What it does
Ride The Lightning, usually called RTL, is a self-hosted web interface for Lightning node operations. It supports LND, Core Lightning and Eclair, with views for payments, balances and channels. The software uses the MIT licence and requires an existing, configured Lightning node.
Two views of the same node
RTL offers an Operator dashboard for channel status, local and remote balances and routing activity. Its Merchant view focuses on inbound and outbound capacity and paying or receiving Lightning transactions. You can export transaction and channel lists as CSV files for further inspection.
The channel tools include peer connections, channel opening and closing, and fee-policy changes. Some functions, including circular rebalancing, channel backups and the optional Loop integration, are documented for LND only. The choice of backend therefore affects the controls you see.
Connect it to your installation
Use the installation guide for your Lightning implementation. For LND, prepare a functioning synchronized node, install RTL, and configure its node address, authentication files and login password in RTL-Config.json. Start the server and open its local browser address. Separate instructions cover Core Lightning and Eclair.
RTL says it holds the connected node's credentials and warns that a flaw could allow an attacker to move funds. Its guide calls for encrypted connections for remote access and discourages disabling authentication on a standalone installation.
Strengths
- Operator and Merchant dashboard layouts
- CSV exports for transactions and channel lists
- Supports three Lightning implementations
Watch out for
- Several controls are available only with LND
- A working Lightning node and configuration are required
- RTL warns that compromise of its stored node credentials can put funds at risk
Best for
- Merchants monitoring Lightning payment capacity
- Node operators comparing channel balances and routing activity
Sources
- Ride The Lightning official repository and setup guide (Oct 28, 2026)
- RTL application features (Oct 28, 2026)