Travelling for business doesn’t mean you should be confined to taxis, hotel lobbies, and conference rooms. Some of Europe’s greatest cities are designed for effortless exploration, thanks to world-class public transport networks that make hiring a car unnecessary.
Whether you have a few hours between meetings or an evening to spare, getting around efficiently is key—and in these cities, you can move seamlessly from one appointment to the next while still soaking in the culture and atmosphere.
For business travellers, a well-connected metro, tram, or bus system means avoiding traffic, unnecessary expenses, and the stress of navigating an unfamiliar city by car. Instead, you can make the most of your time, travel like a local, and even squeeze in some sightseeing along the way. Here’s a look at the top European cities where public transport is the smartest way to move.
London: A Business Hub on the Move
Few cities are as well-connected as London, where the legendary Underground—known locally as “the Tube”—forms the backbone of a public transport system designed for efficiency. With 11 lines crisscrossing the city, you can get from Heathrow to the City of London in under an hour, making it ideal for those flying in for short business trips.
But London’s transport system isn’t just about the Tube. The iconic red double-decker buses offer an excellent way to see the city while getting from one meeting to another, and if you prefer something more scenic, the Thames Clipper riverboats provide a smooth ride along the River Thames, passing landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. For business travellers staying centrally, walking is often the best option, especially around areas like Soho, Mayfair, and Covent Garden, where everything is within easy reach.
With easy access to co-working spaces, hotels, and cultural hotspots, London makes it simple to balance business with a bit of exploration—whether that’s a quick trip to the British Museum or an evening drink at one of the city’s many rooftop bars.
Paris: A Metro Built for Business and Leisure
The Paris Métro is one of the most efficient transport systems in the world, making the French capital a dream for business travellers who want to avoid traffic and move around effortlessly. With 16 metro lines and an extensive RER network connecting major districts and business hubs, getting from La Défense (Paris’ main business district) to a dinner meeting in Saint-Germain is a seamless experience.
One of the joys of using public transport in Paris is how much of the city’s beauty you can take in along the way. The tram network encircling the city offers scenic rides past grand Haussmannian buildings, and even a short journey on the Metro can bring you face to face with stunning station architecture, from the art nouveau designs of Bastille to the space-age platforms of Arts et Métiers.
For business travellers with a bit of spare time, hopping on a Vélib’ bike—the city’s self-service bicycle system—is a fantastic way to explore Paris at a relaxed pace. Cycle along the Seine, through the Jardin des Tuileries, or past the Eiffel Tower, turning an ordinary commute into a memorable experience.
Vienna: A Model of Efficiency
If there’s one European city that has perfected the art of public transport, it’s Vienna. The Austrian capital’s U-Bahn (underground), trams, and buses are impeccably punctual, meaning business travellers can get to meetings without the stress of delays. The U-Bahn system is particularly user-friendly, covering all key districts while being clean, safe, and easy to navigate.
Trams are one of Vienna’s most charming features, offering scenic routes past grand imperial buildings and cobbled streets. If your meetings take you between business hubs, riding a tram through the Ringstraße—a boulevard lined with iconic landmarks like the Vienna State Opera and the Hofburg Palace—is a treat. For those in town for a short trip, the CAT (City Airport Train) is the best way to reach the city centre from the airport in just 16 minutes.
What makes Vienna so attractive for business travellers is its combination of efficiency and elegance. It’s easy to grab a coffee at one of the city’s famous cafés between meetings or squeeze in an hour at the Belvedere Palace before heading back to your hotel.
Madrid: Fast, Affordable, and Well-Connected
Madrid’s Metro system is one of the best in Europe, with 12 lines covering the entire city and even extending to the airport. Unlike many other capitals, Madrid’s Metro is also incredibly affordable, meaning business travellers don’t have to worry about excessive transport costs when moving between meetings.
If you prefer above-ground travel, the EMT Madrid buses are comfortable, frequent, and equipped with Wi-Fi—perfect for catching up on emails during a commute. For a more scenic experience, the city’s electric scooters and bike-sharing services offer an easy way to glide through Madrid’s tree-lined boulevards and historic plazas.
Madrid’s efficient transport network makes it easy to mix work with leisure. In between commitments, you could find yourself wandering through the grand corridors of the Prado Museum, sipping a cortado in Plaza Mayor, or heading to a rooftop bar in Malasaña for a post-meeting drink with a view.
Oslo: Sustainability Meets Seamless Travel
For business travellers who appreciate sustainability, Oslo is a standout destination. The city’s public transport system is among the greenest in Europe, with an extensive network of trams, buses, ferries, and metro lines running largely on renewable energy.
The T-bane (Oslo Metro) connects all major business and residential areas, while the tram system offers one of the most scenic rides in any European capital—especially Tram 12, which runs along the picturesque waterfront. Ferries also play a key role in Oslo’s transport, offering a unique way to reach meetings or explore the city’s many islands.
Oslo’s compact layout means business travellers can fit in more than just meetings. Whether it’s a short hike in Nordmarka forest, a quick visit to the Viking Ship Museum, or a relaxing evening in the trendy Aker Brygge district, the city’s efficient transport ensures you never waste time.
Prague: The Perfect Blend of History and Modernity
Public transport in Prague is both extensive and charming, making it an ideal city for business travellers who want to explore without needing a car. The Metro is fast and reliable, while the historic trams are an attraction in themselves. Taking Tram 22 offers one of the best views of the city, passing through Old Town, across the Vltava River, and up to Prague Castle.
For those who prefer alternative transport, Prague’s electric scooter network provides a fun and flexible way to move between meetings while enjoying the city’s stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture.
Thanks to its efficient system and compact size, Prague allows business travellers to transition smoothly from work to leisure—perhaps stopping for a traditional Czech beer in a historic pub after a long day of meetings.
Zurich: Precision and Perfection
Switzerland is known for its punctuality, and nowhere is that more evident than in Zurich’s transport system. The city’s trams, buses, and S-Bahn (suburban railway) make getting around effortless, whether you’re heading to a meeting in the financial district or an evening dinner by the lake.
Zurich’s public transport also includes boat services, offering a peaceful way to cross Lake Zurich while taking in the Alpine backdrop. With frequent connections to Zurich Airport via the train network, business travellers can maximise their time in the city without worrying about transfers.
For those with an hour to spare, a quick tram ride to Lindenhof Hill offers breath taking views of the Old Town—a perfect moment of tranquillity between work engagements.
Final Thoughts
For business travellers, the key to making the most of a trip is efficiency—and in these cities, public transport ensures just that. With reliable metros, scenic trams, and eco-friendly alternatives, there’s no need to hire a car. Instead, you can navigate effortlessly while enjoying each city’s unique charm, turning every business trip into an opportunity for discovery.