* Get a transportation map. These are often available at the airport or the tourism office, and can really save you time and effort. Google Maps also does a great job with public transit in most major cities (especially departure times and trip duration), but the map can help you get a better idea of the city's layout.
* Look at your transit options while planning your day. Sometimes it's less convenient to get from one area to another, sometimes more. It'll help you figure out what's within easy travel distance and availability.
* Assume you'll be standing close to other people. Pack your bags securely, and use common sense (don't hold your very expensive phone loosely by a door).
* Try to access maps in an inconspicuous manner. This will help avoid branding yourself as a tourist, and a target for scams.
* Buy your ticket at an official location. It doesn't happen often, but if someone offers to sell you a ticket they already have it can be a (expensive) scam.
* Pay attention to hours. Trains sometimes run all night, but it is more common to have some hours where they do not run. Don't get stuck without a way back to your hotel.
* Wear comfortable shoes. Even in cities with comprehensive metro coverage you may end up walking a fair distance to get to a station with a better line, or in a direction that the trains don't cover.
City-specific thoughts:
* Manhattan/Brooklyn: This is a serious and broad subway system. Don't assume that you'll be able to get from one side of the city to another quickly, but know that the stations are well signed, and there will be multiple entrances. One flat fare covers any length of trip in the system. Google Maps does a great job with times and entrance locations. Don't forget that your Metrocard is reloadable, and that doing so will minimally discount your fare.
* Seattle: There is a lightrail line and monorail in Seattle. The Monorail runs through downtown. The Lightrail runs from the airport to the Westlake Center in downtown Seattle. They are easy to use, but the Monorail only accepts cash for tickets. A ride on both will cost you $5 as of this post.
* Hong Kong: The Hong Kong metro system is somewhat limited, but my absolute favorite. The stations are well-signed in Chinese and English, and each station (walls and floors) is a different color. You can look out the window and tell where you are without reading a sign.
* London: The London Tube is extensive and well signed. Most stations will have easy to find maps, and clearly posted directions to nearby attractions. Tickets are priced based on which zone you are traveling, and can be fairly expensive, so I like to group my excursions to allow the smallest number of trips in the Tube system I can manage. Be aware that the London airports are not part of the Tube system, even if you get there on the Tube- make sure that you've bought the proper ticket or you'll be facing a hefty fine. It's worth the discount to get an Oyster card.
* Tokyo: Tokyo has 3 separate public transportation systems, but they are well integrated and it's clear when you're passing from one to another (they are marked on the map with different types of lines). You will need to buy a new ticket if you transfer train types, but not within a transit system. All stations have at least one transit map in English, but it's definitely easier to carry your own pocket version. Be aware that the Yamanote line can be VERY crowded during rush hour.
* Seoul: Seoul has a great, simple metro system with decent English signage (usually in smaller letters below the Korean). The system is fairly comprehensive, and cheap to use.
* Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur has 3 separate public transportation systems, and unlike Tokyo, they are NOT well integrated (information as of 2008). Moreover, Kuala Lumpur is not generally a pedestrian-friendly city. This is the only city that comes to mind where I would recommend planning on cab transportation.
* Washington D.C.: The D.C. metro is served by an easily accessible metro system. It's a little run-down, but will get you to major attractions and area airports easily. It's somewhat poorly lit, and I would suggestion caution riding later in the evening- it did not seem to be as well-traveled then.
* Minneapolis/St. Paul: The Twin Cities metro has limited lightrail accessibility, but it's ideal for travelers. The Blue Line train runs through the the MSP International Airport and into downtown Minneapolis. Transfer to the Green Line train to get to the University of Minnesota campus or St. Paul (although it's not quick).
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