Warsaw is better than Amsterdam and Oslo. The Polish capital ranks high in the world rankings for public transportation.
An efficient public transportation system increasingly determines the quality of life in a city. In the latest ranking by “Time Out” magazine, based on opinions from over 24,000 residents worldwide, Warsaw ranked 12th, ahead of cities such as Stockholm, Hamburg, Amsterdam, and Oslo. Asian metropolises topped the list, having long been regarded as models for modern urban transportation.
Good public transportation rarely makes it to the front pages of newspapers. We usually notice its absence only when it fails. Yet for residents of large cities, it is the well-functioning subways, trams, and buses that directly affect their daily comfort. The latest ranking prepared by “Time Out” magazine shows which cities are best at tackling this challenge.
The ranking is based on a survey conducted among over 24,000 residents in cities around the world. Respondents rated local public transportation on a scale of one to five points. The position in the ranking was determined by the percentage of people who described their urban transit as “good” or “excellent.” To maintain a global perspective, only one city with the highest rating from each country was included.
Who’s on top?
Taipei turned out to be the clear winner. As high as 95 percent of residents in Taiwan’s capital gave positive reviews of the public transportation system. The ranking experts highlighted primarily the cleanliness of the stations, the excellent organization, and the punctuality of the MRT. As “Time Out” journalist Roisin Teeling wrote, “With impeccably clean stations, clearly marked waiting lines on the platforms, and trains arriving exactly when they should, Taipei deserved an almost perfect rating from its residents.”
Singapore and Hong Kong followed in the subsequent positions. It is these Asian metropolises that have once again proven that even in highly populated cities, transportation systems that enjoy great passenger trust can be established. In Singapore, as high as 93.5 percent of residents rate public transportation positively, and according to data cited by “Time Out,” nearly 99.4 percent of trains ran on time in 2025.
What about the Old Continent?
European cities also received high ratings. Edinburgh finished in fourth place, praised for its well-developed bus and tram network. Other cities in the top ten included Seoul, Zurich, Vienna, Tallinn, Helsinki, and Colombia’s Medellín. It is this last city that draws special attention for its unconventional transportation solution. The Metrocable cable car system allows residents of the hillside neighborhoods to reach the city center quickly. As Time Out notes, the system now comprises six lines and is one of the symbols of Medellín’s urban transformation.
Warsaw also performed well. The Polish capital ranked 12th in the world, scoring 81.9% positive evaluations from its residents. This means it was ranked higher than Osaka, Stockholm, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Vancouver, and Oslo. According to “Time Out,” Warsaw residents particularly appreciate its extensive tram network and well-functioning subway, which has become one of the pillars of urban mobility in recent years.
More than just the capital
Interestingly, Kraków also made it into this year’s “Time Out” lists. It didn’t make the public transportation ranking, but it was highlighted as one of the most interesting cities in the world to visit. The authors emphasize the unique character of its UNESCO-listed historic center, its thriving culinary scene, and the high comfort level for walking around. According to data cited by the magazine, as many as 83 percent of residents believe it’s possible to move around Kraków comfortably without a car.
The results of this year’s ranking show that residents increasingly value cities that prioritize convenient, punctual, and well-integrated public transportation. Warsaw has not yet made it into the top global ranks, but its position just outside the top ten confirms that Poland’s capital is effectively competing with Europe’s and the world’s most developed metropolises.
Oskar Włostowski