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The best holidays that use public transport

By Val Garibotti on 18th June, 2024

What are the best holidays you can go on that use public transportation?

In some countries, the best way to travel is to share the public transport with the locals.

Yes a private transfer when you land in your destination is the best way to kick off your holiday, but sometimes, taking the public transport is the most efficient way to move around. Plus, it will be a more memorable experience, living the life of a local.

You simply cannot skip taking the bullet train in Japan, or the subway in Singapore. So hop on and enjoy the ride!

SINGAPORE

Confession: every tour I’ve ever taken in Singapore has used public transport. All the sights I’ve seen on my own: also public transport. A car to and from the airport is the fastest and most comfortable option but for everything else, the easy-to-use, air-conditioned, affordable public transport system is the way to go.

Singapore is a small nation with a great subway system (the MRT) along with buses that are a breeze if you download one of the free apps that figure out the details for you. Paying is easy with a tourist card that covers all public transport for 1, 2, or 3 days, or the new tap to pay option.

From the historic colonial district to the family fun zone of Sentosa, Chinatown to Kampong Gelam, Little India to the Botanical Garden, the Merlion to Marina Bay Sands, hawker centers to the Supertrees, it’s all accessible by public transport and your own two feet.  Singapore is one of the best holidays where you can use public transport.

If you’re trying to pack a lot into a short amount of time or you have a young family with you, then a car and driver will make the most of your time. If it’s one or two of you, then join the many Fleewinter travellers who started their Singapore stopovers with a guided tour using public transport. You’ll tick off a few must-see and unexpected spots and say farewell to your guide with the confidence to explore on your own.

JAPAN

Japan’s public transportation is one of the most efficient and convenient in the world for several reasons: high frequency, affordability, extreme punctuality, and an extensive network offered throughout the country.

From bullet trains to ferries, local trains, subways, cable cars, and buses, while in Japan, you can get anywhere you need using public transportation.

The system is extremely well-organized and renowned for its cleanliness, safety, and advanced technology. Significant investments are made by the government to maintain this system.

A few years ago, Kyu-Shirataki Station made global headlines for staying open to bring one girl to school. For these reasons, we love Japan’s public transportation system.

All our Japan itineraries use it instead of expensive private transfer fares, and our clients love it too!

SRI LANKA

CHLE AND ARGENTINA

Ok, if you ask us if a bus journey is better than a domestic flight, we will probably say no. Distances are just too long, and who fancies being in a bus for 17 hours to go from Buenos Aires to Iguazu?

However, if you are combining the two countries, taking a bus from Argentina to Chile cannot be beaten. You can criss cross between the two countries by land in the north, between Santiago and Mendoza, and it Patagonia, making it so easy and effortless to combine two holidays in one. Plus, the public transport network is very good, the buses are fairly comfortable and border crossing is normally quite efficient.

Val has just been to South America and this is what she had to say: ‘A bus from Salta to San Pedro de Atacama was one of my trip’s highlights. The sunrise over the immense landscapes of the Altiplano was so beautiful, it will stay with me forever. The bus was comfortable and not too busy so I could really stretch my legs. The 10 hours went very quickly, including a couple spent at the border crossing. It was cold though, so bring layers as we were at almost 5,000 m.a.s.l. And bring snacks and drinks to keep hydrated, as these are not offered on all bus routes. Other than this, enjoy the spectacular views and the company of fellow adventurers’.

Written by Val Garibotti

Top Travel Tip

“Travel is about discovery and digging under the surface of a country. Take your time, go off the beaten track and plan ahead if you can.”

– Valeria Garibotti – Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay expert