public transport Archives

Asia January 11, 2023

How To Get Around Kuala Lumpur

Discover how to get around Kuala Lumpur in this post. The capital of Malaysia is very organized and the public transportation is clean and easy to use. So don’t miss these tips on how to move inside the city, as well as how to get from the airport to the city center.

Planning a visit to the city? Don’t miss the best attractions in Kuala Lumpur.

Transportation from the airport to the city:

Airport train to the city:

KLIA has a fast train service, the KLIA Ekspres, which connects the airport to KL Sentral (yes, with S). KL Sentral is Kuala Lumpur’s central station, bringing together train, metro, monorail, and bus services in one place. It’s a big hub that connects the entire city. Also, the station has an area with Malaysia Airlines remote check-in counters, for those who want to check in and drop off their bags even before arriving at the airport.

The trip by KLIA Ekspres takes less than 30 minutes. The service is very comfortable and the ticket costs 55 Ringgit, the equivalent of approximately 12 dollars. Children pay a half ticket. For those arriving at the airport, the Ticket Counter works from 6 AM to 11 PM daily. But the transfer and train run from 5 AM to 12:15 AM.

You can buy tickets in advance online or in the App of KLIA Ekspres. The frequency of the trains you can check below in the picture.

Picture showing frequency of the trains from the airport to the city. Monday to Friday, from 5 to 7 AM and 9 AM to 5 PM the train passes every 30 minutes. From 7 to 9 AM and 5 to 7 PM it passes every 15 minutes. Saturday, Sunday and holidays the train pass every 30 minutes.

Bus from Airport to City:

At KLIA, the airport bus station is underground, just follow the signs to get there. The bus services available provide travelers with transportation to many places such as Kuala Lumpur areas and other cities, such as Ipoh, Malacca, and Johor.

Uber/ Grab Car from Airport to City:

To take an Uber or Grab Car to the city center, you need to be on the third floor, gate 5. It’s right in front of arrivals and the cars will stop in the second line. Grab Car, for those unfamiliar, is a very popular service in Malaysia and other Asian countries. Includes transportation as well as food delivery.

When we arrived at the airport, the Uber application didn’t work. So we quickly registered and used Grab to go to our Airbnb. The journey cost about 80 Ringgit. Which is a reasonable price as the airport is far from the city.

Transportation within the city:

Car rental:

If you are staying outside the city center, or if you have plans to travel to other cities around Kuala Lumpur, renting a car is recommended. This was the option we chose to travel around Malaysia. The traffic is well organized, nothing compared to other countries around like Thailand and Indonesia.

However, you will need to drive on the right side, so be aware and prudent in traffic. We managed to drive to Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, and Malacca during our stay in Kuala Lumpur. About one to three hours maximum by car. The daily rental was around 190 Ringgit (40 to 45 USD). The company we choose was Goso Rent a Car, which had really good reviews and we also recommend it.

Public transport (train and metro):

Public transport in Kuala Lumpur is clean, easy to use, and serves all tourist areas of the city. That’s why I recommend using it. We ended up staying further away from the center, in an area without much access to public transport. However, our savings in the price of the apartment didn’t compensate.

If we were in the city center, we would have saved on private transport, despite paying a little more for accommodation. Public transport options in KL include the metro, bus, and monorail.

Metro, train, and monorail

Also very easy to use, these options are connected serving all of Kuala Lumpur’s main attractions. All stations have maps with the metro lines (check the picture below). The price will depend on your destination. This means that the ticket is calculated according to the distance you will travel. A ride between KL Sentral and KLCC will cost around 4.30 Ringgit.

Picture of the map showing the metro lines operating in Kuala Lumpur.

Besides the single ride ticket, you can also purchase a 1, 3, or 30 days pass. The Travel Pass coast RM50 for unlimited rides in 30 days. MyCity 1 is a day pass that coast RM 15 (RM 5 is the card price). The modality of 3 days coast RM 25. They are valid for rides on all Rapid KL rail and BRT networks.

Kuala Lumpur Free Transportation: Go KL Bus

Yes, you didn’t read it wrong! This is an amazing option for any tourist looking to save on transportation. This purple bus serves 7 lines and passes through all touristic areas of the city. Just get on the bus without any cost. In addition, the bus has Wi-fi. However, for some distant destinations, such as Batu Caves, you will need to use a train connection.

Uber/Grab Car:

Using transport apps like Grab in the city can be very affordable if you are traveling in a group. Generally, the trip cost around 10 to 20 Ringgit. So make sure o download it on your phone before your trip. Late at night, this will be the only option available.

Check our list of the best travel Apps you always need on your phone here.

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Africa January 2, 2023

Transportation in Cairo: How to get around in the capital of Egypt

This post is full of tips about transportation in Cairo. The chaotic vibe of the city is very present also in the traffic. So, if you’re traveling to Egypt and still don’t know how to get around the city, don’t miss any of these tips. Especially how to leave and arrive at Cairo’s airport.

How to get to and from the airport in Cairo:

Cairo International Airport is the main international airport of Cairo. As well as the largest airport in Egypt. Most of the flights coming from other countries will arrive at this airport. With the exception of some European and Middle Eastern flights that arrive directly at the seaside in Egypt, such as Sharm El Sheik and Hurghada’s airport.

Located 22 km from the city center, it can take from 30 minutes to more than an hour to reach it by car. This is because the traffic in the city is very intense. That’s why we recommend always leaving early to catch your flight, especially if it’s during the day.

The terminals are all connected but can be quite a walk to move from one to another. So make sure you warn your driver which terminal you will depart from. The best way to get there, as well as to leave the airport, is to get a private car.

Taking a taxi can be quite tricky as they will try to negotiate a fixed price for the trip. And be aware, because Egyptians can negotiate for hours, and most probably you will still pay more than calling a car by an App. In Egypt Uber works well, but there is also Careem. This local App can have cheaper rates most of the time.

Ways of Transport in Cairo:

Buses

Regular line buses are extremely precarious. Poorly signposted, dirty, and without air conditioning. However, they are extremely cheap. I recommend using it only if you speak Arabic or are in the company of an Egyptian. However, more recently some lines called Smart Bus were implemented.

Smart Bus lines cost around 15 EGP a trip and the ticket can be purchased directly from the driver. The buses are new and air-conditioned. Identifying them is quite easy compared to other buses that circulate. In addition, they have a sign indicating the destination. I recommend downloading Google Maps to check the routes in real time.

Check out the best travel apps you need on your phone here!

Subway

Cairo’s metro connects some of the city’s main points. It’s very efficient and easy to use. I recommend it for the low cost, in addition to avoiding traffic. However, some very tourist spots do not have lines nearby. For example, in Giza, the stations are very far from the pyramids complex.

To walk around the center and the historic part of the city, some of the main metro stations are Sadat, which connects two lines and has an exit to Tahrir Square. The Mubarak station is close to Cairo’s train station and the Mar Girgis, which leads to the Coptic area of Cairo, close to several churches.

Microbus

A very common transport on the streets of Cairo is the minibusses. These vans are privately operated by the drivers, but the price is almost standard across all of them. Despite being heavily used by Egyptians, I don’t recommend using them unless you’re accompanied by a local.

A safer option, but also economical, is to use the vans operated by Uber and Swvl. Both companies have applications in which they sell tickets according to the distance to be traveled. In the app, you can follow the route, check the address where the van will pick you up, and the closest stop to your destination. Payment is made directly in the app.

Taxi

Taxis are available in any city in Egypt. However, be careful as many drivers don’t turn on the meter and charge what they want for the ride (especially if you look like a foreigner). In places like the airport, many taxi drivers charge a fixed price as we mentioned.

I recommend using apps like Uber instead of taxis. The price is nearly always lower than the taxi, and you can follow the route. There is also the local version of Uber, the Careem app. Sometimes with cheaper prices than the competitor.

Car rental

Although renting a car is considered useful for those who are going to travel to several distant areas in a city, I do not recommend it in Cairo. That’s because traffic is intense throughout the day and drivers don’t usually respect rules. Most don’t give a signal and dangerously cut the roads.

For pedestrians in Cairo, traffic can also be challenging. Look for crossings with traffic lights and always be on the watch for all sides of the road. Another tip is to always cross the streets with groups. Guards often end up helping tourists stuck on roads.

Got other questions? Check our FAQ below for more information.

FAQ Transportation in Cairo

Car rental in Cairo

There are several companies that rent cars in Cairo. Companies like Sixt and Enterprise are some of the ones that operate there. However, be prepared to face the chaotic traffic of the city. Never rent without insurance.

How to get around Cairo on a budget

Despite the lack of a quality public transport system, Cairo has a metro that covers several points in the city center. Some apps like Swvl offer shared transport in vans. They are a good option while moving to distant locations.

Is there a subway in Cairo?

Yes. Metro lines in Cairo cover most of the older areas of the city. However, some tourist attractions such as the pyramids do not have a metro station nearby.

How to use the metro in Cairo

To use the metro in Cairo, just go to the nearest station. They are signposted and, when you go down to the basement, you will find the ticket office. It’s necessary to inform your destination as the price is calculated according to the number of stations you will ride.

Transport apps in Cairo

Some apps can make getting around Cairo easier. For example Uber and Careem (the Egyptian version of the former). For more economical trips, it’s possible to schedule shared rides through the Swvl and Uber bus applications.

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Dubai December 11, 2022

How to get around in Dubai: Tips and Prices for your Trip

Here you will find several tips for travelers on how to get around in Dubai. The city may seem small, but due to the intense heat, it’s very difficult to get around on foot. Therefore, it is worth finding out about the main means of transport in Dubai before making your trip.

How to get around in Dubai?

Dubai has a very efficient public transport system. It’s easy to use and connects all the main points of the city. For tourists, the best and most economical means of transport is the subway. In addition to being cheap, it has air conditioning, is clean, and is easy to use. Check below all the transport options that the city offers.

TRANSPORTATION IN DUBAI VIA Metro:

Using the metro in Dubai is easy and comfortable. The city has two different lines that arrive close to the tourist attractions. The metro also connects to the tram and monorail. All public transport (with the exception of the monorail) is interconnected and you pay with the same card.

The Red Line runs along Sheikh Zayed Avenue, reaching the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach areas. Some of the attractions that you can access with this line are Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and the Mall of Emirates, as well as Dubai International Airport.

The Green Line of the metro runs through the oldest part of Dubai. Along the Dubai Creek, with access to the Souks. The tram connects the red line to Dubai Marina. In addition, with the Tram, you can reach the monorail station, which must be paid separately.

Monorail

The Monorail gives access to the island of Palm Jumeirah. The price of the trip is 20 AED one way and 30 AED round trip. If you are accompanied, it is worth sharing a taxi. The price will be cheaper than the monorail.

Photo of the subway in Dubai. Several skyscrapers to the right of the canal. Over a bridge the subway passes, in addition to other cars. Some yachts are cruising under the bridge. — Picture by Ling Tang on Unsplash.com

Transportation in Dubai by Private Car:

Dubai is made up of major highways. In addition, nearly all attractions have private parking. This makes it super easy for anyone who wants to use a private vehicle as a means of transport. I recommend renting a car for anyone who wants to get around various attractions or even just hop around Abu Dhabi.

Rent a car in Dubai

If you have an International Driving Permit, renting a car is affordable in the city. Dubai also requires the driver to obtain a temporary driver’s license, which can be carried out upon arrival in Dubai. For this, it’s necessary to take the passport, the international driver’s license, and two photographs.

Many agencies have pick-up points at the airport and you can drive your car. I recommend using Booking or other sites before your arrival in the city to compare prices between agencies. Most economy cars cost no more than 35 USD per day (no mileage limit).

Photo taken at one of the metro stations in Dubai on an avenue. Several skyscrapers are on either side. — Picture by Adryan RA on Unsplash.com

Taxi or app

A taxi can be a good option if you are traveling with a group, as the fare can be split. To avoid surprises in the cost of the journey, I always prefer to call a vehicle through an app, such as Uber. However, in Dubai, as well as in other Arab countries, the Careem application is usually cheaper. Download it on your cell phone and compare prices before your trip.

tourist bus (hop-on hop-off):

For those who want practicality, the tourist double-deck buses cover all the important attractions in the city on a rotating basis. With a single ticket, you can make as many trips as you need between attractions. In addition, you get a map with the sights and an audio guide in several languages to learn more about the place.

The buses have air-conditioned cabins or open-air seats for a better view of the city. Dubai has a total of 20 boarding points at attractions. If you don’t mind paying a little extra for convenience, this is the ideal option for sightseeing in Dubai. At Get your Guide you can find tickets valid for 24 hours for AED 218.

Transportation in Dubai by Bus

Conventional buses may not be very intuitive to use. However, the advantage is the price and also the coverage of the lines. The same metro pass is used for buses in Dubai. So be aware that paying in cash is not allowed. I recommend using the Google Maps application to check which buses to use to get to your destination.

Check out other essential travel apps here.

How it works and how much it cost the transportation card in Dubai

The price of the metro is calculated according to the distance traveled. Every time you get on and off the metro or tram, you’ll find swiping machines. For a distance of 6 stations, you will pay around 5 AED. As for the tram, most of the time you pay an additional 3 AED. When you pass the card at the exit of the subway, the amount debited from the card already appears.

You can buy tickets for just one trip or buy a card with unlimited use. For purchasing your tickets, go to a vending machine or to the ticket office directly at one of the stations. The card costs 5 AED and you can load as much as you like and as many times as you like.

Was this post helpful to you? Check here for other important tips before traveling to Dubai.

FAQ How to get around in Dubai

Best neighborhood to stay in Dubai

To visit Dubai’s main attractions, stay in the downtown area. Around Sheik Zayed Avenue there are several hotels. In addition, there are several metro stations in the area. To learn more about accommodation in Dubai check out this post.

Transportation in Dubai

Although it is difficult to visit attractions on foot, it is easy to get around with public transport in Dubai. The stations are connected to several tourist spots. Check out how to use public transport in the city in this post.

How much does transportation cost in Dubai

The cost of the ticket to use the metro will depend on the distance you are going to travel. Therefore, you need to know the name of the station when buying the ticket. Check out how to use public transport in the city in this post.

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Europe March 6, 2021

How to get around with public transport in Rome

To get around Rome, I can say that there is nothing better than public transport. Especially with the high value of the euro, taking private transport has become almost impossible in Europe. However, this is not a problem in big cities.

There is plenty of buses and trains that take you to all the main tourist attractions in the city. On our four-day trip to Rome, we got around easily with public transport. So, to make your experience easier, we have prepared here some tips on how to use public transport in Rome.