Yes, Google Home Assistant can provide public transport schedules for many locations worldwide.

By leveraging Google Maps data, Google Assistant can offer real-time transit information, including bus, train, and subway schedules.

You can use voice commands to get specific details about routes, travel times, and delays.

Here’s how to use Google Home Assistant to access public transport schedules.

Step 1: Enable Location Services

For Google Assistant to provide accurate public transport information, location services must be enabled.

1. Enable Location on Your Device:
   • On your smartphone, go to Settings > Location and turn it on.
2. Set Your Home Address:
   • Open the Google Home app.
   • Tap your profile icon > Assistant Settings > Your Places.
   • Add or update your Home and Work addresses for personalized transit results.

Step 2: Use Voice Commands for Public Transport

Google Home Assistant can provide real-time transit details when prompted with voice commands.

Common Voice Commands:

• Check Schedules:
  • “Hey Google, when is the next bus to [destination]?”
  • “Hey Google, what time is the train from [station] to [destination]?”
• Plan Routes:
  • “Hey Google, how do I get to [destination] by public transport?”
  • “Hey Google, what’s the best way to get to the airport using the subway?”
• Check Delays:
  • “Hey Google, are there any delays on the red line?”
• Estimate Travel Time:
  • “Hey Google, how long will it take to get to [destination] by train?”

Also Read: Can Google Home Assistant Suggest Nearby Attractions

Step 3: Access Detailed Information

If you’re using a Google Nest Hub or another smart display, you can view detailed transit schedules on the screen.

• Step-by-Step Directions:
  • Google Assistant will show routes, stops, and transfer points visually.
• Real-Time Updates:
  • See delays, cancellations, or adjusted schedules in real-time.

Step 4: Save Frequently Used Routes

1. Set Up Your Commute:
   • In the Google Home app, navigate to Assistant Settings > Commute Settings.
   • Enter your home and work addresses to receive updates on your daily commute.
2. Enable Routine Updates:
   • Ask Google Assistant:
     • “Hey Google, what’s my commute like today?”
     • “Hey Google, are there any delays on my way to work?”

Step 5: Integrate with Google Maps

For more comprehensive transit options, link Google Assistant to your Google Maps account:

1. Open Google Maps:
   • Tap your profile icon > Settings > Google Assistant Settings.
2. Enable Navigation and Transit Features:
   • Customize notifications for public transport updates.
3. Sync with Calendar Events:
   • If a calendar event includes a location, Google Assistant can provide transit directions to the event.

Also Read: How to Get Real-Time Traffic Updates from Google Home Assistant

Limitations

1. Coverage May Vary:
   • Public transport schedules are available in many cities but may not cover all regions or smaller towns.
2. Voice Command Specificity:
   • For best results, include specific details like the destination, station name, or route number in your query.
3. Real-Time Data Accuracy:
   • Information depends on the availability and accuracy of local transit agencies’ data.

Quick FAQs

1. Can Google Assistant Provide Exact Bus or Train Arrival Times?

Yes, Google Assistant uses real-time data when available to give exact arrival times.

2. Does Google Assistant Cover All Public Transport Modes?

It supports buses, trains, subways, and ferries in many regions. Availability depends on the city and local transit data.

3. Can Google Home Notify Me About Delays?

Yes, set up commute alerts to receive updates about delays or disruptions on your regular routes.

4. Does Google Home Work for International Transit?

Yes, Google Assistant provides transit schedules for many international cities where Google Maps supports public transport data.

Also Read: How to Use Google Home Assistant for Hotel Bookings

5. Can Google Home Provide Walking Directions to Transit Stops?

Yes, Google Assistant includes walking directions to the nearest transit stop as part of its route planning.

Conclusion

Google Home Assistant provides convenient access to public transport schedules by integrating with Google Maps and local transit data. With voice commands, you can get real-time schedules, route options, and delay alerts, making it an excellent tool for daily commutes or travel planning. Set up your locations and preferences in the Google Home app to get the most out of this feature.