Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
13
Tips for Saving Money on Transportation
Each region around the world will have its own way to save money on transportation, and the methods
vary a lot, but the tips below can be applied to everywhere. For specific destinations, see Part Three.
Take Local Transportation
Forget the private coaches, taxis, and tourist buses—do what the locals do and take buses or trains. It may be
easier to get in that tourist bus, as companies will pick you up from your hotel or hostel and take care of any
logistics for you, but it's more fun to figure out the local transportation system, and you'll save lots of money
by doing so. Even in hyper-expensive countries like Norway or Sweden, the city train is never more than $4
USD. It may take some time to figure out the map and where you need to go, but learning the way is half the
fun of traveling, right?
Hostels and hotels have maps and timetables for public transportation. When you arrive at the airport, the
information booth will also have timetables for you.
And even if you don't speak the local language, the signs and timetables at the bus stop usually have a
price listed. If the price isn't listed, I've never found a bus driver who didn't understand “how much?” or at
least a confused look on my face and holding a bill out in front of me!
Get Train Passes
Train passes are offered in many regions of the world and can represent a 50 percent decrease off the price of
train tickets. These passes will either allow you a set number of train rides or unlimited rides for the duration
of the pass. This option is of particular widespread use in Europe, as discussed in Chapter 13. Rail passes in
Australia save close to 70 percent! If you plan on using the train system often, strongly consider a rail pass.
Country- and region-specific passes are discussed in Part Three.
Buy Metro Fare Cards
City metro cards provide a considerable discount off buying point-to-point tickets. Even if you are simply go-
ing to be in a city for a few days, you can usually buy a set number of tickets for a cheaper price. For example,
in Paris you can buy a
carnet
(card) for $16 USD, which is $6 USD less than paying for trips individually.
In Bangkok, you can purchase day passes for the subway for $4 USD, for unlimited travel at the cost of four
