Nearly every city offers a day pass or tourist transport card. Buy one and make two trips, you've overpaid. Buy single tickets when you're zipping around all day, you've also overpaid. The maths is simple once you know two numbers: the cost of a single ride and the cost of the pass.
The break-even rule
Divide the day pass price by the single-ticket price to get the number of rides where they cost the same. If you'll take more than that, the pass wins; fewer, and single tickets are cheaper. For example, a $10 pass and $2.50 single tickets break even at 4 rides — so 4+ trips means buy the pass. The calculator below does this instantly for your city's prices.
When a pass usually wins
- Sightseeing-packed days — hopping between several attractions across the city.
- Multi-day visits — a 3- or 7-day pass often has a better per-day rate than daily ones.
- Cities with pricey single fares — the higher the single fare, the easier a pass pays off.
- Tourist cards with extras — some bundle attraction entry or discounts, adding value beyond transport.
Run your own numbers
Pick your city, set your trips per day and length of stay, and see whether a pass beats pay-per-trip. Estimate yours below.
Pass vs pay-per-trip → based on indicative fares
An estimate based on indicative fares — always check current local prices.
When single tickets win
If your accommodation is central and you plan to walk most places, taking only the occasional ride, single tickets — or a pay-as-you-go contactless tap, capped daily in some cities — usually work out cheaper. The same is true on relaxed days with just one or two journeys. Don't buy a pass out of habit; check your likely trip count first, because for low-travel days it's simply money wasted.
Go deeper
Questions
How do I know if a day pass is worth it?
Divide the pass price by the single-ticket price to get your break-even number of rides. If you'll take more trips than that, the pass saves money; fewer, and single tickets are cheaper. The calculator above does this for your city's fares.
Are multi-day passes better value than daily ones?
Often, yes — a 3- or 7-day pass usually has a lower per-day cost than buying separate daily passes. If you're staying several days and using transport each day, the longer pass is frequently the cheapest option.
What about contactless fare capping?
Some cities cap how much you're charged in a day when you tap a contactless card or phone, so you automatically pay no more than a day pass would cost. Where this exists, you can just tap and ride without deciding upfront — check if your destination offers it.
Do tourist transport cards include attractions?
Some do — city tourist cards often bundle unlimited transport with free or discounted entry to major attractions. These can be great value if you'll visit the included sights, but compare against a plain transport pass if you only need to get around.
Where do I buy a transport pass?
Usually at station ticket machines, transport offices, many convenience stores, or via the city's transport app. Buying on arrival at the airport station is often convenient, and getting your card early means you're ready to ride straight away.
Should I buy a pass if I'll mostly walk?
Probably not. If you're staying centrally and walking most places with only occasional rides, single tickets or pay-as-you-go are cheaper. A pass only pays off once you're making several journeys a day.
Fares and pass options vary by city and change over time. The calculator gives an estimate based on indicative prices — always check current local fares before buying.