a map app, and walk 50 metres in the wrong direction before the blue dot catches up. In an unfamiliar city you have no landmarks to orientate by, so a top-down map forces you to guess.
CityNav's AR mode removes the guessing. Point your camera down the street and directional arrows appear on the actual street in front of you, updating live as you turn. It's the difference between reading a map and being pointed the right way.
How it works
- Uses your phone's compass, gyroscope and GPS — no special hardware needed
- Works on any modern iPhone or Android phone
- Available in every CityNav city, not limited to selected areas
- Switches seamlessly between AR view and map view
AR compared to Google Maps Live View
Google Maps Live View is limited to areas with Street View coverage and works best in a handful of major cities. CityNav's AR overlay works from compass and GPS, so it functions in all 28 supported cities — including areas Street View has never photographed. See the full CityNav vs Google Maps comparison.
Try AR navigation on your next trip
Included in every Trip Pass, from £1.99 for one day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AR navigation app?
An AR (augmented reality) navigation app overlays walking directions onto your phone's live camera view. Instead of interpreting a top-down map, you see arrows on the actual street in front of you showing exactly which way to walk. CityNav includes AR navigation in all 28 supported cities.
Does AR navigation need special hardware?
No. CityNav AR uses your phone's standard compass, gyroscope and GPS — it works on any modern iPhone or Android device.
How much does CityNav AR navigation cost?
AR navigation is included in CityNav Trip Passes: £1.99 for 1 day, £2.99 for 3 days, £3.99 for 7 days, or £4.99 monthly. Core map and transit navigation stays free.
Is CityNav AR better than Google Maps Live View?
They work differently. Live View relies on Street View imagery and is limited to covered areas; CityNav AR works from compass and GPS, so it functions in all 28 supported cities including areas without Street View coverage.