Cheapest way of transportation around these cities?

Hi Michael,

As Lauren has said already, Berlin is very walkable.  You can avoid paying many transportation fees in Berlin by just planning out your day right.  

If you do need to take public transport, single tickets aren't very expensive (€2.70).  A day ticket costs €6.90.  The daily ticket is great if you're traveling a lot and you want to have a freer schedule because it allows you unlimited travel within the time limit of the day (I think it is until 3am), on ANY mode of transport in the city from U-bahn, to S-bahn, to tram, to bus...etc.

Just another little FYI, a lot of visitors to Berlin get tripped up by the zones. If you buy a ticket in the city, you will only need zones AB, HOWEVER Schönefeld airport is located in zone C, so be wary of that and make sure to get the right ticket!

Hope this helps!

Hi Michael,

I second Josh's response about Prague being super walkable. We also took the tram and the subway a few times when we went to a few places a little further out from where we were staying near the Charles Bridge. They have a 3-day pass for $12.

In Berlin the Metro is fantastic. We are from Chicago and we envy Berlin's public transit system. You can get a day pass for around $7.50, depending on the exchange rate. They have "tourist tickets" but they are more expensive as they also include discounts around the city (http://www.s-bahn-berlin.de/en/tickets-fares/tourist-tickets). We just did the daily tickets and found it very easy!

Have a great trip!

The only one I can speak on is Prague as I haven't visited the others.  Prague is extremely walk-able.  Prague also has a good tram and metro system.  It is best to buy a ticket as you use it because a multiple day pass would only be worth it if you rode the public transport for something like 4-5 hours a day.  Have a great trip!

Hello

For Budapest: Metro and tram lines in Budapest are quite well developed especially if you want to visit only tourist attractions. I wouldn't bother with buses, even I as a local, never really use them. Too confusing:)

You can buy single ticket for 350 HUF (1,3 USD), 24-hour ticket (somewhere around 8-10 dollars) or 72-hour ticket (around 12-15 dollars). They are good for all public transport except for the boats on the Danube where you have to buy supplimentary tickets. You can buy tickets at almost every metro and tram station from ticket machines (take coins, notes and credit cards, not sure about Amex), purchase them in the subway from ticket issuing offices or almost at any news stand around town. Don't expect anyone to speak English.

Hello Michael,

Bucharest is experimenting a free city (discount) card http://bucharestcitycard.opendoorstravel.com/?page_id=141    but public transportation is not included.

However, the city has an extensive bus / trolley-bus and subway system and cost of a trip-ticket, day-ticket or week-pass is very affordable http://romaniatourism.com/bucharest.html#transportation

Taxis are also inexpensive but, unfortunately, as in many other cities some drivers might try to overcharge customers not familiar with the city.  But you can always call a metered taxi and get an cost estimate for your trip.

Enjoy your travels!

There are also minibuses in Istanbul, which usually covers most of the main routes, but if you are couple of people i'd recommend you to use a taxi, which is also quite cheap compared to other cities. Only thing is you better check from map wheter the driver is taking the shortest road.

Hi.  In Berlin, I agree, buy a day pass on the days you need to use the train.  Then you can hop on and off all trains, buses, street cars, without worry, and its good until 3 the next morning! If you are planning to go to museums and sites, I suggest also the Welcome Card, which includes transportation and discounts at museums.  It is a good deal for sure.

In Bucharest, the cheapest way of transportation is the subway. A ticket with full access for a day is 1.5 euro

The cheapest transport in Bucharest is either Metro or Bus. For a trip you pay somewhere around 0.5 Euro. You have an option to buy a full day ticket or a ticket with several trips on it.

There is something like a card but I would not advise you because it costs and the benefits don't really match the price.

Dear Michael,

Budapest- I can recommend to you for 2-3 days the Budapest 72-hour travelcard around 13-14 EUR (15 USD) . You can use all lines (bus, metro, tram, troley bus) with this travelcard. <http://www.bkk.hu/en/prices/>

But the best way to avoid public transport is if you book your accommodation near to the Deák Ferenc tér and that will allow you to reach all the attractions easily by walk. ;)

Have a nice time in Budapest!

Berlin is quite walkable. but also has a good rail system and fares are reasonable. If you want to get the train to Potsdam for example, it is cheap and easy.

Istanbul is walkable around the old area- Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, Hagia Sophia, etc. There are cheap trams and if you want to go to other side, also cheap ferries.

Prague has a metro system which is cheap, but very limited. There is a comprehensive tram system and many of the sights are within easy walking distance.

For Istanbul discount fares - http://www.afar.com/places/kiosk-selling-istanbulkarts-istanbul

Like others have suggested for other cities, Istanbul too is very walkable - although hilly in Beyoğlu on the European side leading to the popular Istiklal Avenue. The tram, funikular (underground cable cars) and ferries are the transportation you're most likely to use as a tourist in Istanbul. Public buses are available but unlikely you'll need them. Dolmus/mini-buses - a shared taxi as such - follow designated routes but unlikely you'll need to use them as a tourist. The Metro and Marmaray (underground train system) may be required and you can use the Istanbulkart for those.

Taxis are affordable but come with added advice for tourists! See: http://www.afar.com/places/istanbul-taxis-istanbul?context=wanderlist&context_id=23913#create-experience-app