Moving abroad to study is an exciting adventure, but one of the first big adjustments is figuring out public transportation in a new city or country. Whether you’re navigating the Tube in London, the subway in Seoul, or the metro in Madrid, understanding local transit can save time, money, and a lot of stress — helping you feel at home faster and explore more.
United Kingdom
Public transport in the UK is well‑connected, efficient, and especially useful in cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. In London, an 18+ Student Oyster photocard offers discounted fares on the Tube, buses, and overground trains, while a 16–25 Railcard gives up to 1/3 off cross‑country trips — perfect for weekend adventures. Know which fare zones cover your university and housing, avoid peak hours before 9:30 a.m., and use apps like TfL or Trainline for live updates.
United States
Transit systems vary widely across American cities. In places like New York, Boston, and Chicago, subways and buses are reliable and widely used, while smaller college towns often rely on bus networks or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. Many universities offer discounted or free transit passes, so always check with student services. For safety, avoid empty or poorly lit stations late at night.
Germany
Germany’s public transport is punctual, efficient, and very student‑friendly. Most universities include a SemesterTicket, covering unlimited local or regional travel on the U‑Bahn, S‑Bahn, buses, trams, and regional trains. Remember to validate your paper ticket before boarding, use the DB Navigator app to plan journeys, and always arrive early — trains typically leave right on time.
Japan
Japan’s rail network, especially in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, is famous for speed and reliability. Grab a Suica or Pasmo card for easy tap‑and‑go travel. Respect local etiquette by keeping your phone silent, avoiding calls, standing in line, and offering priority seats. Avoid morning rush hour (7–9 a.m.) if possible, and use Hyperdia or Google Maps to plan routes smoothly.
France
Cities like Paris and Lyon have dense, integrated transport networks. In Paris, the Carte Imagine’R offers students unlimited travel in the Île‑de‑France region at a reduced rate, while the Navigo Pass is ideal for weekly or monthly use. Keep an eye out for strikes (“grèves”) that can disrupt service, and note the Paris Métro usually stops running around 12:30 a.m. on weekdays.
Australia
Public transport varies by state but is modern and reliable in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Each has its own travel card — Opal (Sydney), Myki (Melbourne), and Go Card (Brisbane). Always tap on and off to avoid extra charges, check if your school offers concession fares, and use TripView (Sydney) or PTV (Melbourne) to plan your routes easily.
Canada
In Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, public transport is reliable and widely used. Many universities provide U‑Passes that cover unlimited travel during the semester. Get a Presto card in Toronto or a Compass card in Vancouver, be ready for weather‑related delays (especially in winter), and use the Transit app for real‑time information.
Spain
Public transport in Madrid, Barcelona, and other Spanish cities is affordable and efficient. Monthly passes like the Abono Transporte in Madrid or the T‑usual card in Barcelona can save you money. Travel off‑peak to avoid crowds, use Renfe for high‑speed trains between cities, and keep a translation app handy since many signs are in Spanish or Catalan.
Italy
Italian cities blend scenic travel with local metro, bus, and tram systems. Students can save with the Roma Pass or ATM Student Card in Milan. Always validate your ticket before boarding, use Trenitalia or Italo for cross‑country travel, and remember that late‑night transport options can be limited — so plan evening trips carefully.
South Korea
Seoul, Busan, and other major Korean cities offer modern, affordable, and highly efficient public transport. A T‑Money Card can be used on subways, buses, and even taxis. Apps like KakaoMap and Naver Map are more accurate than Google Maps, and since most routes run late, it’s easy to explore without worrying about getting stranded. Keep phone use quiet and be respectful on trains.
General Travel Tips for International Students
Wherever you study, download offline maps, carry emergency cash, learn key words like “ticket,” “platform,” or “exit” in the local language, and check local etiquette (some places are very quiet on transit while others are more social). Watch for holiday schedules and stay alert in crowded areas. Mastering local transport helps you feel independent, spend less, and discover new cafes, neighborhoods, and nearby cities on your own terms — making everyday life abroad much easier.
Figuring out public transportation might seem confusing at first, but it quickly becomes one of the most practical and empowering parts of studying abroad. You’ll save money, explore confidently, and feel more connected to your new city. Connect with Oromah today and turn your dream of studying abroad into a reality.
