There’s something wildly empowering about mastering a foreign metro map or hopping on a city tram like a local. While many travelers rely on taxis, tours, or rental cars, you can absolutely explore a city by public transit — and often get a far more authentic, budget-friendly, and memorable experience doing so. Trains, subways, buses, ferries, and even funiculars offer not just transport, but windows into daily life. Let’s break down how to make the most of any city without ever stepping into a private car.

Start with the Right Mindset (and a Map)

The first step is letting go of the idea that public transit is confusing or inconvenient. Sure, it can be intimidating at first — especially if signs aren’t in English — but it also gives you independence and access to neighborhoods you might otherwise miss. Most cities have downloadable apps or websites that provide real-time schedules, maps, and route planners. Great starting points include Citymapper for major cities and Moovit for global coverage. Many transit systems even offer tourist-friendly passes that save money over buying single tickets.

Understand the System Before You Ride

Every city’s transit system is different. Some are sprawling like Tokyo’s, others are simple and compact like Amsterdam’s. Take 15 minutes to learn the basics: What lines connect which districts? Are buses or subways faster during peak hours? Do trams require tickets before boarding or on the vehicle? In some cities, like Berlin or Vienna, you ride on the honor system with spot checks — so validating your ticket is essential. In others, like London or Hong Kong, you’ll tap in and out with a contactless card. Read signage carefully and watch locals to avoid missteps. It’s not just smart — it’s respectful.

Use Public Transit as a Cultural Lens

The beauty of public transit isn’t just in where it takes you — it’s in who you ride with. You’ll see school kids, office workers, street performers, and grandmothers with market baskets. Observe local norms: do people line up? Stay silent? Offer seats to elders? By blending in, you don’t just move through the city — you become part of it. And public transport often delivers you to less touristy areas: leafy parks, local markets, neighborhood bakeries that never make it to guidebooks. Some of your best travel memories might happen on a morning tram, not at a major landmark.

Maximize Your Routes with Smart Planning

With a bit of planning, you can use public transit to design the perfect self-guided tour. Want to hit all the highlights? In cities like Paris, the metro connects directly to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Montmartre, and the Latin Quarter. In New York City, the subway puts Brooklyn, Central Park, and even JFK Airport within easy reach. Bus routes often offer scenic views — like the #100 in Berlin or the double-decker #11 in London. Ferries in Istanbul or Sydney give you waterfront photo ops for a fraction of the price of a harbor cruise. Sometimes, public transit is the tour.

Stay Safe and Savvy

As with any travel method, a few safety tips go a long way. Keep valuables zipped and in front of you. Avoid empty train cars late at night. Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded metro stations. If you’re lost or confused, step aside and regroup — blocking doors or exits is a universal transit sin. Most importantly, be kind. Ask for help politely, and if someone offers guidance, thank them — locals often appreciate travelers who try to engage respectfully with their city’s rhythm.

So, the next time you’re planning a city adventure, skip the taxi line. Grab a transit pass, download the local app, and step onto a platform with confidence. When you explore a city by public transit, you don’t just save money — you gain stories, surprises, and an entirely different way of seeing the world.