How to book a GP appointment

There are several ways to book a GP appointment on the NHS. This guide covers each one, and what to do if you cannot get an appointment at your current surgery.

Written by the Bookable team · Reviewed July 2026 · Information based on NHS guidance

In short:

You can book a GP appointment by phone, online through your GP website or NHS App, or through Bookable.
If you are not registered with a GP, or you would like to change GP, you can switch surgery and book directly through Bookable.
Booking through Bookable takes about 10 minutes and is free.

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How to book a GP appointment with Bookable

The fastest route for most people is Bookable. You can see available appointments at NHS GP surgeries near you and you can book online, even if you're not registered with that GP surgery yet. It's a free service. The steps are:

Enter your home postcode to see NHS GP surgeries near you with available appointments.
Compare surgeries by distance, availability and patient ratings.
Choose an appointment time that suits you.
Complete your registration online. It takes about 10 minutes and you do not need any documents.
Get your confirmation via text and email. Your medical record transfers to your new surgery automatically.

28,335 GP appointments are available to book online now.

Appointments are often available within days at surgeries with open availability

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Other ways to book a GP appointment

If you're already registered with a GP surgery and happy with it, you can book by:

phoning your surgery, usually from 8am
using your surgery's online consultation form
using the NHS App or your surgery's booking app
visiting the surgery reception in person

GP appointments are free on the NHS. Around 367 million GP appointments take place each year across more than 6,000 surgeries in England.

Choose the right care for your problem

A GP is the right choice for most new symptoms and ongoing conditions. For some problems, another NHS service is a better choice:

a pharmacy can treat 7 common conditions, including sore throats and urine infections (UTIs). In some areas you can book this through Bookable
NHS 111 (online or by phone) tells you where to go when you're not sure
call 999 or go to A&E for emergencies

If you cannot get an appointment

Many surgeries release appointments at 8am each day, and demand is often higher than supply. If you keep missing out, you have options.

You can ask your surgery about:

cancellations, which often become available during the day
telephone appointments, which may be offered sooner
appointments with a nurse, pharmacist or other clinician at the GP surgery

You can also register with a different GP surgery at any time. You do not need to give a reason, and you do not need to tell your current surgery.

When to register with a new GP surgery

Booking through Bookable registers you with a new NHS GP surgery. This is the right move if you:

are not currently registered with a GP
have moved house since you last registered
are unhappy with your current GP surgery

What happens when you register with a new surgery

Your care moves to your new GP surgery and your full medical record transfers automatically. You'll be deregistered from your old surgery.

Common questions

How quickly can I get a GP appointment?

It depends on your surgery and the urgency of your problem. Urgent problems are usually seen the same day. Routine appointments can take 1 to 3 weeks at busy surgeries. Booking with a surgery that has open availability, for example through Bookable, is often faster.

Can I book a GP appointment online without the NHS App?

Yes. Most surgeries accept online consultation requests through their website. You can also use Bookable to register with a new surgery and book online, with no app download needed.

Can I see a GP at a different surgery without switching my registration?

Usually not for routine care. You can be seen elsewhere as a temporary patient if you're away from home, or by an out-of-hours or emergency service. For ongoing care, registering with a GP surgery that is nearby and has availability is the better option.

Is it free to book a GP appointment?

Yes. GP appointments, GP registration and booking through Bookable are all free. Any patient in the UK can see a GP for free, whatever their immigration status.