Whether I’m leading a Traveling Professor small group tour to Paris or traveling solo through Italy, I almost always prefer taking the bus or above-ground tram over the metro. Sure, the metro might be a bit faster, but who wants to spend their trip in a hole in the ground? Traveling above ground gives you a more scenic, comfortable, and relaxed experience. Here’s why I recommend it every time.
If you’ve been to cities like Paris or Rome, you know that metro travel often means climbing up and down endless staircases. With the bus or tram, that hassle is virtually eliminated—you just hop on at street level.
When you ride underground, you miss the charm of the city above. On a bus or tram, you get to see the architecture, neighborhoods, and everyday life unfold around you. It’s the perfect way to get your bearings and enjoy the sights along the way. Our favorite city for trams is Oslo. On our small group tours there, we rarely take the subway or bus. The tram is such a delightful way to travel.
Unfortunately, metro stations can sometimes attract pickpockets and unruly crowds. Above ground, you’re in a more open and visible space. And if there’s an emergency, getting off a bus is far easier than navigating your way out of an underground station.
For some reason, people tend to be friendlier on buses and trams. Conversations are more likely to start, and you get a better chance to interact with locals and fellow travelers.
Bus drivers often offer helpful directions and will even wait for you to board. Compare that to the metro’s closing doors and rushed atmosphere—it’s a much more relaxed way to travel.
In cities like Rome, bus and tram networks cover far more ground than the metro. This means you can get closer to your destination without multiple transfers or long walks from underground stations.
Travel Above Ground and See More of the City
Next time you’re on a Traveling Professor tour or exploring on your own, skip the underground commute and opt for the bus or tram. You’ll see more, stress less, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
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Professor Steve Solosky, The Traveling Professor, is the founder of Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, operating since 2009. A former college professor and author of The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris, Steve has planned and led small group tours throughout Europe, Canada, South America, and beyond. His travel expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, WCBS Radio, and The New York Times Travel Show.
Each article is written or reviewed from the perspective of a working tour operator who plans real itineraries, works with local guides and hotels, and helps travelers prepare for successful small group trips.