How to Navigate European Public Transportation
Later in this post I share a few affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase, at no cost to you. I really appreciate your support!
One of the most important aspects of traveling is getting around once you reach your destination.
We spend so much time planning the international flight that will deliver us to our destination, but the shorter forms of transport are just as critical.
This can include:
getting from the airport to your hotel,
navigating to and from major sightseeing areas within your destination, and
day trips to nearby places of interest.
For all of these short transports, you have a choice: arrange a mode of hired transportation, like Uber, a taxi, or a private driver, or utilize public transportation.
AS A CURRENT CITY-DWELLER, I ALWAYS RECOMMEND TAKING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
But I realize that navigating public transportation is a skillset that’s usually learned through direct experience.
I lived in New York City for three years, a city that forced me to use a highly complex subway, bus, and long-distance train system daily.
A lot of Americans have never lived in a metro area that relied so heavily on public transportation, though.
Even in cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, and Atlanta, which all have public transportation systems, the suburban geography makes car travel much more popular.
That was my inspiration for writing this post: to help readers understand the basics of Europe’s public transportation systems so that they could more easily get around during their travels.
The more I thought about it, though, I realized that Europe’s public transport is a unique element of the fabric of life in Europe.
IT’S SOMETHING THAT EVERY VISITOR SHOULD EXPERIENCE FIRSTHAND.
In fact, some destinations have such distinct modes of public transport that trying them out is a must - London’s iconic double-decker buses, Lisbon’s bright yellow trams, and Venice’s vaporetto water bus.
Here’s my explainer on how to use public transportation in Europe, the pitfalls to avoid, and little ways to make it more enjoyable.
How to Navigate European Public Transportation
My Top Transportation Resources
🚃 Omio | Omio specializes in transportation options such as trains and buses. It’s perfect for travelers who want to find the best routes and prices quickly. Whether you're planning to take a scenic ferry from Tallin to Helsinki or catch a bus from Lisbon to Porto, Omio lets you easily compare all options in one place. Their user-friendly platform will highlight deals and discounts, and the Omio mobile app allows for booking on the go.
🛎️ Blacklane | Blacklane provides premium chauffeur services across Europe, making it a top choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Whether you need a reliable airport transfer or a stylish intercity transport, Blacklane offers a fleet of luxury vehicles driven by professional chauffeurs. Their booking platform is user-friendly, allowing you to reserve rides in advance with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. With flexible scheduling and 24/7 availability, Blacklane ensures a seamless travel experience.
Types of Public Transportation in Europe
If you want to skip to the navigation how-tos, click here.
YOU WILL ENCOUNTER SEVERAL TYPES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN EUROPE.
Trains are the biggest category, but there are also buses, ferries, and cable transports.
Here’s a quick summary of the most common types of public transportation.
Long-Distance Trains
Simply put, trains are any multi-passenger car that travels on a fixed rail.
Long distance trains travel between cities and countries, similar to the Amtrak train network in the U.S.
These trains are usually owned and operated by a national railway company, like Deutsche Bahn in Germany or SNCF, France’s state-owned railway company.
LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN TRAVEL IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE MODES OF GETTING AROUND EUROPE.
Long-distance train travel is one of my favorite modes of getting around Europe.
The pre-travel process is a lot less hectic or involved than with air travel, and train stations are often located in the heart of a city.
The security screening process is more relaxed than at airports, though you can expect a traditional baggage scanning process for Spanish high speed trains and traveling on the Eurostar.
These trains are often newer and travel at the highest speeds across Europe.
On-board, long-distance trains typically have first and second class cabins, and a variety of seating options, like compartments, open seating, and seats with tables.
Regional Trains
In contrast to long-distance trains, regional rail networks serve a combination of urban and suburban destinations in a specific regional area.
Because they serve more small-town destinations, travel between two major cities on these trains will often take longer.
These trains usually have fewer amenities than long-distance trains.
(That’s code for “no onboard cafè car.” Pack your own snacks! 🍫)
Commuter Rail
Somewhere between a Regional Train and the urban subway system is a category known as commuter rail.
The network is larger than a city’s subway system and often connects to important suburbs outside of the city.
But it’s still focused on connecting these destinations into some urban center, rather than a regional train, which travels between two urban centers.
Throughout German-speaking countries, these trains are often called S-Bahns, while in French-speaking countries they are known as the Réseau Express Régional, or RER trains.
They’re often associated with suburban commuters who travel into the city center for work, but these trains are also most likely to transport you to places of interest outside the city-center, like the Palace of Versailles outside Paris.
Subway Trains
The subway is synonymous with major urban centers.
We often associate subway systems with their network of underground tunnels, but they can also be above ground trains as well.
Their defining characteristic is that they’re limited to the city limits of a particular metro area.
IN MY OPINION, SUBWAYS ARE OFTEN THE BEST CHOICE FOR GETTING YOU FROM ONE PART OF A CITY TO ANOTHER.
The trains themselves are not very fancy, though.
In fact, some cities in Europe still have subway cars in operation that use old-fashioned mechanical door handles.
Trams
Trams, also known as streetcars or, in German-speaking countries, straßenbahns, are train-like in that they travel on a fixed track, but different from subways in that those tracks are run on urban streets.
They have to share these roadways with regular car traffic, so trams may be a bit more prone to delays.
Trams or streetcars travel on fixed tracks that run on urban streets.
If you’re not a fan of underground tunnels or subways, trams can be a fantastic alternative that allow you to see the sights of a city as you ride them.
The trams in Lisbon, Portugal, are famous for their bright yellow livery and scenic routes.
Just like subways, trams are typically not very fancy.
Buses
Because they don’t run a fixed rail or track, buses are the most flexible form of public transportation.
They kind of get a bad rap, though.
Amongst my friends who are the most fervent public transportation supporters, suggesting we take the bus is often met with groans.
It just doesn’t read as “chic urbanite” like with other forms of transport.
The one major exception, of course, are the iconic red, double-decker buses of London.
I LOVE USING THIS BUS SYSTEM WHENEVER I VISIT LONDON, AND YES, THE VIEW IS BETTER FROM THE TOP LEVEL!
London’s iconic double-decker buses ferry residents and tourists alike all across the UK capital.
Much like trains, buses can cater to all types of regional trips.
Intra-city buses can carry you across various points in a city, while long-distance buses can help you travel between two cities with less-than-stellar direct train options, like Prague to Berlin.
I’VE NOTICED THAT THE COMFORT AND AMENITY LEVEL OF THE BUS ITSELF TENDS TO IMPROVE AS THE DISTANCE COVERED INCREASES.
That means you should expect very little from city buses; they aren’t designed for you to be on them very long.
An inter-city bus, like those offered by RegioJet, should be more upscale, with plush seats and outlets for charging devices.
Water Bus or Ferry
Many of Europe’s capital cities were built along the banks of major rivers, and those waterways are still a great way to quickly get around the city.
The most famous water bus system is probably Venice's vaporetto, but other major cities like London and Berlin also use ferries.
Italy’s vaporetto, or water bus, is a must-try when visiting the waterside city.
It’s important to research the various options in your destination, though.
You want to be sure that the boats cruising up and down the river are indeed public transport and not leisure or sightseeing cruises.
Cable Transport
Aerial trams, gondola lifts, cable cars and funiculars are all forms of transportation that rely on cables, as well as pulleys and load balancers.
Popular in mountainous regions and cities with steep hills, this is a kind of special class of public transportation that is common throughout Europe.
WHILE I MIGHT CONSIDER MYSELF RATHER INTREPID, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT CABLE TRANSPORTS THAT I JUST DON’T LOVE.
For one, it’s the height.
Cable transport is typically used to move you up or down an elevation, like a mountain or hill, and so it activates my latent fear of heights.
Having said that, it’s usually the quickest and yes, the safest method of transportation where offered.
IT'S JUST NOT MY FAVORITE.
The systems are built to conquer some natural terrain, so comfort is rarely on offer.
They do offer amazing aerial views, though, so if you don’t love heights either, focus on the horizon rather than over-your-shoulder peaks straight down.
Basics of Navigating Public Transportation
Below is a general outline of how to navigate public transportation.
IT’S AGNOSTIC TO THE METHOD OF TRAVEL, BE IT TRAIN, SUBWAY, OR BUS.
It’s always a good idea to research an overview of how the transit system works in your destination due to the little quirks of each system.
But this is how it generally works.
Step One: Find Your Route
There used to be a ton of separate apps for researching transit routes.
Luckily, these days, public transportation routes and timetables are mostly built into the two biggest mapping apps, Apple Maps and Google Maps.
RESEARCH YOUR ROUTE ON THESE APPS.
They will usually include walking directions to the station or stop where your public transport journey will begin.
Step Two: Pay the Fare
It used to be that you would have to buy a transit ticket from a vending machine at the station or stop where your journey began.
In some cities, though, the vending machines and transit tickets have been replaced by contactless payment directly at the turnstiles.
This is how it works in London.
IN OTHER CITIES, MOBILE TICKETING IS AVAILABLE VIA THE LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY’S MOBILE APP.
This allows you to purchase, store, and display your ticket on your phone, often scanning a QR code or showing the digital ticket to board.
Step Three: Find the Correct Platform or Travel Direction
Inside every transit station or stop, there are multiple platforms.
THIS IS BECAUSE EACH STATION OR STOP CAN HOST A MULTITUDE OF INDIVIDUAL ROUTES.
At large train stations, there are often more than twenty platforms for all of the arriving and departing trains.
Conversely, a small subway station will only have two platforms, often on opposite sides of the same track, with each side taking passengers in opposite directions on the same transit line.
Regardless of the type of station or stop, you need to find the correct platform.
At train stations, long-distance and regional trains are announced by their platform location.
It’s really easy to find the train you need.
IN A SUBWAY STATION, IT’S MORE COMMON THAT YOUR SUBWAY WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE DIRECTION IN WHICH IT IS HEADING.
The direction of a subway train is more important than the actual platform number when you’re traveling on a subway.
The directions on Apple Maps will say, for example, take the 4 train in the direction of Bagneux Lucie Aubrac.
Bagneux Lucie Aubrac is the final destination on the Paris Metro’s 4 train, traveling south.
Now, you don’t need to know which direction (north or south) you’re traveling, only that you’re heading closer to the terminating point on the Bagneux Lucie Aubrac side of the line.
In the station, you’ll find two signs - one directing passengers towards the 4 train in the direction of Bagneux Lucie Aubrac, and the other directing passengers towards the 4 train in the direction of Porte de Clignancourt.
Be mindful of which direction your train is heading in so that you don’t hop on a subway going in the opposite direction.
In all my years of taking public transportation, I can safely say that this is the number one mistake that folks make.
They find the right station, they follow signage to the correct subway line, and then they forget which direction they need to head in.
Is it a big deal?
Absolutely not!
Usually, you’ll ride for a couple stops until you realize you’re heading in the wrong direction, and then you’ll get off at the next station, switch to the other side of the line, and then hop on the right train.
It’s just annoying, and a bit of a time waste.
SO STAY VIGILANT IN THE STATION AND REMEMBER WHICH WAY YOU SHOULD BE HEADING!
Step Four: Be Alert and Watch for Your Stop
It’s easy to assume that all of the hard work is done once you fall into a seat.
Be alert – pickpockets are real and often target high-speed trains between airports and city centers, or subways near popular tourist attractions.
YOU ALSO NEED TO STAY AWARE OF THE STOPS IN ORDER TO EXIT THE TRAIN AT THE RIGHT TIME.
Transit directions on Apple Maps will include the names of the stops in between boarding and exit, so follow along to be sure you don’t miss your stop.
This is the second most common mistake that folks make, but just like choosing the wrong direction, it’s easy to correct.
Simply get off at the stop after the one you missed, and train it back to your correct stop.
Step Five: Find the Right Exit
Just as finding the right station is important, so too is exiting in the direction closest to your intended destination.
MAPPING APPS ARE GETTING A LOT BETTER ABOUT INCLUDING THIS INFORMATION IN DIRECTIONS.
You’ll see a note in the walking directions that says “Exit towards Boulevard Saint-Germain,” for example.
While it’s not the end of the world if you take the wrong exit, be aware that in certain cities it can add a lot of extra walking to your final destination.
Things to Remember When Using Public Transportation
Route Changes or Detours due to Construction or Maintenance
Much like in the U.S., aging infrastructure requires frequent repairs.
While major route changes should be noted in apps like Apple Maps or Google Maps, smaller changes may only be announced in-station with posted placards.
Be aware of these notices if a train is taking particularly long to arrive.
Always Be Aware
Aside from keeping an eye out for route disruption notices, it’s always a good idea to be aware when traveling.
As mentioned before, popular public transportation routes make prime targets for pickpockets and petty thieves.
THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT A BIT OF AWARENESS AND BASIC PRECAUTIONS WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARD PROTECTING YOU.
Be sure to secure wallets, phones, and valuables and close or zip up bag openings.
Transit Strikes Happen
It takes a lot of people to make a transit system run, from train, tram, and bus drivers to ticket inspectors and maintenance workers.
AND EVERY SO OFTEN, THEY STRIKE FOR BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS OR HIGHER WAGES.
Transit strikes highlight a major difference in the power of labor between Europe and the U.S.
I’d honestly never experienced such a travel disruption due to a strike at home in the U.S.
But as much as travel is about picking up new experiences from different cultures, this one is probably low on your list.
Keep an eye on the news in your destination about a week before your departure.
The good thing about transit strikes is that they are splashed all over the news well in advance of the planned service disruption.
Non-English Signage
Try to familiarize yourself with key transit terms in the local language of your destination.
Words like train, platform, stop, arriving, departing, direction, via, etc.
Also keep in mind that travel signage in parts of the Balkans, like Sofia, Bulgaria and Belgrade, Serbia, are in the Cyrillic alphabet.
IN THOSE SITUATIONS, I RECOMMEND DOWNLOADING THE GOOGLE TRANSLATE APP, WHICH HAS A FEATURE TO TRANSLATE TEXT VIA A PHOTO FROM YOUR CAMERA.
If all else fails, ask a local – most urbanites have been lost on public transit themselves at one time or another and are happy to help.
Public Transportation Doesn’t Go Everywhere
It can be a bit baffling to the American mind, because we often equate Europe with very robust public transportation.
However there are some areas where public transportation does not travel, or routes are not as plentiful.
Traveling through parts of the Czech Republic will be quicker via bus than train, for example.
And parts of Switzerland require seemingly out-of-the-way routes because of the constraints of building train tracks in the Alps.
Always do your research before a trip, and be flexible and open to alternative modes of transport.
Public Transportation isn’t Always the Best Option
If you’re traveling with a large group, then a hired car may be a much better option than corralling multiple friends on the train.
That’s also true if you’re traveling with extra or oversized baggage – a hired car will be a much more comfortable experience.
I remember one night in the Covent Garden station in the London Tube, watching a group of tourists grow tired waiting for the elevator and deciding to take the stairs, full-sized checked baggage in tow.
Covent Garden station doesn’t have an escalator.
And it’s really far underground.
Using Public Transportation also involves navigating into and out of stations. If you have a lot of luggage, consider taking a hired car instead.
I’d been using that Tube station all week and knew from a sign on the other side of the platform that those stairs had 193 steps, equivalent to fifteen stories.
A LITTLE BIT OF RESEARCH COULD HAVE SAVED THEM FROM SUCH AN ARDUOUS CLIMB - WITH LUGGAGE.
That cautionary tale is also why it’s a good idea to map out the nearest station to your hotel and ensure that it’s accessible and on the transit lines you’re most likely to use.
Bring Snacks
My go-to travel recommendation:
If you’re traveling on a long-distance train or bus, be sure to pack a bottle of water and a few basic snacks.
A cafè car on a České dráhy train bound for the Czech Republic.
Even if you’ve been promised on-board refreshments, it’s always a good idea to pack a snack.
You never know when a cafè car may be out of order or unavailable.
Conclusion
Using the public transportation offered in your destination is an easy and low-cost way to experience daily life and rhythms of the place.
And it doesn’t need to be difficult to navigate!
FOR ONE, THERE ARE MULTIPLE MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
Mix it up and try something unexpected, like a water bus or a funicular.
Remember the basics of navigation, regardless of the mode of transportation you use.
Know where you want to go, understand the line or route that will get you there, and be sure to travel in the correct direction of your destination.
Be sure to properly pay for your fare, too, whether that’s via credit card at a turnstile, or a ticket machine in the station’s entrance.
Most of all, though, enjoy the ride!
That’s all for now.
xx,
Angela
YOU’LL ALSO LOVE…