9 bathroom finder apps to download when traveling
Whether you are traveling or just going around your town, and all of a sudden need to urgently do number one or number two, know that there are great apps out there to help spot a restroom near you to go. We picked 9 apps that are still in the market (as many have simply stopped working) that promise to come to your rescue in those moments of rebel bowels.
Flush Toilet Finder
If the urge to run to the bathroom comes out of nowhere and you need a handy app, Flush is the first option, especially if you are traveling, as it has a global database of restrooms. The company claims to have more than 200,000 bathrooms, loos, and WC listed. If you are in New York, it will be useful. If you are in Madrid, you won´t be disappointed. If you are in Tokyo, everything works alright. If you are in São Paulo, you won’t find the private restrooms of restaurants, for example, but the public ones for sure. Besides, it works offline, which is REALLY useful when you are traveling abroad or don´t have the normal internet connection you’re used to.
Flush uses Google Maps to guide you, has filters to spot places with access to disabled people, and if the bathroom is free, paid, or if it requires a key. You can also contribute by informing the app about not listed toilets, increasing the database, and helping other users. Additionally, Flush has evolved to include augmented reality directions to nearest bathrooms and cleanliness ratings and photos.
Flush has two versions for iOS: Flush Toiler Finder & Map, which is a free app, and Flush Pro Restroom Finder, which costs 1,99€. For Android, it has a free version.
Conclusion: Flush is well-designed, easy-to-use (great UX, guys!), and has a powerful global database that increases by its own users’ activity. So we definitely recommend it as an app to have when you travel.
Toilet Finder, by Be Tomorrow
This is one of the heavy-weight apps both in App Store and Google Play (and good news: it’s free!). It is well-rated by thousands of people and has an impressive number of toilets listed: more than 150,000 globally.
But that’s not all. Toilet Finder is easy to use and includes both public and private restrooms (bar or restaurants), with indications if it is free or not or if it has access for disabled people. Toilet Finder also allows the community to add restrooms so that no one gets without a loo when they are most needed.
Toilets Around Me
Toilets Around Me is a practical utility app developed by Daniel Kirstenpfad that helps users locate publicly accessible restrooms in their vicinity. The app leverages OpenStreetMap data and the Overpass API to provide access to a growing database of over 120,000 public toilets. Compatible with iOS 13.0 or later on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices with M1 chip or later, the app offers straightforward functionality by showing nearby facilities and providing routing directions to the chosen location. One of its key features is the ability to immediately load the user’s location upon startup, making it quick and efficient for those in urgent need.
The app received an update in November 2023 that optimized startup behavior, improved error messaging for situations without internet connectivity, and fixed various bugs. As a crowdsourced solution using OpenStreetMap data (under ODbL license), the database continues to grow as more locations are added by the community.
It is available only on iOS and costs 1,99€.
WC Toilet and Restroom Finder
WC Toilet and Restroom Finder is a practical application designed to help users locate nearby restrooms worldwide. The app displays available facilities in both list and map formats, allowing for easy navigation to selected locations with a single click. It’s available for Android devices and has hit more than 500,000 downloads.
San Bidet, Philippines
Yes, the moment is critical but you don´t give up a little luxury. In the Philippines, an app has gone viral for helping people find the nearest restroom with a bidet. Yes, a bidet… to make it more comfortable to poop, according to its creator Lawrence Velasco.
He had the idea when stuck out of his house, in that sweating situation of urgent need of doing number two, but with no bidet around. It took him 3 weeks to develop San Bidet, and it was an immediate success in the Philippines. Users can add new restrooms with bidets and the database is steadily growing.
San Bidet is quite simple but it does the job. It is available for iOS and Android, with great ratings (4.7 out of 5). So, if you are going to the Philippines and find it hard to poop without the water giggles from a bidet, you already know what to download. San Bidet is free.
Toilet Rush, Hong Kong
This is the ultimate bathroom app in Hong Kong, designed to help users locate nearby public restrooms. The app offers features such as advanced search options by district and toilet facilities, user-submitted toilet information, and the ability to view and submit ratings and comments on restrooms.
Toilet Rush supports offline mode although it needs to be connected on the Internet on the first launch. It is developed in Android and iOS.
National Public Toilet Map, Australia
Incontinence issues? The National Continence Program of Australia comes to the rescue! The Australian government developed The National Public Toilet Map to show the location of more than 23,000 publicly available restrooms in the country. It includes details of accessibility, opening hours, and other features, such as sharps disposal and diaper changing facilities.
Besides the usual GPS capabilities, the app allows search filters to be toggled to show ambulant toilets, accessible parking nearby, and right or left-hand transfer information for wheelchair users. The idea is to assist the estimated 4.8 million Australians affected by continence issues and, of course, travelers.
National Public Toilet Map app is available for iOS and Android, and is free.
Where is Public Toilet
Where is Public Toilet is a specialized regional bathroom finder app specifically designed for users in South Australia. Developed by SF Capital, this Android application provides a comprehensive database of public restroom facilities across South Australian territories. The app’s primary focus is helping locals and tourists locate nearby public toilets in cities, towns, and along major routes throughout South Australia. While the interface appears to be relatively straightforward, its value lies in its localized focus and specific regional coverage. This targeted approach means users in South Australia can rely on more accurate and relevant information compared to global bathroom finder apps that might have limited coverage in the region. The app demonstrates how location-specific bathroom finders can serve an important public service role.
Toilets in Paris by Miss Pipi
Toilets in Paris by Miss Pipi is a specialized bathroom-finding application designed specifically for visitors and residents of Paris, France. Developed by Stephane Garzino, this iOS app (0,99€) features a streamlined interface with a “Here We Go!” button that quickly identifies the nearest restrooms and provides the fastest route to reach them. The app is particularly useful for tourists who find themselves in urgent need while exploring the city, eliminating the stress of deciphering complex maps or getting lost while searching for facilities. Miss Pipi Paris stands out for its simplicity and user-friendly approach, offering clear information display and smart navigation features.