Public transportation while on vacation - use it if you can!

[Olympicnut]

I must say, that taking public transportation in many cities is THE way to go when on vacation. Sure there are some cities where taking it isn't very easy, and that renting a car is probably easiest (like in L.A.), but overall, major cities in the world have great public transportation.

London has an amazing Underground system. I use it the moment I arrive. The times I have been there, I take the Picadilly line from Heathrow all the way to my destination hotel in the city. Yes, it takes a little longer than the Heathrow Express, but it's cheaper and since the flights I were on arrived around noon, the trains weren't very crowded at all.

Paris too has a great Metro system. The stations are quite beautiful and easy to navigate through. Unfortunately the line that goes to CDG airport wasn't convienient to take so we had to taxi it, but that wasn't too bad.

I got quite used to how the Undreground and Metro ran relatively quickly. Don't be embarassed to have a map with you and look like a tourist either, because I saw many many Londoners looking at maps all the time. You'll fit in just fine.

A tip: before you leave home, look at the subway maps, and figure out where your hotel is located in reference to a station. All the times I've been to Europe, an important part for me, was finding a hotel that was close (within walking distance) to a subway station. It makes all the difference in the world, after a long day of site seeing, to have your hotel be a mere few hundred yards from a station.

Anyway, the next time you decide to venture into a strange city, think twice about renting a car, and take the public transportation the city offers. And don't be scared of subways, they won't bite. Just be prepared by learing subway lines and maps before you go. Believe me, it helps!

[Roo719]

Actually, when going to New York City, I think it is basically rote that you ride the subway. It's the lifeblood of the city and, maybe it's because I'm a writer, but I can't help people watching. This is the City and this how it ticks.

There's nothing better, either, then seeing signs that say, "Christopher Street" or "Penn Station." You're really, really in the heart of one of the best places on earth.

And in San Francisco, what is the city without it's cable cars? Grant you, it's not the best way to get around, but it defines the place you are in.

Onut is right on target.

Back to NYC, even the Island (Long Island), it's a must to ride the LIRR. I remember as a boy riding it into the City to catch up with my mother for a show off of Times Square. That hum of the train, the clang of the track--how comforting it all was.

I took my neice there in 2004 and it was funny how well she listened for that enginneer calling for tickets and how many people held them up--no one appeared to lie that they just got on.

Peace,
Roo

[SusieP.]

Originally Posted by Roo719

And in San Francisco, what is the city without it's cable cars? Grant you, it's not the best way to get around, but it defines the place you are in.

Dear San Francisco travelers,

We can see that you are tourists by the way you stand in line for hours to ride a cable car.

Did you know that you can just jump on one at any stop on the street?

It's true. Buy a ticket, walk over a block, get on cable car. No line.

[SusieP.]

The trains in Italy are also very easy. The metro in Rome was crowded, but friendly, as were the busses. There are only 2 metro lines, so it's hard to get too lost.

[flynnibus]

plus... all the cute girls will be on the transit... not on your highway

Ahhh... the buses in Scandinavia.. my favorite place to be

[alphabassetgrrl]

I braved the subway and buses in Denmark on my own and managed quite nicely. I didn't get quite the fastest route to my destination, but I did get there. I got off one stop before my hotel stop, but I didn't want to get off too late. It wasn't that far even being too early.

I agree! Take public transit!

[pixie chick]

I thought the subway in New York was going to be a nightmare, but it was so much easier to figure out than the map suggests. After one cab ride, I was all over the subways!

[Roo719]

Originally Posted by SusieP.

Dear San Francisco travelers,

We can see that you are tourists by the way you stand in line for hours to ride a cable car.

Did you know that you can just jump on one at any stop on the street?

It's true. Buy a ticket, walk over a block, get on cable car. No line.

Yeah, we knew this...having read the Unofficial guide. We bought our tickets, walked up two blocks, shopped and when the puppy went by-the guy slowed down to pick us up. Funnier? We just did the 'hang on' bit and really made it fun.

And as for New York, I kept trying to memorize the schedules--but my younger brother pointed out, just go and wait for a few minutes and watch the labels, forget about the schedules!

Piece of cake.

I love traveling.
Peace,
Roo