Let’s start with London, because it feels like everyone who reads this has either been there or wants to go. In London, it’s not just a card; it’s a savings account avoidance strategy. A weekly Travelcard for zones 1 and 2 will set you back about £42.40.
That’s a lot of money for a tube ride, but remember: unlimited bus and tube journeys. If you take the tube twice a day for work, it’s actually a bargain. Plus, you get to look down on people tapping their Oyster cards like they’re peasants.
Go further out—say, zones 1 through 6—and you’re looking at over £100. That’s for the folks who live in the countryside but pretend they’re city dwellers. You pay for that dream, friend.
Other Cities: The Cheap and Cheerful
Now, if you’re in a smaller city like Manchester or Birmingham, you can relax. A weekly bus pass in Manchester is often under £20. It’s almost pocket change—until you realize you have to actually use the Manchester buses.
In New York City, the weekly MetroCard is a flat $34 (as of 2026). That gets you unlimited subway and local buses for seven days. Just be prepared for the occasional “express train” that decides to skip your stop. It’s a rite of passage.
Paris? Oh la la. The Navigo pass for a week is about €30. That covers the metro, buses, and even the RER trains. It’s so efficient you’ll feel guilty for not wearing a beret. Je t’aime, cheap transport.
