The world's best cities for public transport revealed - and only one UK destination makes the list

Good public transport can transform how you experience a destination – and it can vary wildly depending on where you are in the world.

While some cities are in possession of futuristic transit networks others ask commuters and tourists to get around on buses, trains and trams that are both unreliable and grubby.

Now, Time Out has revealed the world’s best cities for public transport in 2026.

Based on information from 24,000 locals asked to rate the travel options in their own city, the study reveals the 20 best spots in the world if you need to get from A to B…

Taking the top spot in the public transport ranking is the city of Taipei in Taiwan

Taipei takes the winning spot in the definitive ranking of best cities for public transport around the world, according to local opinion.

The city’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) boasts punctual trains, clean stations and even queue lines painted on the floor inside stations.

And the network is still growing – the metro carried an estimated 2.1million passengers a day in 2025, Time Out revealed.

In second place is Singapore’s MRT, where any hint of anti-social behaviour isn’t tolerated

Singapore is synonymous with high-tech amenities, so it’s perhaps no surprise the city comes second in the list.

The city’s MRT covers 146 stations and provides around 3.5 million rides each day, with more than 99 per cent running on time.

It also enforces strict fines for anti-social behaviour, so you can expect passengers not to be using speakerphone or listening to music without headphones.

3. Hong Kong

Taking the bronze medal in third place is Hong Kong (pictured: The Chinese city’s tram network)

Next up is a third Asian city, Hong Kong, which takes the bronze medal in the ranking.

The city’s Mass Transit Railway saw 99.9 per cent of its journeys running on time last year – an impressive statistic.

Distinctive, affordable and with panoramic views of the city, Hong Kong’s double decker buses are an iconic symbol – and equally good for sightseeing as they are for crossing the city.

4. Edinburgh, UK

The number four spot goes to the only UK city on the list – Edinburgh

Surprisingly (or perhaps not, depending on how you look at it), the only UK city to make the cut isn’t London – it’s Edinburgh.

Lothian Buses and a simple-to-use tram service, which connects the airport with Leith, mean getting around in the Scottish capital isn’t stressful. Local buses helped passengers take 119 million journeys in 2025.

5. Seoul, South Korea

In fifth place is Seoul, the capital of South Korea

In at five is the South Korean capital of Seoul. The city is known for its immense subway, with reasonably priced tickets and an eco-friendly focus.

It has a reputation for being safe and efficient, and you can travel to the major tourist sights without ever needing a cab.

6. Zurich, Switzerland

Another city to join the list – this one in Europe – is Zurich in Switzerland

Zurich ranks sixth – and with Switzerland’s reputation for efficiency, it’s no surprise one of its major cities ranks so highly.

It’s also home to Europe’s best railway station, Zürich Hauptbahnhof, which offers passengers a premium experience from start to finish, said Time Out.

7. Vienna, Austria

In seventh place is Vienna, the capital of Austria

Up next on the list is Vienna, with its efficient trams and buses. The city’s public transport links are made up of the U-Bahn, a subway, as well as the Straßenbahn trams and Autobus buses – only one ticket is needed across all the methods of transportation.

Austria’s capital was also recently revealed to be the second most livable city in the world – helped by its stellar infrastructure.

8. Tallinn, Estonia

Up next on the list, in spot number eight, is Tallinn, Estonia

There’s one key reason Tallinn makes the cut – public transport here is free for registered city residents and specific groups.

Plus, Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport is conveniently located just 2.5 miles from the city centre and once arriving, travellers can easily reach the bustling spot.

The Estonian capital boasts a charming old town and plenty of landmarks to admire like St Olaf’s Church and the impressive Town Hall Square.

9. Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland takes position number nine in the ranking

Greenery is the appeal of Helsinki – and with quality transport, you can combine the gorgeous views with efficiency.

You only need one ticket to board the trams, metro, bus and commuter trains.

And with plenty of parks and trees built into the cityscape, there’s an average of around 1,356 square feet of green space per person – compared to some 450 square feet of public green space per person in London.

10. Medellín, Colombia

Rounding out the top ten in the list is Medellín, Colombia

The world’s best cities for public transport

1. Taipei, Taiwan