In our recent trips abroad, we have relied on public transportation to get from one place to another if no inexpensive option or pre-arranged transportation is available. The most common example would be from the airport to the central transportation hub of the city.
We have used public transit as our mode of transportation when visiting a city. Public transit in most cities have day-passes which roughly equivalent to 2 one-way ticket. Other special routes (like central station to airport) are more expensive. It is also a good way to see places like the locals do. In most cases, we used subway or trains. It is simpler to navigate a busy city than taking the bus. The subway or train are also on time (in most cases). However, if you intend to see local places, ride the bus or tram (street car).
When we visited Seattle, we wanted to see the city skyline. The bay cruise is a bit expensive so after looking around, we found that ferry to Bainbridge Island cost $8 (return). It was a lot cheaper, and it gave us a chance to visit the island off Seattle. We were able to take a good view of the city from the bay.
Major cities like London, Rome, Paris, New York, Berlin, etc. have public transit (bus or train) linking their airports to the city center or a major part of the city where passengers can access regional or local transportation. With several trips abroad, we have learned to pack light as much as possible. Coming back however is a different story. In our previous trip from London and Rome, we came back with an extra luggage.
Inter-city trains is a viable travel option. They are on-time, convenient, and a fun way to see the country side. Be sure to book your trips ahead of time to get discounts. We have used trains in Italy, Germany, Netherlands, and even the express English channel train between Paris and London. And also the train between Seattle and Vancouver, a very scenic ride.
Here are some tips when using public transportation;
- Travel light when possible. Public transportation is designed to move people. Think of your luggage as an extra person when taking a public transit. However, special public transit route like city center to airport have specialized area for luggage.
- Research the main route of the public transit. Most cities have popular routes for tourist. Bus route 69 in Paris passes along famous landmark sites in the city including the Louvre and Eiffel Tower. Download subway/train routes and save a PDF copy in your phone. Use local transit app, if available or Google Maps. Be aware of time of day operations. Route may only be available during rush hour or certain hours of the day.
- Buy a day-pass (or a week-pass). A day-pass costs about 2-3 one-way fare. In some cities, weekend day-pass covers up to 2 adults and 2 kids (under 16) or 1 adult and 3 kids. It is also less hassle taking money from your pocket or purse. If you are staying in the city for more than a couple of days, buy a week-pass. If a day-pass is not available, try purchasing a discounted multiple one-way token or tickets (10-rides). You can always hand your unused segment of your week-pass or unused tickets to the next guy needing a ride for free.
- Be mindful of your surroundings. Try to blend with the locals when possible. Take care of your belongings. Beware of pickpockets.
- Be on-time. Public transit have a schedule to follow, so be on-time at the designated bus stop or subway station.
Even if you have a vehicle/rental car with you on your vacation, you can save downtown parking fees by using the parking lot of train stations. We do this a lot in Boston and Toronto. Paying all day parking at the train station is a lot cheaper than paying premium parking spots in the downtown area. On weekends, they are discounted or sometimes free.