Public transportation isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B — it’s about making your morning commute or travel experience easier and more enjoyable, whether you’re saving money, reducing your carbon footprint, or simply avoiding the hassle of parking. From historic subway stations to scenic ferry rides, public transportation takes on many shapes and forms throughout the world. To determine which major U.S. cities have the best transportation systems, real estate company Redfin analyzed factors such as the number of routes, distance between stops, frequency of service, and mode of transit. Ranking these factors on a 100-point scale reveals the 10 best U.S. public transportation systems. Did your favorite city make the list?
10. Arlington, Virginia
Transit score: 59 (out of 100)
Located across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital, Arlington ranks No. 10 on the list of U.S. cities with the best public transportation, according to the report. Arlington fuses modern innovation with rich history. It’s home to important sites like Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon, and the city is connected to the greater DMV area — short for District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia — via the Metro. This robust system of color-coded subway lines allows for easy access to many of the nation’s most famous landmarks. In addition, Arlington’s ART (Arlington Transit) bus network provides further connections with the Metro, which make getting around a breeze.
9. Seattle, Washington
Transit score: 60
Seattle’s public transportation system offers a seamless way to explore the city on five modes of transportation: buses, ferries, light rail, streetcars, and commuter trains. Its innovative ORCA card (named after the region’s orca whales) offers access to all these transit modes, allowing users to zip from the Space Needle to Pike Place Market in a matter of minutes. Seattle suburbs and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are also connected to the Link Light Rail, offering convenient public transportation to the city’s outskirts.
8. Chicago, Illinois
Transit score: 65
Chicago’s elevated train system, known as the “L” for short, is a network of eight color-coded lines, providing easy access to key attractions like Millennium Park and Navy Pier, along with convenient connections to both major Chicago airports, O’Hare and Midway. In addition to the L, the city’s extensive bus network and the Metra commuter rail line spans the greater region, serving a network of 35 suburbs and approximately 3 million residents — and making exploring or commuting in the Windy City accessible and affordable in the process.
7. Newark, New Jersey
Transit score: 65
Ranking No. 7 for best public transportation in the U.S. is Newark, New Jersey’s largest city. Located across the Hudson River from New York City, Newark boasts an expansive public transit system operated by New Jersey Transit (NJT), the nation’s largest commuter rail network. It connects Newark with key destinations across the state and into parts of Pennsylvania and New York. The city’s Light Rail also provides access to attractions such as Branch Brook Park, which boasts the nation’s largest cherry blossom collection, and Prudential Center, home to the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.
6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Transit score: 67
The City of Brotherly Love also embraces a love for public transportation. It’s home to the third-oldest subway system in the country, opened in 1907. Today, its SEPTA network operates trains, subways, trolleys, and buses serving a 2,200-square-mile region in the greater Philadelphia area. Commuters can easily reach downtown destinations including the iconic Liberty Bell and City Hall — or venture as far north as Trenton, New Jersey, and as far south as Newark, Delaware.
5. Washington, D.C.
Transit score: 69
The nation’s capital is served by one of the most widely used public transit systems in the U.S. The Metro, a system of trains and buses, connects Washington, D.C., with Virginia and Maryland, resulting in over 200 million trips annually. Six subway lines serve key attractions and neighborhoods, from the Smithsonian museums and Capitol Hill to the eclectic dining scene at Adams Morgan. Visitors and locals alike can easily travel to two international airports (Reagan and Dulles) via the Metro, making D.C. a convenient getaway for both business and leisure travelers.
4. Jersey City, New Jersey
Transit score: 71
A stone’s throw from Lower Manhattan, Jersey City boasts panoramic views of the New York City skyline — along with some of the best public transportation options in the country. The city’s transportation system is so efficient that around 38% of households don’t even own a vehicle. Moreover, nearly 50% of the city’s population relies on public transportation for their daily commute. Subway lines connect Jersey City to Manhattan through tunnels beneath the Hudson River, and dozens of bus lines promise smooth travel throughout the city and beyond.
3. Boston, Massachusetts
Transit score: 72
Boston has been a leader in public transportation for over a century. In 1897, the city debuted the first subway system in North America, which traveled between Boston Public Garden and Haymarket Square. Today, these historic sites and many others across the city are connected by Boston’s modern MBTA system, nicknamed the “T.” The T boasts five subway lines, as well as buses, trolleys, and ferries. The color names of Boston’s subway lines correspond to their routes. For example, the Red Line goes to Harvard University (where the school color is crimson), while the Blue Line travels under Boston Harbor.
2. San Francisco, California
Transit score: 77
Many San Franciscans have little use for a vehicle thanks to one of the best public transportation networks in the U.S. San Francisco’s iconic cable cars — the world’s last manually operated cable car system — transport nearly 10 million passengers annually, including many visitors exploring the steep hills of the City by the Bay. Riders also get around on light rail, buses, trains, and ferries. This system is collectively nicknamed the “Muni,” operated by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority (SFMTA). The city’s Clipper Card, named for 19th-century clipper ships, makes accessing public transportation seamless.
1. New York, New York
Transit score: 88
It’s no surprise that America’s largest city also boasts its best public transportation system, with over 1 billion paid rides annually. The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) operates 472 subway stations in New York City — the most of any city in the world — and more than 300 bus routes. Navigating this system can be tricky initially, but it pays dividends to avoid getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic throughout the five boroughs.
In 2023, New York’s busiest subway station was the Times Square-42nd Street complex, which welcomed over 54 million annual riders. The scenic Grand Central Terminal came in second. Whether you’re exploring classic landmarks like Central Park or catching a Broadway show, New York’s public transportation system ensures that every corner of the city is just a ride away.
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