There are few things more terrifying than landing in a new country and having no idea how you are getting from the airport to the place you are staying. The language barrier, the signage all make it really easy for you to make a poor and costly decision. You spent all of this time planning the trip but forgot to do your research on how to get around once you land. Do you hop in a taxi straight from the airport? Buy a metro pass? Download a rideshare app? Or in my case in St Lucia, take a helicopter? The options for getting around international cities can be overwhelming.
And to think, the airport is only the start of your journey. You still have to figure out how to get around once you’re in place. Getting transportation right is one of the biggest ways to save money, reduce stress, and maximize your time abroad.
If you’ve ever wondered if taking the train from the airport is smarter than grabbing a taxi? Or whether walking is realistic in cities like Paris or Rome? This guide is for you. By the end of this post, you’ll know which choice makes the most sense, based on your destination, budget, and comfort level.
The Best Way to Get Around Abroad
Let’s start with there is no one size fits all approach to traveling abroad. Every city has a different flow. What works in Zanzibar is probably not going to work in Paris. The logistics if not carefully managed can be a complete nightmare. Unless you are booked in a complete all inclusive where they manage everything from arrivals in the country to departures, you will have to develop a transportation strategy.
We would all love to pass through immigration to see a charming welcome Mr/Ms “insert your name” here and have a person grab your bags and whisk you away. Unfortunately that is not the reality for most of us. When you land in a new country you’ll usually face four main options: taxi, train/metro, rideshare, or walking. Each has advantages, but the “best” choice depends on your trip style. Let’s break them down.
🚕 Taxis: The Classic Option
Let’s be real. If you’ve landed in a developed country that has an airport, there is likely a taxi stand. It’s usually a convenient and easy way to get from the airport albeit not always the cheapest. I can count on one hand the amount of times I landed in a place that didn’t have taxis. And one of those was landing in the bush on a dirt runway but that’s a story for another post.
Taxis can be quite convenient if you are traveling with heavy luggage or have come in on a late-night flight when other options are limited.
But once you arrive in the destination, a taxi might not be the best choice. In some cities like London, the taxi’s are regulated. You are unlikely to be overcharged or get a driver that has no clue how to get to where you are going. In other places where “official” and “unofficial” is blurry, hailing a taxi can be risky.
Tips for first-time travelers
Here’s how to stay out of trouble and get to your destination safely. Always use official taxi stands at airports or train stations. Follow this rule: “Anyone asking you if you need a ride, should not be giving you one.” Ask for the meter to be turned on to avoid the “flat rate” scam. Do your research to find out if the city uses official taxi apps (i.e Curb or MyTaxi).
When moving around the city I take a few precautions if this is indeed a taxi type destination. I ask the hotel to order a taxi for me if I am heading out for dinner or an excursion. The restaurants will do the same at the end of your meal if you ask.
📍 Best cities for taxis: Dubai, Tokyo, London.
📍 Avoid taxis in: Tulum, Rome, Bangkok (prices can be inflated for tourists).
🚆 Trains & Metros: Fast, Affordable, and Local
If you want to save money and avoid traffic, trains and metros are your best friend. Many first-time travelers are surprised at how efficient public transit is abroad compared to the U.S. Yes. In most US cities, our public transportation system is severely lacking.
Trains/metros are usually the fastest way to get from the airport to the city center. Especially in big cities like London or Paris where traffic is nothing short of a nightmare. It’s a great option for the eco-conscious travelers and those that are watching their budgets. It’s often 5–10x cheaper than taxis.
In many cities, there is a direct connection right inside the airport. Places like Frankfurt, London, Tokyo and Seoul have some of the most efficient train systems out there. In my opinion, it’s far easier and faster than other transportation option. Just keep in mind that you will still need to get to your hotel once you arrive at the nearest station. And if you have a lot of bags, you might still need a taxi.
Same goes for getting around the city. A hotel that is far from the nearest train stop may be cumbersome after a long day of exploring. And at night it might be downright dangerous especially if you are traveling solo.
Tips for first-time travelers
The train/metro gives you the chance to travel like the locals. Take a look at your plans for your trip. What are planning to see, and how far they are from where you are staying? Download apps like Citymapper or Google Maps to navigate. If you’ve done a good job, you’ll be central enough to those landmarks or access points for public transportation.
Next, determine if it’s more economical to buy a day or multi-day pass. It’s often cheaper than single tickets. Grab a map of the system (with stops and lines highlighted) and mark the stop closest to your accommodations. This will come in handy more often than I can explain. Finally learn key signs (“Salida” = Exit, “Ausgang” = Exit, “Sortie” = Exit).
📍 Best cities for trains/metros: Paris, Seoul, Singapore, London, Taipei, Berlin.
📍 Trains to avoid (when tired/heavy bags): Rio de Janeiro, late-night Rome metro, Tanzania.
🚙 Rideshare Apps: The Middle Ground
We are lucky enough to be traveling in a time when rideshares are quite common all across the world. Apps like Uber, Lyft, Bolt, Grab, and DiDi are popular in many destinations these days. They’re usually cheaper than taxis, but more comfortable than metros.
I remember the days of walking around with small bills and change that was necessary to pay for transportation. The pricing is more transparent and it’s definitely safer than hailing random taxis in unfamiliar areas.
In some cities, getting a rideshare from the airport can be a bit of a hassle. From making sure you have an internet connection to finding the right pick up area is enough to make you give up and take the taxi. I’ve done it a few times. I have very little patience after being on a long flight to deal with ambiguity.
Tips for first-time travelers:
You should know that Uber/Lyft is not legal in all destinations. In fact in some cities, it is flat out banned. The good news is there are typically alternative local options like Grab in Southeast Asia, Bolt in Europe. But if you’re watching your data usage while traveling, you might find using these apps to be challenging. And let’s not forget that in some countries, the ride might be more locally accepted options like a motorbike or tuktuk instead of a car.
📍 Best cities for rideshare: Mexico City (Uber is cheaper than taxis), Lisbon (Bolt is widely used), Rio.
📍 Cities where rideshare doesn’t work well: Barcelona (limited), Tokyo (very few cars).
🚶 Walking: The Traveler’s Secret Weapon
My absolute favorite way to get around is walking. I always pack a great pair of shoes and hit the streets to slow down and soak in the culture. It’s the best way to get off the beaten path and explore deeper. It’s free and if you do it right, you can count it as exercise for the day.
Walking is often overlooked and underrated, but it’s one of the best and most scenic ways to experience a city. Many historic centers in Europe, Asia, and South America are pedestrian-friendly and walking lets you discover hidden gems.
In compact old towns like Florence, Seville and Dubrovnik walking is the best way to move around. And don’t get me started on places like Amsterdam and Venice where navigating by foot is a whole lot easier and faster than driving.
Tips for first-time travelers:
I can think of few things that are more uncomfortable than bad shoes and cobblestone streets. If walking through a city is on your agenda, make sure you pack a sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes. No one wants to end up in a hospital because they twisted their ankle in a pair of beautiful wedges while walking around Florence.
While comfort is paramount, you should also consider distance, weather and safety. Not all cities are walkable (I’m looking at you Bangkok) and not all neighborhoods are safe for tourist. Make sure you download offline maps (Google Maps download or Maps.me) and check the distance before you set out. Leave your valuables in your room safe and use a crossbody type bag for extra security.
📍 Best cities for walking: Paris, Florence, Kyoto, Buenos Aires, Tokyo.
📍 Places where walking isn’t ideal: Dubai, Bali, Bangkok (too spread out or unsafe sidewalks).
My Perspective
Train, taxi, uber or walk….ultimately the choice is yours. And will certainly depend on your style, the weather or other environmental factors. A walkable city isn’t so walkable when you’re dressed up and wearing high heels. Here is your key:
- Taxis are best for late-night arrivals, luggage-heavy trips, or places with limited public transport.
- Trains and metros save money and are often the fastest way to move around busy cities.
- Rideshare apps provide balance between cost and convenience, but they’re not available everywhere.
- Walking is underrated—in many cities, it’s the cheapest, safest, and most scenic way to explore.
👉 The real “best way” depends on your budget, destination, time of arrival, and travel style. If you are really up for an adventure, try renting a card and driving. But first read my guide on Driving Abroad Made Easy. Planning your first international trip and need a little inspiration? Subscribe here and follow me on instagram for more tips that make travel easier, cheaper, and less stressful.
FAQs About Getting Around Abroad
Is Uber cheaper than taxis abroad?
Uber is often cheaper than taxis, especially in places where taxis overcharge tourists (like Mexico or parts of Southeast Asia). However, in some cities like London or Tokyo, taxis may be just as cost-effective and easier to find.
Should I take the train or taxi from the airport?
If you’re traveling light and arriving during the day, trains are usually faster and cheaper. But if you’re arriving late at night, with lots of luggage, or feeling jet-lagged, a taxi or rideshare is often worth the extra cost.
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