Visit These International Cities If You Love Traveling by Train

One of the best ways to experience a new destination is by taking public transportation. And while the thought might sound intimidating — surely it would be easier to take an Uber, right? — there’s something undeniably satisfying about hoping aboard a subway or train car and successfully navigating the rails like a local. If an urban train journey sounds up your alley, you won’t want to miss a visit to these international cities renowned for their exceptional public transportation offerings.

Tokyo, Japan

Cited as having one of the best — and most efficient — public transportation networks in the world, in Tokyo, trains and subways aren’t a necessary evil, they’re the preferred way to get around. Between bullet trains, express trains, monorails and more, the entire city is interconnected, and public transport is a reliable way to get from point A to point B as Tokyo’s  nearly 300 stations touch almost every major hub travelers can think of. If the sheer size of this network has you feeling a little intimidated, don’t fret, everything can be accessed using one payment card, while detailed maps and timetables make finding the fastest, cheapest and most convenient route painless. And, if all else fails, you can always turn to Google Maps for guidance.

Sydney, Australia

Between trains, a light rail system and the Sydney Metro, getting around in The Land Down Under is a breeze — even for first-time visitors. “Sydney’s train network is an efficient way of traveling around the city,” said Tourism Australia on its website. “Take the City Circle to connect to the harbour ferries at Circular Quay, the retail precinct around Town Hall Station, and Central Station. Use the Trip Planner tool to map your route.” Payment is easy too, as all travelers need to do is purchase an Opal card or use a contactless credit card, debit card or mobile device to add funds to their account and start exploring The Harbour City.

Madrid, Spain

Reliable, speedy, safe and clean, Madrid’s public transport is commonly lauded as some of the best in all of Europe. Comprising the Madrid Metro, all-day bus service, a light rail service known as “Metro Ligero” and a regional train system called “Cercanías,” getting around this vibrant metropolis is easy-peasy for sightseers and locals alike. Ideal for day trips, vacationers can even take the train to popular attractions on the outskirts of town including the Guadarrama Mountains and nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez and El Escorial.

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Hong Kong, China

From the moment they touch down at the airport to helping them discover every nook and cranny of Asia’s World City, Hong Kong’s robust transit system can be relied upon to seamlessly shuttle riders throughout town with ease. Quick and efficient, the city’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR) makes stops at each of the destination’s major districts — including the border of Hong Kong and Mainland China. Similarly, MTR manages a light rail system with service from Yuen Long and Tuen Mun, popular stops in the region’s New Territories where visitors will find monasteries, nature reserves, plazas and more.

London, England

While fans of trains and public transportation probably already have London on their travel wish list, it’s worth reiterating that the city is home to one of the most comprehensive — and most highly-rated — rail systems in the world. As the most populous and diverse metropolis in England, London is home to no shortage of worthwhile attractions, and the London Underground, London Overground and the area’s suburban rail services are all great ways to get from one place to the next with ease.

Paris, France

Want to get across the City of Lights in a dash? Look no further than the high-speed trains of France to get the job done. With six major train stations, Paris has a wide-reaching rail system that serves inter-city, domestic and international routes. In addition to being extremely effective, Paris’ train stations are surprisingly stunning with many dating to the mid-to-late 1800s and early 1900s, and featuring head turning architectural details like soaring ceilings, ornate light fixtures and moody stained glass. And honestly, we would expect nothing less from our Parisian friends!

Oslo, Norway

In Norway, sightseeing is as relaxing as it is spectacular thanks to the country’s collection of award-winning scenic railway lines departing from Oslo, the capital city. Organized in a fan-like shape, the destination’s impressive public transportation network connects the area’s major cities including places like Kristiansand in the south, Bodø in the Arctic Circle and neighboring Scandinavian capitals Stockholm and Copenhagen. In addition to being a handy way to hop from one chilly locale to the next, rail travel in Norway is downright beautiful thanks to routes that chug past ancient mountains, scenic fjords, sprawling countryside and sparkling lakes and waterways.