Public Transportation – How To Ride Trains and Buses

American’s Love Cars – Not Public Transportation

We love our cars in the United States. Unless you live in the middle of a very big city, chances are good that you own your own car and drive most places, avoiding public transportation. By contrast, there are many countries around the world where most people rely on government-sponsored public transportation.

Cast your misconceived beliefs about public transportation aside. The quicker you get over your fear of “getting around like a local” the better and easier your travel experiences will be.  

Public Transporation is Vital Across the World

In many parts of the world cars are way too expensive for the average person to own. In some places, (I’m talking to you, Europe), taxes make gasoline prohibitively expensive.

Some eco-conscious countries have done a great job of making public transportation simple and affordable to help offset carbon emissions.

Parking, especially in major cities, can be a huge hassle and expense. I nearly fell out of our rental car when I found out a few hours of parking in downtown Brussels cost 25 Euros.

Vacation Driving Can Be Tricky

Driving outside the United States can be incredibly stressful.

In some countries:

• You’re forced to drive on the wrong side of the road while sitting on the wrong side of the car
• You might not understand complex (or easy) driving laws
• Kilometers don’t translate easily into miles so you often have no idea how fast you’re really going, or how long it will take to get to your destination
• You might be bad at navigation
• Your travel companion might be directionally challenged, a backseat driver, unhelpful or even condescending
• There can be never-ending tolls, roundabouts, parking fees and other unexpected expenses
• You might encounter aggressive cops who don’t speak English and demand “fines” be paid in cash and on the spot

In the biggest of all travel nightmares . . . you get in an accident in a rental car in a foreign country and you didn’t buy insurance.  

There are places I would never consider driving. Egypt is at the top of my list. Downtown Paris would be a close second.

I recently drove 1,200 miles across Romania, which is a country notorious for aggressive drivers and narrow roads. It required an enormous amount of attention on my part, but we returned the brand new rental car without a scratch!

Sometimes a Car is Great

That being said there are plenty of places where having a car is a delightful experience. The Romantic Road that cuts through Germany is one trip that comes to mind. The south of Spain is also easy to navigate and beautiful to visit.

However, if there’s an option between public transportation or car travel, I’ll choose public transportation 90% of the time.

When traveling outside of the United States, and sometimes within, trains, subways and buses are the easiest, cheapest and least stressful way to get around. 

Public Transportation . . . What’s That?

Unless you’re a big city dweller or a college student, relying on public transportation is probably a foreign concept to you.

If you’ve grown up in the car culture of the United States, I’d guess you haven’t been given a lot of opportunities to take public transportation. It’s not your fault . . . bus, train and subway options aren’t easily accessible across much of our beautiful country.

If you’re uneasy about taking public transportation in a foreign country, it’s probably because you’ve not had very many opportunities to ride trains and buses at home.

I’m here to help.

Train Travel is the Best

One of my favorite things to do is travel by train. Although there’s a train system in my hometown of Salt Lake City, I only take it once or twice a year.

Why?

Because it’s about 30 minutes faster for me to drive anywhere the train goes.

I would love nothing more than the freedom and flexibility to take the train to work, but it would take me a full 40 minutes longer to ride the train than it takes to drive. Plus it’s way more expensive. 

Our Government Doesn’t Focus on Public Transportation

I don’t feel bad that I drive everywhere either.

In the United States we drive. It’s who we are. It’s what we do.

Gas is cheap and cars are an extension of our personality.

If the government wanted us to take public transportation, they’d make it a little easier and cheaper for us to do so.

Instead, our government chooses to invest in roads. Our future technology is tied up in developing self-driving, electric cars.

Our government isn’t interested in massive public transportation projects . . . if they were we’d have more options.

We Could Use a Better Train System

I suspect those visiting from foreign countries find it odd that we don’t have a quick and efficient passenger train system that links Los Angeles to Salt Lake City or Denver to Las Vegas. Having been all over the world, I can tell you that it’s strange we don’t have a high-speed passenger train from San Diego to Seattle linking Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco and Portland.

I’m not talking Amtrak. I’m talking bullet train.

Instead, we fly. Or drive.

Other Governments Focus on Public Transportation

I’ve found that other governments around the world HAVE focused on public transportation.

In many countries you can get to the smallest towns by train or bus. Connections are quick, accommodations are comfortable and travel is relatively inexpensive (except in Great Britain, they seem quite proud of their extensive and expensive public transportation system).

In big cities across the world, trains are frequent and stations are indoor, comfortable places to shop, eat and wait. Many train stations throughout Europe are a destination themselves . . . gorgeous public art museums masquerading as transportation hubs. 

Conquer Your Fear of Public Transportation

If you’re a typical American, I’d guess you’re unfamiliar or even afraid of bus or train travel.

If you’ve never taken public transportation I’d suggest you drive to your closest big city, park your car at a commuter parking lot and “practice” riding the bus and/or train around town. You’ll be less likely to get lost if you recognize where you’re at.

I bet you end up having fun.

Bus Travel 

I’ve taken the bus through big and small cities all across the United States and in countries all over the world. (I’m not a millennial, for me Uber is a last-ditch option.) Regardless of where in the world you are, there are a few things that are consistent about bus travel.

Once you understand these similarities, you’ll be less anxious to hop on board.

Learn How To Buy Bus Fare

Bus drivers don’t carry change and shouldn’t be treated like a bank. Your job is to show up at the bus with the exact bus fare in cash or a pre-purchased ticket. 

When you have exact change you can always buy your ticket on the bus from the driver. If you’re outside of the United States you can usually buy an individual ticket or books of tickets at a “Tobacco Shop” or another convenience store (kind of like our 7-11 or Circle K, but without gas pumps).

If you’re planning to take several bus trips, I’d recommend buying several tickets at once. 

Some cities have built great websites or apps that allow you to buy your bus fare online. Others offer a scannable pass that’s good for a week, or a long-term transportation pass you can top off as the funds run low.

I encourage you to do your research. Ultimately only you can decide what kind of transportation pass is best for you. 

When all else fails, have the exact change for the driver. A quick Google search will tell you how much bus fare costs.

Locating the Bus Stop

Finding the bus stop is usually the most challenging part of any trip, especially if all the signs around you are in a foreign language in itty-bitty print.

I’ve found the easiest way to find any bus stop is to make a Google Map from my current location to my final destination and then select the Public Transportation option (it’s located between driving and walking, looks like a trolley).

The map will populate, which not only gives walking directions to the bus stop but also allows you to follow along with the bus route. This is especially convenient if you suspect the bus driver might be a kidnapper . . . if he goes off course you’ll know to get off the bus immediately!

The Google Map will get smaller as you go along, making it easy to see how many stops you have before you need to exit the bus.

Most Bus Drivers Are Helpful

Bus drivers are not taxi drivers, but I’ve found most bus drivers to be helpful if I smile at them when I verify I’m headed the right direction as I board.

I’ve only met one rude driver, in Venice of all places.

When I asked if I was getting on a bus headed the right direction, instead of answering my question, in perfect English he snapped, “I am not a taxi driver.”

Geesh, a simple yes or no would have been fewer words for him to shout at me.

New Orleans Streetcar Drivers are . . . Um . . .

I just realized that I’m a liar. I’ve taken the streetcar all over New Orleans and those drivers are consistently, frighteningly unpleasant.

In their defense, they’re driving drunk tourists through a hot and muggy city. I might be a little grouchy too.

Confirm You’re Headed the Right Drection

When I get on the bus I’ll attempt to confirm with the driver that I’m headed in the right direction.

90% of the time the driver will keep an eye on me and remind me to get off at the correct stop.

I always thank the bus driver when exiting the bus. I know to them they’re just at “work” but I think bus drivers have a difficult job dealing with a wide variety of personalities while maneuvering huge buses up and down busy, narrow city streets.

Somehow they do this without hitting objects or people. #heroes

Almafi Coast . . . Wow!

If you want to see true bus driver skill, take a bus ride around the Amalfi Coast. Holy Crap.

Train and Subway Travel – My Favorite Public Transporatation

Train and/or subway travel is similar to bus travel, although you’ll never interact with the driver. 

Note: I’m going to use the terms Train and Subway interchangeably throughout this section. Although there are differences between train and subway travel, the processes of riding are similar.

Head Down, Underground

Buses are a bit more convenient as you can pick them up anywhere at street level. For subway or train travel, you’ll need to get yourself to a subway or train station, which you’ll find strategically located throughout the city.

You’ll buy your ticket or pass from a human or a machine, using cash or credit card. Then, you’ll validate your ticket before you proceed through the gates and enter the subway or train system, some of which are deep, deep into the ground.

I’m talking where the rats live. Ewww. 

Validate Your Ticket

I’ve witnessed many, many people all around the world get busted by Metro Police for not having or not validating their subway tickets. Watching their interactions I’ve never seen, “I didn’t know I was supposed to validate my ticket” work as an answer.

The fine for not having or not validating your ticket can be enormous and sometimes must be paid on the spot.

The Metro Police, who are usually dressed head-to-toe in blue, are sneaky. They pop into your car right after the train gets going and there’s no way to escape. If you run, they’ll chase you and the doors are closed so there’s no way to jump. 

My recommendation? Always buy and validate your ticket. 

I Prefer Subway Travel

I think subway travel is easier than bus travel.

Before you head down into the depths of the subway station, make a Google Map and pay attention to the colors (most subway lines are helpfully color-coordinated). Once you scan your ticket and pass through the gates, follow the signs to your color-coded platform.

MAKE SURE YOU GET ON THE TRAIN HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

The hardest part about subway or train travel is making sure you’re on the train headed toward your stop, not away from it.

Starting and Ending Points Are Important

All trains have a starting and ending point.

Although your final destination likely isn’t at the “end of the line”, you’ll still need to know the name of the final station on your route. As the train approaches your stop, you’ll notice that the name of its final station will be on its marquee, not the name of your stop that’s somewhere along the way. 

If you’re riding around a huge subway system, you’ll discover there are multiple ways to get to your destination. As you feel more comfortable, experiment going on alternate routes and experience some different stations. If you ever find you’ve headed the wrong way, hop off and catch the next train going the right way. (In most big cities trains run every 5-10 minutes). 

Watch the Light-Up Map

Most trains have a light-up map inside the car showing you which direction you’re headed and what stop is next.

You can also follow along on your phone using Google Maps.

If you’re going the wrong way your phone will “reroute” which is a good sign you should hop off at the next stop and try again.

I Go The Wrong Way All The Time . . . It’s Not a Big Deal

I get on trains going the wrong way all the time. I’ve also missed my stop many, many times. Usually it’s because I’m gossiping and having a good time with my pals.

It’s never any trouble or drama. We have a good laugh, hop off and take the next train back. 

Don’t Be a Target

Unless I’m approaching a uniformed employee, I try really hard not to ask for help at train stations or on the subway, relying more on my phone and my ability to read subway maps (I’ve never been lost in a subway). Asking a stranger for help makes you a target for pickpockets. Make a point to act confident and bored, no one will pay any attention to you.

I’ve never been pickpocketed, mugged or robbed on a train. It’s a little bit of luck, plus I follow these tips:  

• If you’re traveling with luggage, keep it near you

• Flip your backpack around and hug it to your chest 

• Make sure your purse is zipped closed and tucked tight under your arm

• Money goes inside your shirt

• Zip up any jacket pockets 

• If you have a big sparkle ring flip it around so only the band shows 

• Keep your conversations quiet and respectful 

• Give up your seat to the elderly and pregnant women

The Drama of Being Left Behind

If you’re traveling with a group there’s always a chance that someone might get shut out of the subway door, or accidentally get tousled out of a car.

Make a plan that everyone agrees to follow if someone gets left behind.

I’d suggest that everyone get off at the next stop and wait until the group is reunited. If everyone has a working cell phone this issue isn’t as disastrous as it once was, but it’s still a good idea to make a plan so no one goes missing permanently.

FlixBus

If there’s a FlixBus going between two cities you’re visiting, take it!

FlixBus is an easy, simple, safe and inexpensive transportation option and I hope the business model takes off in the United States.

Before the pandemic, I was very excited to see a bright green FlixBus going between Los Angeles and San Diego, and a few weeks ago I saw a FlixBus near my suburban SLC neighborhood at a gas station.

As an added bonus FlixBus seats are usually cheap enough that if you want your own “row” a second seat is inexpensive to buy. 

Public Transportation Sounds Germy

If you still can’t bring yourself to take public transportation, renting a car, hiring a taxi, or getting a rideshare are always options. However, I sincerely hope that you try to widen your horizons.

Once you master public transportation your world travels become much more accessible and affordable.

Wouldn’t the money you spent on an overpriced taxi be better spent on a nice dinner or a new pair of comfortable shoes?

Our Uber Ride Across London

We once took an Uber from Gatwick to Heathrow. Our Bulgarian driver had a big personality and loudly complained about all the other bad drivers by pointing his finger at the offender and shouting, “In my country we kill you . . . ”.

Between shouting at the other drivers and driving aggressively through the roundabouts, our driver confusingly described in great detail why The Notebook was his favorite American movie. At one point he may have started to cry.

I don’t want to imply that other modes of transportation don’t have merit or value. This $50 Uber ride across London was one of the more entertaining experiences I’ve ever had and although he passed our hotel several times, he never threatened to kill us.

Although next time, I think I’ll take the bus.

I’d love to hear about your public transportation experiences. Post a picture and hashtag #publictransportation. Let’s encourage everyone to get on board!

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The Art of Travel (TAOT) ~ Written by Kylie, a huge thanks to Unsplash for providing these awesome photos.