How to use public transit in any city
By the Agoroam team · Published 5 June 2026
Quick answer
- Citymapper or Google Maps Transit work in 90 percent of major cities.
- Most metros now accept tap-to-pay with credit card or phone.
- Day passes pay off after 3 rides.
- Tickets in Italy must be validated, in France stamped, in Germany held.
- Quiet voices, no eating, leave seats for older riders.
The apps that work everywhere
Two apps cover almost any city:
- Citymapper, the best for European and major Asian cities (London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo)
- Google Maps Transit, the universal fallback, works in 90 percent of cities globally
- Moovit, the best for South America and Eastern Europe
- For Tokyo specifically, the Yamanote and metro lines are best in HyperDia or NavTime
Tap to pay everywhere
In 2026, most metros accept contactless credit card or phone payment at the turnstile. London, New York, Paris, Sydney, Singapore, and most major US cities use this. You tap your phone or card at entry, sometimes again at exit, the system calculates the fare. No transit card needed.
When you need a physical card
Some cities still require a physical transit card:
- Tokyo, Suica or Pasmo, refillable, around 5 USD initial fee
- Hong Kong, Octopus card, also works at convenience stores
- Berlin, BVG ticket vending machines, no app integration
- Lisbon, Viva Viagem card from any metro station
- Most Italian metros, paper tickets bought at tobacconists
Day pass versus per ride
The math:
- London, day pass at 8 to 12 GBP pays off at 4+ rides
- New York, 7 day MetroCard at 34 USD pays off at 12+ rides per week
- Paris, Mobilis day pass at 8 to 15 euros pays off at 4+ rides
- Tokyo, day pass at 800 yen, pays off at 4+ rides
The validation rules
Country-specific rules that get tourists fined:
- Italy, paper tickets must be validated in the machine before boarding (fine 50 to 200 euros)
- France, tickets must be stamped at the metro entry (the machine punches a hole)
- Germany, tickets must be visible at all times, plain-clothes inspectors check
- Switzerland, tickets must be bought before boarding, no on-board buying
Etiquette by country
Local rules:
- Japan, no phone calls on trains, quiet voices, no eating
- UK, queue at the platform exactly where the doors will open
- Germany, give up seat to anyone older or pregnant, no exceptions
- France, no loud music, keep bag off the seat next to you
- US, the rules are more relaxed but local norms vary by city
Frequently asked
Can I use my credit card on the London Underground?
Yes. Tap your contactless credit card or phone at the entry gate, tap again at exit. The system calculates the fare automatically. No Oyster card needed.
Do I need to validate my metro ticket in Italy?
Yes for paper tickets. Stick the ticket into the yellow validation machine before boarding the metro or train. Failure to validate is a 50 to 200 euro fine. For tap-to-pay credit cards, no validation needed.
What is the best transit app for European cities?
Citymapper for London, Paris, Berlin, and most major European cities. Google Maps Transit as a fallback that works everywhere. Both show real-time arrivals and walking directions.
How does the Tokyo Suica card work?
Buy a Suica or Pasmo card at any major train station for around 5 USD initial fee. Load it with yen at vending machines. Tap at metro and train gates to use. Also works at convenience stores, taxis, and some restaurants. The card stays valid for years.
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