European Transportation, Know Before You Go

So now that you have your destination picked out, have you figured out how to get around? Before I begin formalizing my itinerary, I like to familiarize myself with the layout of a city and learn how to use available public transportation (trams, light rail, buses, and subways) to get between sites. Once I have a clear understanding of the available routes, I can begin to group the sites together in geographic clusters that make sense. You do not want to bounce between sites, crisscrossing a city, it is much more convenient to walk to locations within close proximity to one another and use public transportation to get to the major geographic clusters. Not only will this strategy save you time and money, but it will also reduce the wear and tear on your feet. 

Below you will find resources for some of the major cities in Europe, including route/journey planners and public transit maps, that may be useful for your own planning process. If your destination is not included, do an internet search on "[INSERT NAME OF CITY] Journey Planner" or  "[INSERT NAME OF CITY] metro Map." The government provided planning resources tend to be the most accurate, often reporting delays and closures due to construction or accidents. In addition, if you use an iPod/iPad or have a WiFi enabled Android phone, look for route planning apps that you can use at your hotel or internet cafes.

Amsterdam
Amsterdam Route Planner
Amsterdam Metro Map 
Berlin
Berlin Journey Planner
Berlin Metro Map 
Brussels
Brussels Router Planner
Brussels Metro Map 
London
London Underground (Tube) Map
London Docklands Light Railroad (DLR) Map
London Oyster Rail Map
London Visitor's Map
London Journey Planner 
Munich
Munich Metro Map
Munich Journey Planner 
Paris
Paris Route Planner
Paris Metro Map 
Rome
Rome Metro Map 
Rome Route Planner 
Zurich
Zurich Transportation Map 
European Rail Planning Sites
French Rail Planner
Swiss Travel Planner
German Rail Planner (great for all European train travel)