last edited Aug 27, 2020
Urban Transport
Location Map of Destinations
Destinations
Open the interactive map
Walking
Your turn to expand: A great way to discover a city, but depending on the location, it may require some safety precautions.
Taxis
Official or "unofficial" taxis?
Your turn to expand: Learn to tell the difference. Pros and cons of each.
About fares
The first tip is to always have an idea of the price you should pay, so check beforehand with your hotel or locals. Additionally, you can ask your hotel to book one for you. In many countries, taxi fares remain very cheap for tourists, or at least nothing like what you’d pay for a similar ride back home. If you’re near a (large) hotel or tourist area, move a little further away—you’ll often get a better rate.
So, be sure of the price before getting in, and make sure it’s clear whether the fare is for THE taxi or PER person (it’s usually the price for the ride). Also ask if there’s a luggage surcharge. And of course, if there’s a meter, make sure it’s working...
Have exact change or close to it, and avoid large bills that require change. Whether intentionally or not, the driver may not have change, which can sometimes force you to be more generous than planned. In any case, take the time to check your change.
To bargain or not?
At the airport
To the city centre
If you’ve chosen this option to get to the city from the airport, start by checking if there’s a "prepaid taxi" counter in the airport. You pay for your ride there for an "official" taxi, and there are no unpleasant surprises. Compared to "prepaid" taxis, some less official ones may offer the ride at a lower price. They usually park near the terminals, and their drivers often solicit passengers more or less discreetly inside. Then, it’s just a matter of comparing.
If there’s no "prepaid counter," find out the price of a ride. The info can sometimes be found in guides or online, but especially on the spot by asking locals or the tourist information desk if one exists.
To find a taxi, you can also move a little further away from the airport, which is a high-demand area. Generally, the price will be better.
Of course, if you’re alone, try to team up with other travellers (including locals) to share the cost. It’s usually easy since everyone is heading to the city centre.
Finally, if you plan to use a taxi for other rides in the same city (or for the return trip to the airport), start discussing and negotiating with your driver and get their contact details.
To your hotel
For those using a taxi without a specific hotel reservation. Usually, your driver will ask which hotel you’re staying at and if you already have a booking.
If not, and you just mention a possible place, some drivers will tell you the address is no longer valid, or that the hotel is full or has gone downhill. Their goal is then to suggest another one where they’ll earn a commission—naturally passed on to you in the room price. So, refuse their offers or say you already have a hotel with a booking (see addresses in the guides). Another solution is to ask to be dropped off near where you want to go.
Urban buses
Your turn to expand: Buses and minibuses for the city or its outskirts, as well as trams or similar. Even sightseeing buses for city tours.
Metro
Your turn to expand: Over a hundred cities worldwide have metro lines.
Other modes of transport
Your turn to expand: From Vélib’ to old rented bikes for getting around the city, as well as tuk-tuks, water taxis, moto-taxis, or cycle rickshaws (also called rickshaws).