Top Asian Countries with the Easiest Public Transport for Tourists

Aditya Putri Ismarini

What travelers need most to navigate during their trips is public transport. This is especially helpful for solo travelers, as it allows them to hop on anywhere with ease. Besides being convenient, safety is also an important factor. Here’s a ranking of Asian countries with the easiest public transport systems for tourists, starting from the most tourist-friendly, based on ease of navigation, English signage, ticketing convenience, safety, and network coverage:

1. Japan 🇯🇵

Why: Ultra-punctual trains, clear English announcements, excellent metro maps, and integrated IC cards (Suica, Pasmo). Google Maps works flawlessly for routes and schedules.
Best for tourists: Shinkansen (bullet train), Tokyo Metro, JR lines, bus systems.

2. Singapore 🇸🇬

Why: Small, clean, and extremely easy-to-use MRT system, all stations with English signage, contactless payment with bank cards.
Best for tourists: MRT, public buses, Grab (cheap rideshare option).

3. South Korea 🇰🇷

Why: Extensive metro in Seoul & Busan, English announcements, T-money card works nationwide, subway apps are excellent.
Best for tourists: Seoul Metro, KTX high-speed train, intercity buses.

4. Taiwan 🇹🇼

Why: Taipei Metro is spotless and easy to navigate, THSR high-speed trains are efficient, EasyCard covers trains, buses, and convenience stores.
Best for tourists: MRT in Taipei & Kaohsiung, TRA & THSR trains, YouBike rentals.

5. Hong Kong 🇭🇰

Why: MTR network is straightforward, Octopus card works for almost all transport and even food, English is widely used.
Best for tourists: MTR, trams, Star Ferry, buses.

6. Thailand 🇹🇭

Why: Bangkok BTS Skytrain and MRT are easy to use, but intercity travel may need buses or trains that are slower. Grab helps with last-mile connections.
Best for tourists: BTS, MRT, public ferries in Bangkok.

7. Malaysia 🇲🇾

Why: Kuala Lumpur LRT & MRT are improving, signage in English, Grab is very affordable.
Best for tourists: LRT, MRT, KTM Komuter, free GoKL buses.

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With Eskimo eSIM, you can stay connected anywhere without hunting for Wi-Fi or buying multiple SIM cards. Having constant internet access means you can:

Use Google Maps or local transport apps in real time.
Check live bus/train schedules and delays.
Buy tickets online without language barriers.
Get instant translations for signs or announcements.

FAQs

Do I need a special transport card in every country?

Not always. In Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, one transport card (like Suica, EZ-Link, or Octopus) works for buses, trains, and even convenience store purchases. In other countries, mobile apps or cash are more common.

Can I use one transport app across different Asian countries?

Some apps like Google Maps and Moovit cover multiple countries, but others (like HyperDia in Japan or KakaoMetro in South Korea) are country-specific and offer more accurate, real-time updates.

Is it possible to travel between multiple Asian countries using only public transport?

Yes, in some regions. For example, you can take trains and buses between Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. In mainland Southeast Asia, you can cross borders by bus or train between Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

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Written by a real person 💙

Aditya Putri Ismarini

I love to travel and share my story through writing to help other travelers. My lifetime goal? To visit as many countries as possible and experience the world!