5 countries with cheapest public transport

july 28, 2025

Images: Shutterstock

The cost of public transport varies significantly from country to country. Low fares are supported by subsidies and urban planning. 

Countries with cheap labour and informal transit usually have cheaper transport. Let’s look at 5 countries with the most affordable commuting systems (approximate prices).

With one-way tickets costing just around ₹14, Sri Lanka has the most affordable public transport globally. On average, monthly passes cost nearly ₹460.

Sri Lanka

One-way tickets in Pakistan cost around ₹15, and a monthly pass costs approximately ₹580. Public transport in this country is widely used and is subsidised. 

Pakistan 

Bus rides in Nepal range between ₹16 and ₹18, and monthly costs remain under ₹600. Public buses and tempos in the city and in mountainous towns make transport cheap. 

Nepal

In this country, one can travel 100 km for nearly ₹160. Further, in Cairo’s metro network, monthly passes are available for around ₹670. 

Egypt

In Delhi and Mumbai, metro rides cost between ₹10 and ₹60, with monthly costs staying under ₹800. In most Indian cities, public transport is subsidised and used widely.

India 

On the other hand, in countries like Switzerland, the Netherlands and Australia, public transport is extremely expensive due to high living standards and quality of infrastructure.


In Switzerland, one-way fees are around ₹345, while in the Netherlands and Australia, they are around ₹316 and ₹253, respectively.


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