There is a Chinese idiom, “When entering a village, follow their customs” (入乡随俗), or as English speakers may say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” This means that when travelling to a new place, you ought to try to live like the people you are visiting and immerse yourself in the culture. So when travelling in Asia, and in particular some of its major cities, one way to really live like a local is to explore by public transportation!
The thought of driving in a foreign country can be intimidating for many people, and renting a car in some Asian countries can be tricky for international guests. So, you can make things easier for yourself by joining others and opting for a train, charter bus, or even a ferry! Whether you’re keeping cool underground in the Tokyo Metro or sailing easy-breezy on a Hong Kong ferry, here are the best and safest Asian cities to explore via public transport.
1. Tokyo
We can’t talk about public transport in Asia without mentioning Tokyo, Japan. Known for its safety, cleanliness, reliability, and punctuality, and boasting over 880 train and subway stations — Tokyo is easily the king of PT, with its vast networks of urban railways spanning far and wide, in and out of the city. There is literally a train available anywhere that can easily take you everywhere.
Now, while Tokyo’s trains reign supreme, there can be a bit of a learning curve. Commuting from one point in Tokyo to another often requires a mix of public and private lines, along with multiple interchange tickets. The best way to ensure you always know where you’re going is to stay connected with an eSIM for Japan, so you can use a navigation or map app even when underground or mid-transit, and easily top up your Suica or Metro card.
There’s no shame in getting lost or confused while navigating the Tokyo subway system, especially for the first time, it takes some practice! Beyond trains, Tokyo also operates an equally impressive fleet of trams and buses, offering options for just about any kind of commuter. So whether by underground train or above-ground monorail, you can easily course-correct your commute from Shibuya to Shinjuku and back again with Google Maps on your phone!
2. Seoul
When comparing the public transport systems of the two megacities, one of the only advantages Tokyo has over Seoul is age. Japan’s mass transit infrastructure simply got a head start on South Korea’s in the late 19th century, so Seoul’s network is not nearly as sprawling. But regardless of size, Seoul’s Metropolitan Subway and intra-city bus network are just as impressive and advanced, making getting around just as quick and easy.
In a way, because the Seoul Subway is not nearly as intimidating as its contemporaries, it is often regarded as a bit more user-friendly for first-time visitors. Seoul’s subway is the epitome of modernity and highly integrated with advanced mobile tech, making it one of the most adaptive and user-friendly systems in the world. The trains are “smart” and feature 5G/WiFi connectivity, climate control, real-time tracking via apps, and even heated seats in the winter.
Of course, this is still a megacity subway system, so these trains are fast and reliable, and they’ll easily get you where you need to go… along with the more than 6 million Seoulites who ride each day!
3. Shanghai
It’s no secret that China offers some of the best public transportation in the world. While many of China’s major cities offer excellent public transportation, Shanghai consistently ranks among the best PT experiences in the region. And for a megacity with a population of approximately 30.5 million people, you’d sure hope it did!
Shanghai’s public transportation is celebrated for its massive scale, affordability, and seamless integration with major hubs like its airport. The Shanghai Metro operates with incredible frequency, nearly every minute, connecting every major tourist attraction and business district in the city. In fact, with over 800 kilometres of tracks, the Shanghai Metro is officially the world’s longest subway network!
In addition to its world-class trains, high-speed rail hubs and a modern electric bus fleet also help connect people throughout the city. The sprawling system allows its millions of commuters to navigate the city reliably without a car. So if you’re in Shanghai, be sure to take the train, because there’s nothing else like it in the world.
4. Singapore
Singapore is another city that makes getting around incredibly easy and convenient, and its public transport system is easily one of its best-kept secrets. The city-state’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train system and integrated bus services consistently rank among the top for reliability, cleanliness, and ease of use. In fact, with its 106 stations, the MRT is the second-oldest metro system in Southeast Asia — so while taking a cab is a fine option, you might as well partake in a bit of history and take the train!!
One reason why Singapore’s MRT is so great is actually due to Singapore’s compact size, roughly 736 square kilometres (284 square miles), making it particularly walkable for those who love hiking abroad. The MRT quite literally connects the entire country in a single convenient loop. A standard coast-to-coast journey can take as little as one hour of commuting, and direct service from Changi Airport to downtown can take merely 30 minutes!
Singapore’s public transport is also publicly controlled, meaning the government funds and manages its day-to-day operations and upkeep. As such, there is consistent quality and care across Singapore’s PT systems, enhancing overall convenience. Also, you don’t need a local transit card; visitors can simply tap their phones or contactless credit or debit card at the gantries and get moving!
5. Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR), alongside its historic fleet of iconic double-decker trams and the century-old Star Ferry, provides accessible and seamless transportation throughout the territory’s peninsula and various islands. Hong Kong is somewhat similar to Singapore: while it is officially a Special Administrative Region of China, it operates much like an independent city-state with its own currency and legal structure. As such, its public transport systems are also interconnected and widespread, providing quick and easy access across most of the megacity’s regions.
While there are plenty of cars on the road in Hong Kong, the MTR connects almost every corner of the City quickly and cheaply, making it a practical and speedy option for people hoping to cover multiple locales in short periods without fear of gridlock. On the flip side, the trams offer a slower, scenic, and incredibly budget-friendly ride through Hong Kong Island and the connecting streetways. Getting to and from the airport on PT is also super reliable, so you can take advantage of everything Hong Kong has to offer without rushing!
Explore More & Stress Less with Public Transport in Asia!
One of the best parts of travelling through Asia is how easy it is to leave the hire car behind and experience each destination the way locals do. From Tokyo’s world-famous rail network to Hong Kong’s iconic ferries and trams, reliable public transport makes it simple to see more while spending less time navigating unfamiliar roads. And better yet, taking public transport is one of the easiest ways to save money while travelling!
Before you set off, make sure you have reliable mobile data so you can access maps, check live transport updates, and purchase tickets on the go. With the right connectivity and a little planning, exploring Asia’s best cities by public transport is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to travel!