Public transportation around the world can be a love-hate relationship. In some cities transportation systems are a mess, while in others they are easily navigable. For travelers, being able to smoothly travel throughout a city can improve the quality of their trip tenfold.
Many studies have been conducted to determine which cities have the best systems according to locals and tourists. Recently, Time Out released their list of the top 19 global cities with the best transportation after asking 20,000 people in over 50 cities. Other publications and studies have collected data on the best systems, and a few cities continuously show up in results. So if you want to skip the drama and spend your next trip seamlessly moving through a new city, you might consider one of these six destinations.
Berlin
Berlin makes the grade on many lists for best transportation systems due to a few central factors including safety, timeliness and comfortability. Here the main forms of transportation used by locals and tourists are the U-Bahn, the underground transportation offer fast and direct transport throughout the city, while the S-Bahn travels on railways above ground and offers views of the city as you travel.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen has no shortage of public transport methods, and locals can be seen zipping around on bikes, hopping on buses, and even taking water taxis from place to place. To navigate this system all you need is a Copenhagen Card, the city’s signature transport card that gives you access to all the various modes of transport available. Just another reason this nordic country is one of the happiest and most livable in the world.
Stockholm
Like Copenhagen, Stockholm ranks high in happiest countries and also in public transportation. If you need to get from one side of the city to the other, you’ll find Stockholm has incredibly easy to navigate trams along with buses, and the metro. And in true Swedish style, Stockholm’s underground is nicknamed “the world’s longest gallery,” as the walls are home to murals, mosaics, and beautiful artwork.
Hong Kong
This city has one of the most advanced and efficient public transport systems in the world. Railway trains run every 2-4 minutes and stations are equipped with wifi, air conditioning, and public bathrooms. Routes throughout Hong Kong are connected to surrounding islands and territories. With an Octopus Card you can easily manage your payments for each ride.
Tokyo
According to Time Out, Tokyo’s transportation system is famed for the sheer amount of people it serves on a daily basis. Nearly 7 million people on average use the metro in Tokyo, so it is no wonder they work hard to keep the systems up to standards and well maintained. Stations offer free wifi and trains are always on time.
Singapore
Singapore earns a top spot for bus and mass transit efficiency and for meeting Singapore’s sustainability standards by recycling and minimizing water consumption. For travelers, a Singapore Tourist pass helps you to navigate the city easily, and major monuments and attractions are within a short walk from each station. All buses in this city are also wheelchair accessible, making the system easy to use for individuals with disabilities as well.
Featured image: Stadium metro station in Stockholm (Photo by Iryna Chubarova)
