Public Transport
Practical tips for using buses, metros, trams, and local transport with confidence while travelling.
GET AROUND LIKE A LOCAL
Public transport is often one of the easiest and most affordable ways to explore a destination. From metro systems and city buses to trams, ferries, and local trains, learning how the transport network works can save you both time and money.
It may feel confusing when you first arrive somewhere new, but with a little preparation, most systems become surprisingly easy to use.
HOW TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHILE TRAVELLING
1. Check the Transport System Before You Arrive
Before your trip, spend a few minutes finding out what types of public transport are available.
Some cities rely heavily on metros and trains, while others may use buses, trams, ferries, or a combination of several systems.
Knowing the basics before you arrive makes getting around much easier from your first day.
2. Use Maps and Transport Apps
Navigation apps can make public transport much easier, especially when you don’t know the city.
They can help you find nearby stations, choose the correct line, see where to change, and estimate how long the journey will take.
I usually check the route before leaving so I already have a general idea of where I’m going.
3. Understand How Tickets Work
Ticket systems vary considerably between destinations.
You might need a paper ticket, rechargeable transport card, mobile app, contactless bank card, or cash.
Check whether you need to validate your ticket before travelling. In some destinations, having a ticket isn’t enough if it hasn’t been correctly validated.
4. Compare Single Tickets and Travel Passes
If you’re going to use public transport frequently, a daily or multi-day pass may offer better value than buying individual tickets.
However, don’t automatically buy a tourist transport pass.
Estimate how often you’ll actually use public transport and compare the cost first.
5. Learn the Main Stations Near Your Accommodation
When choosing where to stay, check which metro, bus, tram, or train stations are nearby.
Being within walking distance of a useful transport connection can make exploring the destination much easier.
It can also save you money on taxis and ride-hailing services.
6. Allow Extra Time
Public transport doesn’t always run exactly as expected.
Traffic, delays, maintenance, missed connections, and unfamiliar stations can all add time to your journey.
Give yourself extra time when travelling to airports, train stations, tours, or anything with a fixed departure time.
7. Keep Your Belongings Secure
Busy trains, buses, stations, and platforms can be crowded.
Keep your phone, wallet, passport, and other valuables secure, particularly when boarding or leaving busy transport.
A zipped bag kept close to your body is usually much better than leaving valuables in an easily accessible pocket.
8. Check the Last Service
Public transport may stop earlier than you expect, particularly outside major cities.
If you’re staying out late, check when the last metro, train, tram, or bus leaves.
Otherwise, you could unexpectedly need an expensive taxi back to your accommodation.
9. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you’re unsure which platform, bus, or direction you need, ask.
Station staff, hotel staff, information desks, and sometimes local passengers can quickly point you in the right direction.
Learning a few basic transport words in the local language can also be useful.
10. Combine Public Transport With Walking
You don’t need to use public transport for every journey.
Sometimes the best option is taking a metro or bus across a longer distance and then exploring the neighbourhood on foot.
Walking also lets you discover streets, cafés, markets, shops, and places you might completely miss when travelling underground or by taxi.
💡 MY TRAVEL TIP
When I arrive in a new city, I usually learn the transport route between my accommodation and the city centre or main attractions first.
Once I understand that first route, getting around the rest of the city becomes much easier. I also save the location of my accommodation on my phone so I can always find my way back.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT CHECKLIST
Before heading out, quickly check:
Which transport system do I need?
Where is the nearest station or stop?
Do I need a ticket, transport card, or app?
Does the ticket need to be validated?
What direction or platform do I need?
Where do I need to change?
When is the last service?
How long will the journey take?
Once you understand these basics, using public transport becomes much less intimidating.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT CAN SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY
Learning to use local transport gives you much more freedom when travelling.
You can explore beyond the main tourist areas, spend less on taxis, and move around a destination more independently.
You don’t need to understand the entire transport network — you only need to understand the routes that matter for your trip.
READY TO TRAVEL FURTHER?
Public transport is perfect for exploring a city, but trains can also be one of the best ways to travel between cities and destinations.