Quick answer: which country has free public transport?
Only one country makes public transport free across the whole country for everyone, including visitors: Luxembourg, since 1 March 2020. In most other places "free" means free for residents of one city or region, and tourists still pay. A few places do include visitors, such as Salzburg in Austria (for overnight guests) and Dunkirk in France (reported). The table shows who gets what.
| Place | Free for tourists? | What is covered | Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxembourg | Yes | Buses, trams and trains inside the country | First class and journeys across the border are not free |
| Salzburg, Austria | Yes, overnight guests | City and regional buses and trains in Salzburg state | You get a Guest Mobility Ticket from your accommodation |
| Dunkirk, France | Yes (reported) | City buses | Confirm locally before you rely on it |
| Malta | No | Buses | Free for residents with a Tallinja card; visitors pay |
| Tallinn, Estonia | No | City public transport | Free for registered residents only |
Luxembourg: free across the whole country
Since 1 March 2020, buses, trams and trains within Luxembourg are free for residents and visitors alike. You do not need a ticket for ordinary second-class travel. First-class train seats still cost money, and free travel stops at the border: if your journey continues into France, Germany or Belgium you need a cross-border ticket for that part.
The country introduced the scheme to cut car traffic. Ticket sales had covered only a small part of the cost, so taxes already paid for most of the system.
Salzburg, Austria: free for overnight guests
Since 1 May 2025, visitors who stay overnight in Salzburg state receive a Guest Mobility Ticket. Your accommodation issues it at check-in, as a PDF or wallet pass, and it gives free travel on city and regional buses and on trains within the state for your whole stay. If your accommodation offers pre-check-in, you may get it before you arrive.
It does not include seat reservations, and journeys outside Salzburg, for example to Vienna or Munich, need a separate ticket. The scheme is paid for by a small mobility levy added to the overnight tax, so check the official page for the current details.
Dunkirk, France: free buses for everyone (reported)
Dunkirk made its buses free in 2018, after a weekend-only trial, and reports describe the service as free for residents and visitors. The most recent confirmation we found was a 2026 travel article rather than an announcement from the city, so check with the local transport operator when you plan your trip.
Malta: free for residents, not for tourists
Since October 2022, residents of Malta travel free on buses with a personalised Tallinja card. Visitors cannot use that scheme. Tourists pay the normal fare, by cash or contactless card, or buy a multi-day Explore card. Fares change with the season and have been updated, so check Malta Public Transport for current prices before you travel.
Tallinn, Estonia: free for residents only
Tallinn made public transport free for people registered as residents of the city in 2013. You need to be registered in Tallinn and hold a personal card; visitors, including people from other parts of Estonia, pay standard fares. Other Estonian counties have been allowed to offer free buses to their own residents, and the rules differ by county, so do not assume a free ride as a tourist.
Common mix-ups: places that are not free
- Germany has no free national public transport. The Deutschlandticket is a paid monthly pass, although a few towns run ticket-free days on selected dates.
- "Free" city schemes in places such as Montpellier in France apply to local residents with a personal card; tourists need regular tickets.
Tips for travelling on free public transport
- Check the official transport website before you go. Free schemes change, and some are limited to residents.
- Look at what is included: zones, first class, night services and cross-border trips are often excluded.
- Some systems still ask you to hold a free ticket or pass, so ask at your accommodation or the tourist office.
- Plan with the local transport app or journey planner, even where the ride is free.
Common questions
Which country has free public transport?
Luxembourg, since 1 March 2020. It is free across the country for residents and visitors, apart from first class and cross-border journeys.
Is public transport free for tourists in Malta?
No. Free bus travel in Malta is for residents with a personalised Tallinja card. Tourists pay the normal fare or use an Explore card.
Is public transport in Tallinn free for tourists?
No. It is free only for people registered as residents of Tallinn. Visitors pay standard fares.
Sources and last check
Last checked on 27 October 2026 against the sources below. Rules and prices change, so always confirm with the local transport operator.
