Free Public Transport for Tourists: Luxurious Holiday Destinations That Won't Break the Bank – Including a Hidden Gem in London

• In one costly US winter resort, tourists can even take their skis onboard for free
• READ MORE: The best-value holiday destination for Brits in 2025 revealed

Taking a bus, ferry or train abroad is a fantastic way to get a snapshot of local life.

But while the price of using public transport varies around the globe, costs can quickly add up if you’re buying multiple tickets for a family.

Luckily, there are a few holiday destinations around the world where free public transport is offered to tourists.

And that includes free boats in one of the world's most expensive cities.

From a cost-free bus system in the USA to public boats in Switzerland, there are plenty of ways to hitch a ride without spending a thing...

Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva was recently named one of the world’s most expensive places to live but at least tourists won’t have to worry about the cost of public transport.

Tourists staying in approved accommodation in the city are entitled to a free transport card for the duration of their stay, thanks to the Geneva Transport card.

The free card even includes travel on the city’s pretty mouettes - yellow shuttle boats - that ferry people across the lake.

Accommodation must be registered with Geneva Tourism & Congress to qualify and guests can find out whether they're eligible from their host.

Miami, USA

Florida's top tourist draw, known as America's ' Magic City,' attracts the most visitors. greeting over two million visitors annually .

It is also among the nation's top cities for heavy traffic congestion, as indicated by research conducted. Inrix .

Fortunately, visitors don’t need to drive themselves to reach many of the city’s major sights.

Miami’s Metromover, an electric-powered automated transport system, is completely free for tourists and residents to use.

The three-line system stretches from Downtown Miami to the city’s luxurious Park West neighbourhood.

Leading attractions, including the Miami Art Museum, the Bayside Marketplace and Kaseya Centre arena, can all be reached on the Metromover.

Luxembourg

One of Europe’s smallest countries, Luxembourg hit the headlines in 2020 when it made public transport completely free for residents and tourists.

As long as you’re happy to give first class a miss, you can ride Luxembourg’s trains, trams and buses free of charge.

Visit Luxembourg says: ‘You can use the CityBus to get around the towns and villages, and return home safe and sound after one or more beers on the Night Bus or the Night Rider, which run at weekends.’

Passengers do need to carry a form of ID while they’re riding the network and you won’t be able to cross the border into Belgium or France without paying for a ticket.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam ranks among the most expensive European destinations for tourists, imposing a daily visitor tax equivalent to 12.5 percent of the hotel cost.

Hence, some complimentary transportation would be greatly appreciated by budget-conscious travelers.

Jump aboard a blue-and-white ferry located behind Amsterdam Central Station to reach Buiksloterweg, home to notable cultural sites such as the Eye Film Museum and the Tolhuistuin.

Visit Amsterdam states: 'Many ferries run along this brief route, so you seldom have to wait longer than a few minutes before boarding.'

As it’s Amsterdam, cyclists are more than welcome on the ferry which offers ample room for bicycles .

London, UK

The BigSmoke is not an inexpensive place for a vacation.

And considering the tube fare starts at around £2.80 per journey, the expenses for using public transportation can accumulate rapidly.

Although unfortunately there isn’t a free alternative for navigating the city besides walking, there is an unusual complimentary transportation service available in certain parts of London.

The Woolwich Ferry operates across the Thames from Woolwich to North Woolwich and has remained entirely free of charge since 1889.

The journey lasts only five minutes, with ferries departing every 15 minutes.

When visiting Woolwich’s Royal Arsenal or the nearby Creative District, consider taking advantage of a complimentary ferry ride across the river for picturesque views of Canary Wharf and The O2.

Vail, Colorado, USA

Located in the heart of Colorado within the majestic Rocky Mountains, Vail stands as one of the premier ski resorts in the United States. expensive holiday destinations .

However, you don’t have to rent a vehicle to move around the ski resort’s main attractions.

Vail’s bus system is entirely free to use and, of course, tourists can bring their skis and snowboards on - as long as they don’t block the aisle.

During summertime, certain buses come fitted with bike trailers allowing travelers to bring along their mountain bikes at no extra cost.

Livigno, Italy

Situated at the heart of Italy’s Alps, Livigno is a valley town and ski destination located 1,816m above sea level.

Rural destinations can be notoriously hard to navigate without a car but tourists won’t need to worry in Livigno.

All tourists can use the destination’s public buses for free and you can also reach the neighbouring village of Trepalle on the network.

Buses generally follow a half-hourly timetable, with stops at important locations like ski lifts and campgrounds across the region.

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