The Gorgeous European Country Where Transportation Is Free For All

Traveling through Europe is a dream for many. The continent conjures images of cobblestone streets, charming villages, and a robust network of trains and buses that make travel between cities and countries remarkably easy. Besides its benefits for tourists, public transit is an integral part of everyday life in Europe and is often praised throughout various countries for providing a sustainable and affordable alternative to cars, especially in cities where driving can be expensive and impractical. But one small country is taking the idea one step further.

Nestled between France, Germany, and Belgium, Luxembourg is a wealthy nation, known for its high standard of living and strong economy. It is also one of the few countries in the world that offers completely free public transportation. Following a policy change, residents, commuters, and even tourists can use the country's trains, buses, and trams at no cost. It's a bold move that reflects Luxembourg's climate-conscious policies and is turning heads across the globe.

Luxembourg began its free public transportation policy in 2020 and it has remained in effect since. According to Luxtoday, the national government introduced the change because the country's public transportation system was unprofitable, like most public transportation systems — including New York's MTA. In fact, the revenue brought in from ticket sales roughly covered 10% of Luxembourg's total transportation costs, meaning that taxpayers subsidized most of public transport system prior to providing free rides.

Environmental and traffic considerations were also important factors for the local government. Luxembourg has one of the highest rates of car ownership in the European Union. According to recent data, around 88% of households own at least one car in Luxembourg, which is higher than the 72% of houses across the EU. That many cars on the road creates significant traffic delays, especially among commuters who drive to neighboring countries for work. Besides reducing the reliance on automobiles, the country's government aimed to cut CO2 emissions to meet its climate goals under the Paris Agreement and EU Green Deal, and incentived individuals to use the public transport system.

Whether you're a local commuter or traveler, Luxembourg's free public transport system makes it easy to explore the country's scenic trails and historic castles. Luxembourg is a small enough country and is covered by both rail systems and bus routes. With most lines starting at the capital, you can easily reach major cities like Alzette and Vianden. If you prefer nature and hiking you can reach locations like the Mullerthal Region in under two hours.

By removing cost barriers, Luxembourg has made everyday transport easier for locals and accessible for travelers on a budget. It is also an example of how public policy can prioritize people and the planet. Luxembourg's free public transport system builds on similar examples introduced by other countries like Malta and Estonia which provide free national and local transport. But by fully integrating the policy across transport modes and all rider types, Luxembourg offers a model for future infrastructure planning.