3 Reasons to Take Public Transportation When Traveling

Taking public transport in a foreign country can be intimidating. Everything is in a different language, you have no idea where you are, and locals who know the ropes are bumping into you as they rush to catch the next train.

It’s safer, easier, and less stressful to suggest, “let’s just take a cab!”

However, in doing this, you are missing out on a cheap, quick travel opportunity that will teach you a surprising amount about the respective culture if you have an open mind to the experience.

Here are three reasons that will make you think twice before hopping in a cab.

Pictures of the Subway System in Fukuoka, Japan

1. Faster

If you are traveling through a city center on a week day during rush hour, chances are public transportation will be faster than a car. Downtown metropolitan areas in places such as Singapore, Bangkok, San Francisco, and New York City get horrendous traffic that inches along, and you are better off heading to the nearest train station.

2. Cheaper

Public transport in the form of bus or train will usually be far cheaper than a taxi, particularly when traveling through Canada, the United States, Japan, and Europe. A mere 3 mile ride can set you back as much as $25 while a bus or train ticket will likely be in the $2-$4 range. Cities such as Oslo and Amsterdam are expensive as is; don’t waste unnecessary cash on a cab when there is easy public transportation available.

Note that there are some countries where this does not ring true. Places including Vietnam, Thailand, Egypt, and India have shockingly cheap cab fares, and a 3 mile ride may be less than $3. In this case, it may be the financially savvy option to take a cab, especially if you have a group of three or four people.

3. A cultural experience

Taking public transportation is a travel experience in of itself. The cleanliness, timeliness, efficiency, signs, and ease of use reflect the respective culture and government, and it provides an interesting insight into a city in terms of how it is run and what the population values. For example, the trains in Japan are always on time, the Beijing metro system has a “women only” waiting section, the Berlin tram has an honor based ticketing system, and the New York MTA is notoriously dirty with panhandlers going through the trains.

Through taking public transportation, you are also immersing yourself amongst the locals. Noticing things like fashion and train etiquette provide a learning experience no guide book will teach you. Are people on their phones? Do school kids ride by themselves? Is it okay to be eating? Are performers busting a move or singing a song? All are interesting things to note and help you further understand a new city.

Final Thoughts:

Opting to take public transit when in a new country is a travel experience that can save you time and money. Don’t feel intimidated by a language barrier, hurried locals, and complex map, it’s all part of the journey.

Tips for mastering a new public transit system:

- Download an offline map or grab one at a visitors information booth.

- Have small change in the local currency available for the fare.

- Don’t be afraid to ask for directions and help.

- Research the possibility of a day or weekend pass to save money and to avoid the hassle of buying a new fare card each trip.