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 Geneva Transport card even includes travel on the city’s pretty mouettes – yellow shuttle boats – that ferry people across the lake
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
America’s ‘Magic City’ is Florida’s most visited destination, welcoming more than two million tourists per year.
It’s also one of the country’s most traffic-congested cities, according to research by Inrix.
But luckily, tourists don’t have to get behind the wheel to hit some of the city’s top attractions.
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.
Miami’s Metromover, an electric-powered automated transport system, is completely free for tourists and residents to use
As long as you’re happy to give first class a miss, you can ride Luxembourg’s trains, trams and buses free of charge
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 is one of Europe’s priciest destinations for holidaymakers, charging a nightly tourist tax at 12.5 per cent of the hotel rate.
Hop on a blue-and-white ferry behind Amsterdam Central Station to travel to Buiksloterweg
So a spot of free transport is more than welcome for cash-strapped tourists.
Hop on a blue-and-white ferry behind Amsterdam Central Station to travel to Buiksloterweg, the location of cultural highlights – the Eye Filmmuseum and the Tolhuistuin.
Visit Amsterdam says: ‘A number of ferries operate on this short route meaning you rarely have to wait more than a few minutes to step aboard.’
As it’s Amsterdam, cyclists are more than welcome on the ferry which has plenty of space for bikes.
London, UK
The Big Smoke isn’t a cheap holiday destination.
And with the tube costing upwards from £2.80 a trip, public transport costs quickly add up.
While there’s sadly no free option to get around the city – apart from on your own two feet – there is a quirky free transport service in one area of London.
The Woolwich Ferry travels across the Thames between Woolwich and North Woolwich and it’s been completely free since 1889
The Woolwich Ferry travels across the Thames between Woolwich and North Woolwich and it’s been completely free since 1889.
The trip takes just five minutes and the ferry leaves at 15 minute intervals.
If you’re exploring Woolwich’s Royal Arsenal or the area’s Creative District, you could add on a free ferry trip across the river with views of Canary Wharf and The O2.
Vail, Colorado, USA
A Rocky Mountains ski resort in the heart of Colorado, Vail is one of the USA’s more expensive holiday destinations.
But there’s no need to hire a car to hop between the ski resort’s premier hotspots.
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.
In summer, some of the buses are even equipped with bike trailers so passengers can hitch a ride with their mountain wheels for free.
Vail’s bus system is entirely free to use and, of course, tourists can bring their skis and snowboards on
All tourists can use Livigno’s public buses for free and you can also reach the neighbouring village of Trepalle on the network
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.
The buses tend to run on a half-hourly schedule stopping at key sites such as ski lifts and campgrounds throughout the area.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .