5 of the best cities in the world for public transit right now

Urban mobility is evolving rapidly. Population growth, climate pressures, and technological advances are prompting cities to rethink transit. 

Some global cities are leading by example in sustainable urban living by combining rail, cycling, and walking infrastructure to make city life less car-dependent. A handful stand out for offering dense, affordable, and reliable transit networks; creating walkable, bike-friendly infrastructure; or making public transport so convenient that private cars become optional. 

Here are five of the cities setting the pace in 2025.

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Chengdu, China is reportedly transforming itself with the world’s longest greenway, connecting residential, commercial, and industrial areas through over 20,000 km of walking and cycling paths. According to GX Outdoors, this initiative may make active transport a viable commuting option for millions.

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Hong Kong’s public transit system is often cited as one of the world’s best, with high capacity, frequent service, and affordability, according to William Russell. The city also reportedly has a high rate of electric-vehicle adoption, which may contribute to greener urban mobility over time.

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Oslo, Norway has taken steps to reduce car use in its city center, expand green spaces, and integrate walking and cycling with public transit, according to GX Outdoors. Bikes are reportedly allowed on buses and trams, making commuting more flexible. The city seems to be making walking, cycling, and transit the default choices for many residents, though adoption may be higher in central areas than suburbs.

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Paris ranks highly in global transit indexes, thanks to extensive metro and bus networks and a wide range of multimodal options including bikes, scooters, and e-scooters, according to William Russell. The system’s affordability and coverage seem to make it easy for residents and visitors to rely on transit instead of cars, though usage patterns may differ across districts.

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Stockholm, Sweden reportedly combines a dense public transport network with high adoption of electric vehicles, according to William Russell. The city has set long-term goals for carbon-neutral mobility, integrating clean power, EVs, and widespread transit into urban planning. While the approach appears promising, its full effect on reducing emissions may take several years to measure.