Anyone who has travelled to a big city knows that getting there is only half the battle. Navigating an unfamiliar city centre can be overwhelming and expensive if you aren’t prepared. So, in this guide, we have detailed the 9 easiest European city train systems to get around on, in order for you to plan your next European city break…
No. 1 – Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm Public Transport provides convenient access to various destinations via subway, tram, bus, ferry, and commuter train services. A single ticket allowing 75 minutes of travel (there are also 24-hour, 72-hour, 7-day, and 30-day tickets available) can be purchased at the transport network customer service shops, through their app, or at turnstiles and onboard buses (which are cashless) using a credit card. If you are travelling with a young family, you will be delighted to know that parents with prams or pushchairs ride for free on Stockholm’s buses. To maintain a sustainable environment, many inner-city buses in Stockholm run on eco-friendly fuels. Additionally, Stockholm’s underground system is renowned as the world’s longest art gallery, with stations showing works by a diverse range of artists.
No. 2 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The efficient Amsterdam Metro is part of a synchronised multi-mode system incorporating trams and buses too. User-friendly touches include clearly marked English announcements and maps showing Metro, tram, and ferry routes all in one place. The compact city centre is also relatively walkable and bike-friendly, with stations never too far apart. Travellers can maximise their transport costs with the Amsterdam City Card, which offers unlimited access to the public transport system for 24, 48, or 72 hours. The travel network seamlessly connects neighbourhoods and extends to the greater Amsterdam area, making getting around the city straightforward and convenient.
No. 3 – Berlin, Germany
Berlin features a comprehensive public transport network with underground trains, light-rail trains, buses, and trams covering both the centre of the city itself and outlying districts. The subway system, which spans 146 kilometres and incorporates 173 stations, operates efficiently throughout the city. In addition, Berlin’s more than 20 streetcar lines, marked with a “tram” symbol, accompany the subway routes, specifically in the eastern part of the city. Notably, the U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains form the main artery of the capital’s super efficient public transit system. The U-Bahn is an underground subway system, while the S-Bahn runs overground, allowing seamless transfers that extend to buses and trams as well.
No. 4 – Copenhagen, Denmark
The efficient and modern Copenhagen Metro has made getting around the Danish capital a pleasure since it first opened in 2002. Driverless trains arrive every 2 to 4 minutes and announcements are made in Danish and English. The very reliable Metro, S-trains and buses (including waterbuses) are accessible with a single ticket based on the number of zones you pass. The S-trains serve the urban area, while the “Kystbanen” regional line connects Copenhagen to Elsinore. The yellow harbour buses navigate the harbour (a very popular tourist destination) with a regular bus ticket, and all three metro lines operate 24/7, ensuring convenient and efficient travel options for passengers. It is also seamless to connect to the S-Train regional rail network covering greater Copenhagen.
No. 5 – London, United Kingdom
One of the easiest city train systems to navigate is the London Underground, also known as “the tube”. London’s public transport system, managed by Transport for London (TfL), spans 9 fare zones and includes the metro, trains, DLR, trams, buses, cable cars, and boats, accommodating over 5 million passengers per day. With a Tube station in nearly every London neighbourhood and extensive railway connections, the capital boasts exceptional transport links. The iconic London Underground map is a design classic, making it simple to plan journeys across zones and lines. Most major sights are a short walk from a tube station. Additionally, National Rail facilitates suburban and cross-country travel, while the Overground and Elizabeth Line are convenient for moving within London. For trips outside the capital, National Rail offers local and national services. Ticket prices vary based on the destination and time of travel.
No. 6 – Paris, France
Another extremely tourist-friendly system is the Paris Métro. While each individual metro line has a number as opposed to a name, the maps are clear and stations are announced in multiple languages. Colour-coded lines and interconnecting nodes allow users to easily change between lines. The dense network of 14 different lines extends to all the popular districts and attractions that visitors want to get to during their stay.
No. 7 – Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s extremely well thought, transportation system combines conventional heavy railways with automated lighter trains, creating an integrated and easily understood grid. There are 12 colour-coded lines, and most major tourist areas have a station within a short five to ten minute walk. The maps clearly label station names and major interchange points for changing between lines, to make connections easier and quicker.
No. 8 – Moscow, Russia
While not specifically the easiest, the Moscow Metro ranks among the most attractive and visitor-friendly subway systems worldwide. The elaborate station decor and architecture can provide a memorable experience during your visit. The route maps have Russian and English labels, while the iconic brown cylindrical line signs are recognisable from afar. With a little orientation, the colour-coded radial spoke design reveals an orderly method for getting around Russia’s capital city.
No. 9 – Vienna, Austria
Another historic transit system that’s impressively organised is the Vienna U-Bahn. Austria’s capital is relatively compact, with just 5 U-Bahn lines augmented by bus, tram, and regional rail routes. For visitors, highlights include English announcements and displays, plus efficient signage and wayfinding. The city’s main travel hub, Wien Hauptbahnhof, is a major interchange for all modes of transport.
