Key Points
- Pakistan emerges as the fifth most affordable nation for public transport in a 2025 global study.
- Iceland tops the list of costliest countries, with fares reaching over PKR 1,300 for a single ride.
- Luxembourg offers completely free public transport, ranking as the cheapest worldwide.
- Analysts say Pakistan’s low fares ease financial pressure compared to high European transport costs.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has earned a spot as one of the world’s most budget-friendly countries for public transport, ranking fifth globally, according to a 2025 report by an Australian research organization that analysed fares in 123 countries and 319 cities.
The report paints a striking contrast in transport costs around the world. Iceland claims the top spot as the most expensive, with an average one-way bus or metro ticket costing roughly PKR 1,365, and monthly passes soaring to about PKR 22,660. Other high-cost nations include Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, with the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and Finland also featuring in the top 10.
On the other end of the spectrum, Luxembourg leads with free public transport, followed by Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Pakistan. In Pakistan, commuters pay an average of PKR 46 for a single ride and around PKR 1,800 for a monthly pass, making daily travel remarkably affordable.
Analysts say Pakistan’s low fares provide significant relief for ordinary commuters, particularly when compared to European countries where transport costs can weigh heavily on household budgets. The report highlights how public transport affordability remains a crucial factor in enhancing urban mobility and easing financial pressure on everyday travellers.
