Where in Europe You Can Use Public Transport for Free

In more than a dozen European countries, some towns offer free buses, trams and trains not only to residents but also to tourists. Here are the main ones. Conditions change from time to time, so check them on the local operator's website before you travel.

Poland

Poland has become a clear leader in the number of cities where public transport has been made free for all. However, very few people know about it because most of these places are not popular tourist destinations.

Despite this, the abolition of public transport fares there began back in 2014. By 2023, the list of Polish cities with free transport already includes 15 cities:

Bełchatów
Glowno
Głucholazy
Goleniów
Gostyń
Lubin (Lubin)
Mieroszów
Mława
Novogard (Nowogard)
Nowy Tomysl
Polkowice
Ścinawa
Śrem
Świeradów-Zdrój
Żory

France

France has long been famous for free transport, especially in large cities, where free travel is often practiced on weekends. Seniors rarely seem to have to pay fares, and students enjoy significant discounts. But tourists often have to splurge, especially in popular tourist destinations.

However, there is good news: in some cities, free travel also applies to foreigners. At least in these ten cities you can safely meet the controllers (if they are there):

Aubagne
Castres
Châteauroux
Colomiers
Compiègne
Dunkirk (Dunkerque)
Gap
Libourne (Libourne)
Noyon
Vitré

Great Britain

There are five cities in Great Britain that operate free buses that can be used by tourists. Basically, they connect railway stations with major tourist spots and popular spots.

For example, such buses operate in the cities of Dewsbury (Dewsbury), Huddersfield (Huddersfield), Manchester (Manchester) and Wakefield (Wakefield). There is only one free bus in Wolverhampton - number 500.

Sweden

In Sweden, there are also cities where fines will not be imposed for traveling without a ticket: Avesta, Hallstahammar, Ockelbo and the village of Kölsillre. They made all public transportation free back in the 2010s. Now local residents and tourists can travel there for free.

Switzerland

A great project is working in Switzerland. Especially big cities such as Geneva (Geneva), Lausanne (Lausanne), Basel (Basel) and Bern (Bern), which are often visited by foreign guests, will pleasantly surprise you. Tourists who stay in hotels, hostels, apartments and pay the tourist tax automatically receive free travel tickets. They can use public transport without restrictions during the entire trip.

Denmark

There are also free buses for tourists in Denmark. Although they are only available in three places: on the islands of Ærø and Læsø, as well as in the city of Ikast. Perhaps these places are not on the list of must-sees, but if you happen to be there (even passing through), you will be happy to remember this opportunity and be happy.

Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, although it is not one of the most expensive countries in Europe, there is also an opportunity to save on transport. In the cities of Frýdek-Místek, Strakonice and Valašské Meziříčí, public transport fares have been abolished since 2018. Such measures were aimed at making trips more ecological.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make all public transport free for everyone, including tourists. The reform has been in force since 1 March 2020 and covers buses, trams and second-class trains throughout the country.

The reform was initiated with the aim of decongesting the roads and saving on the services of selling tickets and checking their availability for passengers. Luxembourg has always suffered from some of the worst traffic jams in the world - according to some estimates, every driver in the country spends around 33 (!) hours on the road each year.

Malta

In Malta buses have been free since October 2022, but only for holders of a personal Tallinja card, which is issued to residents. Tourists need to buy a ticket from the driver or a multi-day Explore pass.