Maximise every moment of your holiday with the efficiency of Chicago's trains, the convenience of Singapore's buses and the seamless connectivity of New York's subway.
Time Out has polled 20,000 residents in 50 cities to determine the world's top public transit systems, with East Asian and European cities solely occupying the prestigious top 10 spots.
Berlin took out the number one position, with 97% of residents satisfied with their rail network.
The German city boasts 175 stations across nine lines, plus a direct airport-to-city rail that makes travel to the capital a breeze. Other European cities in the top five include the Czech Republic's Prague in second place, securing a 96% satisfaction rating and commendation for scenic routes passing heritage sights. Copenhagen’s efficient one-ticket system for all trains, buses and waterbuses put the Danish capital in fourth place, with Stockholm’s subterranean train stations following in fifth.
With seven spots on the list, Asia is the second most traversable continent, with Tokyo coming third overall. Despite accommodating the largest number of commuters worldwide, Tokyo’s public transport holds up remarkably well, with 94% of locals happy with its efficiency, maintenance and timeliness.
Popular stopover destinations Singapore, Hong Kong and Taipei in Taiwan also made the list for their tourist-friendly transport, including Singapore’s ultra-swift Tourist Pass system, Taipei’s multi-lingual signage and Hong Kong’s convenient Octopus Card.
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Travellers to North America needn’t worry about getting around, with Chicago’s elevated train network working effectively with 129 bus routes. New York’s subway system, meanwhile, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the last 30 years, with 83% of locals praising it despite infamous quirks.
The ability to catch public transport while overseas is a huge money saver, and with several of the world's most visited destinations making the list, it's easier than ever to get under the skin of a new city. Find the full list of the world's best cities for public transport here and check out the top 10 below.
- Berlin, Germany
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Tokyo, Japan
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Shanghai, China
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Looking for more travel inspiration? Add these Top Bucket-List Destinations for 2024 to your holiday calendar this year.
