Greenpeace research finds long-term public transport fares have risen in 14 of 30 European capitals over the past three years, with London the most expensive for monthly passes (€162). Nicosia recorded the largest increase (+67%), while Dublin saw the biggest fall (−42.5%). The study highlights an average VAT of about 11% on tickets and calls for affordable "climate tickets" to make transit cheaper, cleaner and more inclusive.
Greenpeace: Public Transport Fares Surge Across Europe — London Most Expensive at €162
Which European cities have the most expensive public transport?
New research from Greenpeace reveals that long-term public transport fares have risen sharply in many European capitals, making city travel more expensive for residents and visitors alike.
What the Study Covered
The analysis examined long-term (monthly and annual) public transport passes in 30 countries — the 27 EU member states plus the UK, Switzerland and Norway — and assessed availability, affordability, regional reach, which transport modes are included, discounts for vulnerable groups, and the impact of value-added tax (VAT) on fares.
Key Findings
Rising Fares: Fares increased in 14 capitals over the past three years. Seven countries have raised VAT on public transport since 2023, contributing to higher ticket prices across the region.
Highest Monthly Costs: London is the most expensive for monthly passes (€162), followed by Amsterdam (€107) and Paris (€77).
Largest Increases Since 2023: Nicosia recorded the biggest jump (+67%), with Amsterdam (+55%), Madrid (+50%) and Bratislava (+32%) also seeing steep rises. Berlin and Vienna rose by 29% and 26% respectively. Copenhagen, Bucharest, Vilnius, Brussels and London recorded increases of at least 10%.
Falling Prices: Prices fell in four capitals: Dublin (−42.5%), Oslo (−11.5%), Bern (−6.6%) and Budapest (−5.8%). Another 12 capitals saw prices remain broadly unchanged since 2023.
Taxation: One important factor keeping fares high is VAT: public transport tickets face an average VAT rate of around 11% across the countries studied.
National Passes, Affordability and Rankings
Only eight of the 30 countries currently offer free public transport or broadly affordable nationwide long-term passes. Luxembourg, Malta and Slovenia perform best in that category, while Finland, Greece and Norway rank among the worst for affordability and availability and also apply above-average VAT rates.
When combining availability, affordability and inclusivity, the cities ranked highest are Tallinn, Luxembourg City and Valletta (joint first), followed by Prague (4th), Rome (5th), Athens (6th), Sofia (7th) and Vienna (8th).
What Greenpeace Recommends
Greenpeace is urging national and local governments to create affordable 'climate tickets' — universal, low-cost long-term passes designed to reduce emissions from road and air travel, increase public transport use and cut dependence on fossil fuels.
Bottom line: Many European capitals have become more expensive to navigate by public transport in recent years, driven by fare hikes and taxation. While a few cities have reduced costs or introduced national schemes, broader, affordable solutions remain limited.
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