Anyone who has traveled to a big city knows that getting there is only half the battle. Navigating new urban areas can be overwhelming and expensive if you aren’t prepared. That’s why the travel planning company Omio has researched transportation options across major European cities to come up with a list of the places that are easiest to get around in.
Omio’s study looked at public transportation links, taxis, and shared mobility transport like shared bikes, scooters, and e-scooters available in 30 European cities. They also took into consideration the price of each mode of transportation to come up with a comprehensive ranking of cities with the most convenient and best-value urban transportation options. These are the top 5 European cities from the study that are the easiest to get around and have good public transportation.
1. Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland’s largest city topped the ranking in this study. Zurich has plenty of public transportation options, with 15 tram lines, 4 commuter train lines, and 67 bus routes to whisk locals and tourists across the city. The network is efficient and extensive, making travel within Zurich a breeze. The Zurich Airport is also well connected to public transport, making the need for a car obsolete for anyone staying within the city. Trains from the airport to the city’s main train station come every 10 minutes and take just 15 minutes.
2. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a world leader when it comes to shared transportation. Germany’s capital city has tons of options when it comes to sharing programs for e-scooter, bikes, and motorscooters. According to Omio’s study, there are 16 different companies to choose from! Visitors traveling short distances within the city can choose from companies like Lime, Bird, or Tier. Anyone wanting to use a shared bike or scooter can download the relevant company’s app to locate, pay for, and unlock a bike or scooter. Just be sure not to ride on sidewalks or in pedestrian zones, or you will face a fine.
3. Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital of Vienna is not only well-connected, but it also has affordable transportation choices. Taxi rates are reasonable, as are the shared mobility options. With 2 bike share providers, 7 e-scooter, and 3 motor scooter companies to choose from, getting around without a car is easy. Tickets on the city’s public transportation cost just $2.50, and the average price of a shared motor scooter is just $5.50.
4. Milan, Italy
Milan is a good option for travelers who are looking to get around on the cheap. The city’s Metro offers a tourist pass allowing visitors to explore Milan using the metro, tram, or bus system for an affordable price. A three-day MilanoCard is $20 and includes $5 towards a taxi and a free coffee. The Milano Card also provides discounts at some of the city’s top attractions and can be customized to also include airport transfers at an additional cost.
5. Paris, France
Visitors to Paris will be able to see all of the city’s top sights via the intricate RATP system, which includes an efficient metro and an extensive bus network. You’ll also find bike and e-scooter shares all over the city, with 11 different companies to choose from. Because there are so many shared mobility companies, the rates are competitive and are a great option for inner-city travel in Paris.
Other Cities That Are Easy To Navigate
Omio’s inner-city mobility study looked at transportation options across 30 top cities in Europe. Other cities that ranked in the top 10 for transport options and affordability include:
- Porto, Portugal
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Brussels, Belgium
- Warsaw, Poland
- Frankfurt am Main, Germany
