Travel costs don’t just come from flights and hotels. Getting around a city can eat into your budget fast. That’s why finding cities with cheap public transportation is a smart move. In some places, you can skip rental cars, grab a pass, and explore like a local.
Here are ten spots where public transit keeps your wallet happy.
Best Cities for Public Transit Savings
Exploring major cities doesn’t have to drain your wallet. These global hubs prove public transit is affordable, reliable, and tourist-friendly.
1. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo’s metro is legendary for efficiency and coverage. A day pass costs about $6, making it one of the cheap metro passes for tourists. You’ll save more compared to taxis, which can cost $20–30 for short rides.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s 24-hour transit pass is less than $7 and covers trams, buses, and metro. That means huge public transport travel savings when compared to car rentals, which often run $50 a day plus insurance.
If you’re booking flights, check out How to Use Credit Card Points for Free Flights—Step by Step.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is famous for its trams. A three-day tourist pass is under $15, and it gets you everywhere, from Old Town to Prague Castle. No wonder it ranks high for affordable public transportation worldwide.
4. Singapore
Singapore’s EZ-Link card keeps rides around $1–$2. The city is one of the best car-free travel destinations, with clean, safe, and reliable transit.
5. Budapest, Hungary
Tourist passes here average $6 a day. Since daily transit passes cost less than most city parking fees, Budapest is a budget traveler’s dream.
Cities Where You Don’t Need a Car
Skip the rental counter. These cities make it easy for visitors to explore neighborhoods, attractions, and culture without ever driving.
6. Mexico City, Mexico
The metro costs just 30 cents a ride. With extensive coverage, Mexico City is one of the cities where you don’t need a car to explore museums, markets, and historic neighborhoods.
7. Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s week-long transit pass is $20, cheaper than a single taxi ride from the airport. For budget-friendly urban travel, it’s one of Europe’s most reliable systems.
8. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul’s metro costs about $1.20 per ride. Transit cards also work in nearby cities, making this a cost-effective base for regional trips.
9. Istanbul, Turkey
The Istanbulkart lets you hop on ferries, trams, buses, and metros for less than $1.50 a ride. It’s perfect for exploring both Europe and Asia without draining your budget.
10. Berlin, Germany
Berlin’s €9 monthly ticket pilot in 2022 showed how affordable transit can transform a city. Even now, transit passes remain some of the cheapest in Western Europe.
Explore the Cheapest Times to Visit Europe Without Sacrificing Experience to score more savings on your trip.
International Public Transport Tips
Smart moves stretch your budget further. Use these proven tips to save on fares, avoid mistakes, and maximize public transit value.
- Always compare tourist cards vs single tickets. Cities like Lisbon and Vienna make passes far cheaper for multi-day stays.
- Use transit apps to plan routes and avoid costly mistakes.
- Travel off-peak if possible. Not only do you skip crowds, but in some cities off-season means discounts.
- Look for unlimited ride passes. Cities like Tokyo and Seoul offer 24-hour cards that make daily transit cheaper.
- Don’t overlook walking. Combining public transit with short walks can replace taxis entirely.
For more on transit systems and affordability rankings, PTV Group offers a complete guide to the world’s best public transportation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing cities with cheap public transportation lets you stretch your budget further. Instead of spending on gas, parking, or rental cars, you can focus on experiences. From Prague’s trams to Mexico City’s metro, these systems prove that smart planning equals major savings.
Need more travel destination ideas? Check out 10 Bucket-List Experiences That Don’t Have to Break the Bank.
