FREE RIDES EVERYWHERE: How Luxembourg Became the World's First Country to Crack the Transportation Code.

Imagine stepping onto any bus, train, or tram in an entire country without reaching for your wallet. No fumbling for exact change, no worrying about expired tickets, no stress about zones or fare calculations. Welcome to Luxembourg – the tiny European nation that achieved what every commuter dreams of and made transportation history in the process.

The Game-Changing Decision That Shocked the World

Since 2020, Luxembourg has made all public transport free (a system of interconnected trains, buses and trams), the first country in the world to do so. This wasn't just a political stunt or a temporary pandemic measure – it was a revolutionary approach to urban mobility that has now been running successfully for over five years.

Public transport can be used free of charge in Luxembourg City and throughout the entire country. The following means of public transport are free: ... Pets and service animals ride free of charge. No fees apply for luggage or other items brought on board by passengers. Yes, you read that right – even your furry friends travel for free!

Why Luxembourg Went All-In on Free Transport

Luxembourg is a rich country. Its residents have more cars per capita than anyone else in the European Union. Faced with crushing traffic congestion and environmental concerns, the government realized that incremental changes weren't enough. They needed a bold solution.

All public transport in Luxembourg (buses, trams, and trains) has been free to use since 29 February 2020, as part of a larger mobility experiment with goals to increase walking for short trips, increase bicycling, and increase the transit ridership sharply as the network is enlarged and service improves across the nation.

A Transportation Network That Actually Works

Luxembourg didn't just make transport free – they built a system worth using. Luxembourg offers an interconnected network of buses, trains and trams that allows you to access any destination smoothly. Indeed, even though the urban centres, such as Luxembourg City and the agglomerations in the north and south of the country are very well linked, the rural regions also benefit from comprehensive coverage.

The Crown Jewel: The New Tram System

The Luxembourg tram represents modern urban transport at its finest. The final leg opened in March 2025. The line connects Luxembourg Airport to the EU institutions on the Kirchberg plateau, the city centre, Luxembourg Station, the new Cloche d'Or business district and national stadium.

From 02 March 2025, the route will connect the Airport Luxembourg Findel with the National Stadium and will serve 24 stations, including 9 transfer hubs, creating seamless connections throughout the capital region.

Trains That Connect Beyond Borders

While domestic transport is free, Luxembourg's railway system extends far beyond its borders. Departures to Trier, Metz and Brussels every hour and to Liège every two hours. A weekend in Paris? The City of Lights is only two hours away on the high-speed train (TGV, in French)!

A ticket only needs to be purchased for first class train travel or for cross-border journeys into Germany, France or Belgium. This means residents get the best of both worlds – free domestic travel and excellent international connections.

Smart Integration: One App Rules Them All

Luxembourg has embraced digital integration with their mobiliteit.lu platform. Our app conncects all modes of transport, including public transport, school buses, e-mobility, and bike-sharing. It allows you to easily combine bus, train, tram, car, bicycle, and walking, making multimodal journey planning effortless.

The Reality Check: What Free Transport Actually Achieves

The introduction of fare-free public transport in Luxembourg on the overall patronage of buses, trains and trams is not measurable. We do not have details since no significant modal shift was expected in the short-term: evidence shows that the determining factor when people chose a mode of transport goes beyond just cost.

In 2020, Luxembourg became the first nation in the world to make all public transport entirely free at the point of use. The country has found that this is only part of the solution. The lesson? Free transport works best when combined with excellent service, comprehensive coverage, and smart urban planning.

Ongoing Investments: Building for the Future

Luxembourg isn't resting on its free transport laurels. Major infrastructure projects are transforming the system:

During the summer of 2025, no less than 500 metres of track on the existing line between Bettembourg and Luxembourg will be relocated to make room for part of the NBS tracks from 2026 onwards. These investments in new high-speed rail connections will further reduce journey times and improve reliability.

In order to continue to guarantee the impeccable condition of the railway infrastructure and meet growing mobility needs, different lines will be affected by works during various periods between 11 July and 14 September 2025, showing the government's commitment to continuous improvement.

The Broader Impact: More Than Just Free Rides

Luxembourg's transportation revolution extends beyond eliminating fares:

Environmental Benefits: Reducing car dependency in one of Europe's most car-dense countries significantly cuts emissions and urban pollution.

Social Equity: Free transport removes financial barriers to mobility, ensuring everyone can access jobs, education, and services regardless of income.

Economic Efficiency: Eliminating fare collection reduces administrative costs and speeds up boarding, making the entire system more efficient.

Tourism Boost: Visitors can explore the entire country without transportation costs, making Luxembourg more attractive as a destination.

Challenges and Lessons for Other Cities

The Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure (Ministère du Développement durable et des Infrastructures) and the City of Luxembourg established Luxtram S.A. for the specific purpose of carrying out the planning, development, construction and operation of a tram line in Luxembourg City. The share capital of Luxtram S.A. is €6 million, which is held entirely by the Luxembourg government (€4 million) and the City of Luxembourg (€2 million).

This public investment model shows how serious political commitment and adequate funding are essential for successful transport transformation.

What Other Cities Can Learn

Luxembourg's success wasn't just about removing fares – it was about creating a comprehensive mobility ecosystem. Key lessons include:

1. **Quality First**: Make sure your transport system is actually good before making it free

2. **Integration is Key**: Connect different modes of transport seamlessly

3. **Think Beyond the City**: Include suburban and rural areas in your vision

4. **Invest in Infrastructure**: Free transport requires continuous investment in capacity and quality

5. **Plan for Growth**: Build systems that can accommodate future demand

The Verdict: A Transportation Revolution That Works

Five years after launching free public transport, Luxembourg has proven that bold transportation policies can work. While the modal shift may not be as dramatic as initially hoped, the system has eliminated barriers to mobility, improved quality of life, and positioned Luxembourg as a leader in sustainable urban transport.

For a country with more cars per capita than anyone else in the European Union, making public transport free was a necessary first step. Combined with ongoing infrastructure investments and smart planning, Luxembourg has created a transportation system that other cities and countries are now studying and attempting to replicate.

The question isn't whether free public transport works – Luxembourg has proven it does. The question is whether other governments have the vision and political courage to follow their lead. In a world grappling with climate change, urban congestion, and social inequality, Luxembourg's transportation revolution offers a compelling blueprint for the future.

Who knows? Your city might be next to crack the transportation code and give everyone the freedom to move.