Public Transport Card

If you travel to the same city regularly and they have a good public transport system, a public transport card is highly recommended. If there is a train operating from the airport to the city, public transport will be the fastest and cheapest route to the downtown area. In some cities, the airport line is a dedicated line to the downtown area with perhaps 3 or 4 stops at key locations on the way. These trains are usually set up for passengers with luggage racks, wifi and often entertainment. The downtown location where the train stops will be at a major train station. You will be able to connect with other train lines and destinations here. In other cities the train line from the airport is on a regular train line and connects with the city wide transport system.

All cities use the same public transport card for all public transport. This means if you are in Sydney you will be able to catch train, light rail, bus and ferries with the same card. If you are in Hong Kong, you will be able to use the card on trains, trams, buses and ferries around the city. Also in some cities, like Hong Kong, you can also use the public transport card in the stores you find in train stations. For example, 7Eleven, McDonald’s, Starbucks and Pret a Manger all accept the public transport card for payment. This is a very convenient way to travel. The cards can be initially purchased at the airport train station. Sometimes there is a booth as you come through immigration and customs. They can be topped up with more money at any train station (and sometimes online). So you keep the card for next time you are in town and continue to use it.

Remember to get a receipt for your top ups to claim the expense from your company or business.