15 Countries Renowned for Their Transportation Systems
Image Source: AWL Images RM/Getty ImagesTravelers often prioritize flight options over road infrastructure, yet ease of movement within a country is crucial too.
According to the World Economic Forum's 2017 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, countries are assessed on their appeal to tourists across 14 categories, including ground and port facilities. The report evaluates the quality of ports, roads, and rail networks, as well as the density of paved roads and total roadways, plus the effectiveness of ground transport.
With services like Uber and Lyft gaining popularity, hailing a ride has become simpler in many urban areas, yet many top destinations in this realm eliminate the need for such services. For those who have bought a Eurail pass during their studies abroad, it’s no surprise that many nations with the highest railroad density — defined as miles of railroad per square mile — are in Western Europe. However, the best countries for ground travel extend beyond this region.
Here are the 15 nations where navigation is at its easiest.
15. Spain
Photo Credit: Moment RM/Getty ImagesSpain's 15th place ranking in ground and port infrastructure is just one of its many strengths, as it holds the top position in overall tourism appeal. Spain excels particularly in railroad infrastructure quality.
14. Barbados
Image Credit: Angelo Cavalli/Robert Harding World Imagery/Getty ImagesBarbados achieves a high score in the ground and port infrastructure category, securing fifth place in both road density and paved road density metrics. This Caribbean gem also ranks eighth for its commitment to travel and tourism, making it an ideal holiday destination with its turquoise waters and pristine beaches.
13. Bahrain
Image Source: iStockphoto/Getty ImagesBahrain boasts the second highest road density, although its road quality is ranked 25th.
12. Austria
Image Source: iStockphoto/Getty ImagesAustria performs exceptionally well across various metrics, particularly in road quality and transport efficiency. It also holds the 12th spot in the overall tourism destination ranking, excelling in environmental sustainability and tourist service infrastructure, ensuring visitors have a pleasant and responsible travel experience.
11. United Kingdom
Image Source: iStockphoto/Getty ImagesThe United Kingdom holds the 11th position for ground transportation, scoring in the top 20 across all metrics except for road quality. With a ninth place ranking in railroad density, the U.K. is a convenient destination for train travel.
10. Japan
Photo Credit: Arief Juwono/Moment RF/Getty ImagesJapan ranks 10th, boasting the highest quality railroad infrastructure and the best ground transport efficiency globally. This is no surprise to anyone familiar with Tokyo's comprehensive train network.
9. Denmark
Image Source: Gerard Puigmal/Moment RF/Getty ImagesDenmark excels in overall transportation, featuring excellent road quality and an extensive network. For cycling enthusiasts, Denmark offers nearly 7,500 miles of bike paths, making biking a breeze.
8. Luxembourg
Photo Credit: Marco Wong/Moment Open/Getty ImagesLuxembourg ranks third in railroad density and seventh in paved road density. Situated between Germany, France, and Belgium, its excellent ground transport accessibility makes it easy to explore its castles or traverse nearly 400 miles of bike paths.
7. France
Image Credit: Simon WatsonFrance boasts one of the top scores for railroad infrastructure quality, coming in fourth, and also ranks eighth for paved road density. With its efficient transport network and the second-highest number of airlines operating, getting to and around France is a breeze.
6. Belgium
Photo Credit: Martha CamarilloBelgium shines with a second-place ranking in railroad density, making it an excellent destination for train travel in any direction. It also performs well in ground transport infrastructure, ranking sixth for port quality and third for road density.
5. Germany
Image Credit: Moment RM/Getty ImagesWhile Germany ranks fourth in railroad density, it excels overall, placing eleventh in paved road density, railroad and port infrastructure quality, and ground transport efficiency. As one of the top global tourism destinations, its connectivity is just one of many compelling reasons to visit.
4. Switzerland
Image Source: Bloomberg/Getty ImagesSwitzerland holds fourth place overall for this category, ranking second in railroad infrastructure quality and fifth in railroad density. It also boasts impressive ground transport efficiency, coming in second. With an eighth-place score for air transport infrastructure quality, Switzerland offers a comfortable travel experience.
3. Netherlands
Photo Credit: Tim Graham/Getty ImagesThe Netherlands takes third place, performing well overall and securing a spot in the top 10 for every indicator within the ground and port infrastructure category. With its vast network of canals, it ranks first for port infrastructure quality.
2. Singapore
Photo Source: iStockphoto/Getty ImagesSingapore achieves outstanding scores, ranking second for ground and port transport, as well as for road quality, paved road density, and port infrastructure quality. It also ranks first for air transport infrastructure quality, making it easy to travel to and within the country.
1. Hong Kong
Photo by Martin Puddy/Getty ImagesTopping the list for ground and port transport is Hong Kong, which excels across all metrics. The region also performs well in air transport infrastructure, securing fifth place, and ranks 11th in the overall tourism ranking, making it both easy to navigate and a highly appealing destination.
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