Getting Around on Public Transportation

So maybe your one of those people who likes to hoof it everywhere, but if your not, a little research regarding available public transportation options can be a worthwhile investment. I hate driving on vacation, so one of the things I love about European travel is the availability of public transportation. Europe has some of the greatest methods of conveyance, that can help save some wear and tear on your feet and zip you to your destination quickly. With a large number of their transportation systems supported by taxes levied on gas consumption and vehicle ownership, these options can also be light on your wallet compared to taking a taxi or renting a car.

During my initial research and planning phase for trips, I like to look into the major transportation options, so I will not have to rely on cabs or walk everywhere. These options can include trains, buses, tramway systems, subways, water taxis, and rickshaw/pedicabs. They can cover large and small distances, so make sure you determine which would be best for your given journey and preference. For example, in London if you will be travelling a route along the Thames from the City to Westminster, it would be cheaper and faster to use the Tube (Tower Hill to Westminster, £4). However, if you have time it may be more enjoyable to take a boat cruise(Tower to Westminster, £8).

Many cities provide descriptions of their transportation options online, which includes a map of coverage, pricing (between zones), and the hours of operation. It is important to look these up before you go to reduce the possibility for confusion when you get there, especially if you have to deal with a foreign language. In addition, some major metro's offer travel cards that can provide unlimited (or reduced fare) travel for a given time period (24, 48, 72 hours). If you think you will be using public transportation, these can be worthwhile. For more info on European public transportation options, see my previous blog entry European Transportation Know Before You Go...