Navigating public transport in foreign cities can feel like the hardest part of arriving somewhere new. We’ve all had that moment: standing in a station, trying to match a map to a platform, and wondering if we’re about to go the wrong way.
The good news is we don’t need to “know everything” to get it right. With a small amount of prep and a few habits, we can move around almost any city with confidence—whether it’s a metro in Tokyo, a subway in New York, the Tube in London, or a tram network in Melbourne.
Below is the approach we use, step by step.
Learn the local transport “shape” first
Before we worry about ticket machines or platform numbers, we try to understand what kind of system the city runs on.
We ask:
- Is the metro/subway the main way people move around?
- Are buses the backbone instead?
- Do trams cover the centre and suburbs?
- Are ferries a normal part of commuting?
This one-step stops us from overthinking. In some cities, the metro will cover 90% of what we need. In others, we’ll use a mix—like metro plus bus, or tram plus walking.
If we’re arriving by plane, we also check the “airport to city” options early. It helps to know whether there’s an express train, a standard line, a bus, or a fixed-fare taxi system.
Read maps like a local (colours, codes, connections)
Most transport maps are designed to be simple once we know what to look for.
Here’s what we focus on:
- Line colours: Each line is usually a colour, and that colour shows up on signs at stations.
- End-of-line direction: Platforms are often labelled by the final station on the line, not by “north/south”.
- Transfer points: Big interchange stations are where we change lines. We look for the “dots” where lines cross.
- Station codes/numbers: In cities with non-English names (or names that are hard to pronounce), station codes can save us. Tokyo is a classic example where codes make navigation faster.
A quick tip: we screenshot the network map (and our route) before leaving Wi‑Fi. Even if our phone drops out underground, we can still follow the plan.
Use apps for real-time directions and disruptions
Maps are great, but apps help with the parts that change: delays, closures, platform changes, and weekend works.
What we use most:
- Google Maps for step-by-step directions and live ETAs: https://www.google.com/maps
- City-specific transit apps (often more accurate for that city)
Apps are especially useful when:
- the system is complex (lots of lines and transfers)
- trains run with different patterns (express vs local)
- there are service changes (weekend trackworks, strikes, weather disruptions)
We also turn on alerts where we can. Getting a notification about a line closure before we walk into a station can save a lot of time.
Tickets, fares, and what to buy
Ticketing is where many travellers get stuck, because every city prices things differently.
Common fare styles we see:
- Flat fare (one price per ride, no matter the distance)
- Distance-based fare (the further we go, the more we pay)
- Zone-based fare (price depends on zones crossed)
- Peak/off-peak pricing (higher fares at busy times)
What we do on day one:
- Check whether a day pass makes sense for our planned activities.
- Check whether a stored-value card is cheaper than single tickets.
- Confirm whether we need to tap on and tap off.
If we’re unsure at the machine, we slow down and read it properly. Many machines have an English option, and if not, we use a translation app for the key buttons (like “single ticket”, “top up”, “destination”, “confirm”).
Tap-on cards and contactless systems
Contactless cards are often the simplest way to travel, and they usually come with small savings compared with paper tickets.
Why we like them:
- faster entry through gates
- easier transfers
- less time dealing with ticket machines
- simple top-ups at stations and convenience stores
What we watch for:
- Minimum balance rules: some systems won’t let us enter if the balance is too low.
- Tap off requirements: forgetting to tap off can trigger a higher charge or penalty fare.
- Card sharing: some systems don’t allow multiple people using one card at the same time.
If the city uses a well-known card (like Oyster in London or Suica in Tokyo), we try to buy it early—often at the airport station—so we’re set from the start.
Different rules for buses, trams, and ferries
In some places, buses and trams don’t work exactly like the metro.
We check:
- Do we tap on at the front door or at a reader inside?
- Do we need to tap off?
- Do we need to validate a paper ticket before boarding?
- Are seats reserved on some services?
- Is there a separate fare system for ferries?
This matters in cities where multiple operators run services. It’s also common for ferries to have their own ticketing rules, even if they feel like part of the same network.
Etiquette: how to blend in
Transport rules aren’t just about fares—they’re also about behaviour. Following local etiquette makes the whole trip smoother, and it helps us avoid awkward moments.
A few habits we stick to:
- Stand to the side so people can exit before we board.
- Keep our voice low on trains and trams.
- Avoid speakerphone calls.
- Keep bags off seats when it’s busy.
- If eating and drinking is discouraged, we don’t do it (especially in places like Tokyo and Singapore where quiet carriages are normal).
When we’re not sure, we copy what locals are doing. It’s usually the best guide.
Safety: stay alert without stressing
Public transport is generally safe, but we use a few simple rules that work in most cities.
What we do:
- Avoid empty carriages late at night. We choose a busier carriage, often closer to the driver or conductor area.
- Keep valuables low-key. We don’t flash jewellery, and we keep phones secure in crowds.
- Use zipped bags. In packed stations, we keep backpacks in front of us.
- Watch the doors. Crowded doors are where quick snatches can happen.
- Know our stop. We track progress on the app so we’re not distracted right before we exit.
If something feels off, we move carriages at the next stop or get off where it’s well-lit and populated.
Backup plans for late nights and service changes
A small backup plan prevents big headaches.
Our standard backup checklist:
- Screenshot our hotel address (and keep it in notes).
- Save a local taxi number or ride-share option.
- Check last train/bus times before going out.
- Know at least one “safe return” option (night bus line, main station route, or pre-booked transfer).
In many cities, services run less often on weekends or stop earlier than we expect. We always check this before we commit to a late dinner across town.
Make transport part of the experience
Some transport isn’t just a way to get somewhere—it is part of the trip.
A few examples we love:
- Water buses in Venice
- River boats in Bangkok
- Ferries in harbour cities
- Trams that cut through historic city centres
When we treat transport like an activity, we slow down and enjoy it rather than rushing through it. Occasionally, the best views are from the “commuter” ride.
Watch Our Video On Navigating Public Transport In Foreign Cities
