Navigating a foreign city can be difficult. While some cities are very walkable, you don’t want to spend too much time walking between attractions. By using different methods of transport, you can pack everything you want to do into your trip more easily. But just which transport methods should you use? This post compares some of the best options.
Buses
Most cities have a reliable bus network that you can use to get around. Buses are often a relatively cheap transport option and you get a good view of the street and your surroundings as you travel. You do however need to research routes, timings and how to buy tickets beforehand. It’s worth noting that some city buses can be attractions themselves – the likes of London, Paris and New York all have sightseeing buses which may be narrated by a tour guide and pass all the big landmarks.
Trains
A lot of cities have underground subway train networks. These are a fast and cheap way to get around the city. You can buy tickets for each individual journey, or buy a multi-day pass. Subway trains don’t allow you to see much while you’re travelling, however you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic as you do in a bus. Just be wary of taking trains during rush hour when it can be difficult to get onto carriages (especially in cities like Tokyo).
Taxis
Taxis are a lot more expensive than buses and trains. However, you have more flexibility as to where you travel as you don’t have to worry about bus and train routes. Many people take taxis to city airports to avoid having to haul luggage on buses and trains. Taxis also often operate throughout the night in cities where buses and trains don’t. You don’t want to rely on taxis too often and should be careful as to which taxi service you use. Ride-share services like Uber can be cheaper. Some cities like Bangkok and Lisbon also have taxi alternatives called tuk-tuks which can cost less but carry less people.
Bicycle hire
In many cities, it’s now become possible to hire a bicycle and cycle across sections of the city. You have to insert a coin or pay via an app to use these bicycles, which you can usually find at docking stations throughout the city. Cycling is faster than walking, while offering just as much flexibility – you can form your own routes and stop whenever you like to take in sights. Just make sure that you’re quite confident on a bike as some cities can be tricky to negotiate.
Ferries
A lot of cities are built around rivers or estuaries and have ferry systems that can help you get around. A prime example is Sydney, which has a popular ferry system that you can use with an Opal card. Some cities are meanwhile entirely built around canals like Venice. Using ferries is often a great opportunity for sightseeing as well as getting from A to B.