14 Countries Where Public Transit Feels Surprisingly Luxurious

Some countries treat public transportation like an extension of their hospitality industry: spotless trains that glide at airplane speeds, metro stations that look like contemporary art museums, and staff who treat your commute like a premium experience. If you think “luxury” and “public transit” don’t belong in the same sentence, a ticket to any of these destinations will change your mind. From scenic railways with panoramic windows to driverless metro lines with lounge-style seating, these systems make moving around a joy—not a chore.

What “luxurious” means on transit

Luxury in public transport isn’t about gold trim and champagne. It’s the details that elevate a trip from routine to memorable:

• Calming design and clean, quiet cars

• Thoughtful seating with legroom, luggage racks, and power outlets

• Reliable frequency and exacting punctuality

• Seamless transfers and easy payments

• Extra touches: free Wi‑Fi, lounges, dining cars, scenic windows, and courteous service

• Inclusive features: elevators that work, tactile paths, clear wayfinding, and accessible bathrooms

With that lens, here are 14 countries where public transit consistently feels surprisingly luxurious—and how to experience the best of each.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s network feels like a precision-engineered orchestra. InterCity trains arrive to the minute, connections are choreographed across platforms, and everything—from signage to seat upholstery—leans into quiet competence. Whether you’re commuting between Zurich and Bern or threading valleys on a regional train, it’s all remarkably polished.

Where to ride:

• SBB InterCity and InterRegio for speed and comfort

• Panoramic routes like Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Gotthard Panorama

• Lake boats tied to the same national timetable

Why it feels luxe: spotless carriages, near-silent ride quality, and windows that frame mountain drama like a cinema screen. First class offers wider seats and calmer cabins, but even standard class feels premium.

Tips: The Swiss Travel Pass unlocks almost everything—trains, buses, boats, and many museums. Reserve seats on scenic trains; otherwise, reservations are usually optional. Time transfers with the SBB app, which is one of the best in the business.

Japan

Japan’s Shinkansen sets the standard for smooth, fast, and respectful travel. Platforms buzz with efficiency, attendants bow, and food carts glide past with bento boxes that put airline meals to shame. Even city subways feel composed: clear signage, impeccable cleanliness, and a culture of quiet.

Where to ride:

• Shinkansen Green Car for wider seats and a hushed cabin; Gran Class on some routes adds lounge-like comfort

• Narita Express and Limited Express services for airport links

• Metro systems in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto for reliable urban movement

Why it feels luxe: speed without drama, legroom designed for tall travelers, and the subtle quality of high-end engineering. You also get simple joys like heated seats on some local lines and public bathrooms that are cleaner than most hotels.

Tips: IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on trains, buses, and convenience stores. For intercity rides, compare a regional rail pass versus point-to-point tickets, as national pass prices have risen. Oversized luggage on some Shinkansen lines now requires a free reservation; it’s easy to add when booking seats.

Singapore

Singapore’s MRT pairs clinical reliability with a calm, cool aesthetic. Trains are air-conditioned, stations are pristine, and platform screen doors keep everything orderly. The system’s real luxury is how effortless it feels—even on a busy day.

Where to ride:

• Downtown Line and Thomson-East Coast Line for sleek design and deep-level stations

• Changi Airport connections that make arrivals painless

Why it feels luxe: immaculate stations, efficient escalator flows, and a civic commitment to clarity. Sheltered bus interchanges make transfers comfortable in the tropical heat, and trains arrive every few minutes.

Tips: Tap in with an EZ-Link card or simply use a contactless bank card through SimplyGo—no ticket machine queues. Stagger travel just outside of peak hours for an experience that feels almost serene.

United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

Dubai’s driverless metro feels like a ribbon of glass gliding above sculpted highways and through futuristic stations. The design language is clean and metallic, the air-conditioning is icy, and the system is so polished you’d happily wear a suit without worry.

Where to ride:

• Red Line for skyline views and direct airport access

• Dubai Tram in the Marina and JBR area for resort-side mobility

Why it feels luxe: the Gold Class cabin. Pay roughly double the standard fare and you’ll get a lounge-style compartment with padded seats and front-row views from the very front of the train. Stations and even many bus stops are air-conditioned, which matters in the desert climate.

Tips: Get a Nol card for the metro, tram, and buses. There’s also a Women & Children carriage for those who prefer it. Late evenings are quiet and photogenic as the city lights up.

Qatar

Doha’s metro is a study in modern elegance—vaulted stations with shimmering finishes, impeccable lighting, and trains that hum rather than roar. The network was built fast but feels carefully considered, with clear wayfinding and spotless platforms.

Where to ride:

• Red Line for airport and waterfront access

• Lusail Tram for sleek surface-level travel in the new districts

Why it feels luxe: Goldclub class with plush seating and an attendant, plus Wi‑Fi and carefully controlled climate everywhere you go. Even the standard carriages feel premium, and there are designated family spaces.

Tips: Pick up a reusable travel card (standard or Goldclub). During major events, trains run frequently and staff keep everything flowing. If you care about aesthetics, take a few extra minutes to explore the station architecture—it’s half the fun.

South Korea

Seoul’s metro system is a masterclass in convenience, and it’s peppered with luxuries that feel tailor-made for real life. Expect heated seats in winter, easy elevators, clean bathrooms on platforms, and near-constant connectivity. Intercity, the KTX rockets across the country with minimal fuss.

Where to ride:

• Seoul Metro Lines 2 and 9 for speed across core destinations

• KTX and SRT high-speed services linking Seoul with Busan, Gwangju, and beyond

Why it feels luxe: you can get anywhere quickly and comfortably, with extras like strong mobile reception and ample station shops. Train interiors are bright and quiet; station signage is bilingual and intuitive.

Tips: Load a T-money card for universal access. Try to ride KTX First Class once—the bigger seats and quieter car raise the experience significantly for a modest premium.

Taiwan

Taiwan’s high-speed rail is quiet, punctual, and designed with creature comforts in mind. Pair it with user-friendly city metros and a culture that adores thoughtful service, and it all feels refined without being showy.

Where to ride:

• THSR between Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung for swift intercity travel

• Taipei Metro for clean stations, clear signage, and seamless EasyCard payments

Why it feels luxe: THSR Business Class offers 2+2 seating, near-silent cabins, power outlets, and complimentary snacks and drinks. Even standard class is plush by global standards. On the local side, YouBike docks near stations make last-mile trips breezy.

Tips: Book THSR in advance online for discounts. EasyCard works on metros, buses, some taxis, and even convenience stores—load it once and forget about tickets for the week.

Austria

Austria blends refined long-distance trains with a city network that just works. Ride an ÖBB Railjet and you’ll notice the hush, the wide windows, and the onboard restaurant serving hot meals that taste like real food. At night, the Nightjet turns travel into a boutique hotel on rails.

Where to ride:

• Railjet First Class for spacious seating; Business Class adds extra privacy

• Nightjet sleeper cabins, including new-generation en-suite options on select routes

• Vienna’s U‑Bahn for clean, frequent urban trips

Why it feels luxe: thoughtful lighting, generous legroom, and small courtesies like free newspapers or coffee in premium classes. ÖBB lounges at major stations add a quiet place to recharge.

Tips: Long-distance fares are dynamic—book early. Nightjet sleeper cabins sell out during holidays; reserve well ahead if you want a private compartment with a shower.

Spain

Spain’s high-speed network is one of Europe’s best-kept open secrets for travelers who value comfort. The AVE slides across the country with an aircraft’s speed and a living room’s calm, connecting city centers in hours.

Where to ride:

• AVE for top-end comfort; Alvia for mixed high-speed and classic routes; Avlo or Iryo for stylish, lower-cost options

• Cercanías suburban networks for easy airport-city connections in Madrid and Barcelona

Why it feels luxe: Preferente class on AVE brings wider seats, at-seat dining on many routes, and access to Sala Club lounges in major stations. Trains are clean, quiet, and unfussy—exactly what you want for crossing a big country.

Tips: Compare operators; competition often means better fares. If you’re visiting multiple cities, plan morning AVE trips and late lunches—Spanish schedules suit a long, peaceful train glide before afternoon exploring.

Italy

Italy’s high-speed duel between Trenitalia and Italo has been great for passengers. Trains are fast, interiors feel like premium car cabins, and there’s a sense of ceremony to boarding in city-center stations refurbished with modern lounges.

Where to ride:

• Frecciarossa 1000 Executive class for jaw-dropping space and at-seat dining

• Italo Club Executive for leather seats, quiet cabins, and access to Italo Club lounges

• Freccialounge access for Executive and select Business passengers in major stations

Why it feels luxe: tactile materials, strong Wi‑Fi, power at every seat, and attentive onboard service. The ride quality is silky, and the view between Milan and Florence or Rome and Naples is lovely.

Tips: Both operators use dynamic pricing—book early for the premium cabins at reasonable rates. Scan QR codes for menus; courteous staff will handle the rest.

Norway

Norway’s network combines Nordic restraint with moments of pure poetry. Urban systems are crisp and reliable, but the real magic is on the rails through mountains, fjords, and forests—without sacrificing comfort.

Where to ride:

• Vy’s Bergen Line (Bergensbanen) with reserved “Komfort” seating and quiet zones

• Oslo Airport Express (Flytoget) for a polished, 20-ish-minute hop with strong Wi‑Fi

• Regional routes like the Dovre Line for cinematic scenery

Why it feels luxe: little things are dialed in. Komfort seating comes with power outlets and free hot drinks; cabins are calm and orderly; acoustics are muted so you can read or just stare out at waterfalls.

Tips: Book forward-facing window seats on scenic lines and pack a camera. Travel off-peak if you want near-silent cars—Norwegians are considerate riders, and the result is a cocoon-like trip.

Morocco

Morocco’s Al Boraq high-speed trains connect Tangier to Casablanca with an elegance that surprises many first-time visitors. Stations look like modern art spaces, service feels cordial, and first class is a step up for a minimal premium.

Where to ride:

• Al Boraq between Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, and Casablanca

• Casa and Rabat trams for sleek, frequent urban travel

Why it feels luxe: wide, comfortable seats; smooth, fast running; and stations such as Casa Voyageurs and Rabat Agdal that are bright and thoughtfully designed. Luggage is simple to stow, and staff keep boarding orderly.

Tips: Book ONCF tickets online or at stations; first-class fares are often worth it for the quiet. In cities, trams are intuitive—buy a rechargeable card and ride without language stress.

Saudi Arabia

The Haramain High-Speed Railway brings a modern, gracious approach to a historic corridor. Trains link Makkah, Jeddah (including the airport), and Madinah at high speed, with stations that double as architectural landmarks.

Where to ride:

• Haramain High-Speed in Business Class for more space and complimentary refreshments

• Integrated bus links at stations for easy onward travel

Why it feels luxe: clean, bright carriages; family and prayer facilities; and helpful, multilingual staff. The Foster + Partners-designed stations are vast, shaded, and surprisingly serene given the volume of pilgrims who pass through.

Tips: Buy tickets ahead during peak religious seasons, as demand is intense. Build buffer time at stations—the spaces are large, and you’ll want a few minutes to enjoy them.

Turkey

Turkey is quietly building one of the most polished regional rail experiences. In Istanbul, futuristic metro extensions cut through traffic-choked corridors, while beneath the Bosphorus, Marmaray stitches the continents together in a smooth, driverless-feeling glide.

Where to ride:

• Marmaray for a fast, clean cross-strait link

• Istanbul’s M11 airport line and new metro corridors for airy, modern stations

• YHT high-speed trains between Ankara, Istanbul, Konya, and Sivas

Why it feels luxe: YHT Business Class offers wider seats and a quieter atmosphere, with efficient trolley service. In Istanbul, stations are bright, climate-controlled, and well-signed; Istanbulkart makes fares seamless across metro, trams, and ferries.

Tips: Reserve YHT seats early on weekends and holidays. In Istanbul, tap Istanbulkart everywhere, including sea buses—it’s a unified, painless experience that feels premium simply because it never gets in your way.

United Kingdom? France? Germany? Wait—why aren’t they here?

Iconic systems like France’s TGV or Germany’s ICE could easily sit on this list. They’re quick, comfortable, and often elegant, with lounges and quiet cars that feel top-tier. The focus here leans toward networks where travelers frequently report a “didn’t expect it to be this good” reaction—hence the spotlight on Morocco, Qatar, and others. If your route takes you through Paris or Munich, absolutely add a TGV or ICE ride; they deliver the same blend of speed and composure you’d expect from the best-in-class countries above.

How to unlock the luxe feeling anywhere

A few habits make public transit feel more premium, even on a budget:

• Travel off-peak: Early mid-morning or after the evening rush gives you quieter cars and better service.

• Upgrade selectively: One splurge—Gold Class in Dubai, Business on Taiwan HSR, Green Car in Japan—often transforms the experience for a modest cost.

• Pack small and smart: A carry-on that fits overhead keeps cabins uncluttered and stress low. On certain Japanese routes, oversized luggage requires a seat with a dedicated rack.

• Use the right app: Country-specific apps (SBB, JR East, ÖBB, Renfe, ÖBB Nightjet, Vy) are worth the space on your phone for live platforms, seat maps, and delay alerts.

• Embrace local etiquette: Quiet cars really are quiet; queues form neatly; food rules vary. Copy the locals and you’ll blend into the calm.

• Seek the views: On scenic lines, pick window seats and daylight departures. Luxury is half the landscape.

A quick planning cheat sheet

• Passes: The Swiss Travel Pass, Japan’s regional rail passes, and city cards like T-money or EasyCard remove friction and often save money.

• Lounges: Look for access with first-class or business/“preferente” tickets—ÖBB, DB, Trenitalia, Renfe, and Italo lounges add a cushion to your day.

• Reservations: High-speed and long-distance trains often require them; city metros do not. Scenic tourist trains usually sell out—book well in advance.

• Accessibility: These countries generally excel here. Elevators, tactile paving, and clear signage make independent travel feasible; station staff are helpful if you need assistance.

• Safety: All listed networks have strong safety records and visible, courteous staff. You’ll feel looked after without being hovered over.

Public transit can’t replace a private car’s solitude, but in these countries it offers something else: a gentler pace steeped in care, design, and reliability. When trains become part of the journey’s pleasure rather than the price of admission, you remember why people fell in love with railways and metro systems in the first place. Pack light, pick your seat, and enjoy the ride.