Developers

National Rail data feeds

National Rail supports the principle of transparency and contributes to the wider industry agenda by making data openly available in the public domain. 

NR have a selection of APIs and XML feeds that are available for use by third party developers to create their own applications. The data feeds are derived from 3 primary engines: Darwin, Knowledgebase and the Online Journey Planner. 

A summary of all available feeds can be found in the NR Feeds Developer Pack (PDF, 1.2MB).

Rail Data Marketplace (RDM)

The Rail Data Marketplace(external link, opens in a new tab) (RDM) is the new platform for access to both public and private sector rail data. It has a unique hybrid ecosystem of 'Open by Default' data alongside commercialised data product. Developers will have quick and easy access to real-time information in modern formats using a consistent taxonomy to ensure it can be found. The published data is accompanied by supporting documents and technical information, alongside consumer feedback.

Developer engagement

In addition to the provision of data, NR practices transparency through frequent open engagement with developers, proactive surveys to understand developer needs, and through the publication of material from developer events. We aim to hold Developer Engagement Days biannually, offering data users the opportunity to engage with those involved in the Customer Information Strategy, those involved in the provision of data, and our technical experts. Those who attend are given the opportunity to make direct requests to NR, relating to the provision of data, in an open forum environment. NR commits to provide and publish the official response to requests made at these events.

About the data feeds

Darwin

Darwin is the GB rail industry’s official train running information engine, providing real-time arrival and departure predictions, platform numbers, delay estimates, schedule changes and cancellations. Darwin data powers NR and TOC customer-facing information services, including websites, mobile apps and train station departure board screens, as well as hundreds of digital products developed by third parties. Darwin also drives our Historic Service Performance (HSP) webservice, allowing access to what happened to the train service up to 1 year ago.

Knowledgebase (KB)

Knowledgebase is the content engine and database of the National Rail website.  It contains a wealth of static and real-time information about travelling by train on the GB rail network, such as information about station facilities, service disruption, and engineering work. The information is available in XML file format, is available via self-sign-up on the National Rail data portal and can be accessed via a RESTful API.

Online Journey Planner (OJP)

The Online Journey Planner is the engine used to plan routes, calculate fares and establish ticket availability on National Rail digital channels. The Online Journey Planner accesses real-time information directly from Darwin, meaning all journey plans take account of all delays, schedule changes and last minute cancellations made by the train companies. The OJP data feeds are SOAP APIs and are available for use under formal licence.

Useful links

The Data Feed Request Form will show you which feeds are currently available to you. If a specific feed isn’t visible on the form, it’s likely available via the Rail Data Marketplace instead.

Unofficial technical support can be found at the user forum Open Rail Data-Talk(external link, opens in a new tab).

Information about upcoming engagement days is posted on the NR Developers Forum on LinkedIn(external link, opens in a new tab).

Attribution of NR as the data source should be in line with the Brand Guidelines and Logos (see below).