As cities evolve, the need for personal cars diminishes. In some places, innovative design and thoughtful planning have made it clear that getting from point A to point B doesn’t always require a vehicle. These cities offer a glimpse into a car-free future.
Venice, Italy
Venice stands out for its lack of cars. The city’s canals serve as the main transport routes, and pedestrian pathways dominate. With no roads for motor vehicles, you can only explore by foot or boat. The absence of cars helps preserve Venice’s ancient architecture and reduces air pollution.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt remains car-free, which preserves the serene alpine environment. Visitors must park near Tasch and take an electric train to reach the town. The car ban helps reduce noise and air pollution and makes it a popular destination for eco-conscious tourists and skiers seeking clean mountain air.
Hydra Island, Greece
The island’s rocky scenery and narrow streets make motor vehicles impossible. Residents transport goods by donkey, while visitors enjoy walking or riding, a quiet way to explore its timeless beauty without the intrusion of modern vehicles. This approach preserves the island’s peaceful atmosphere.
Monaco
Why own a car in Monaco when the costs are astronomical? Taxes, insurance, and limited parking make it impractical for most. With an excellent transit system and the city’s compact size, many residents walk or take a bus to go around the principality.
Singapore
The Certificate of Entitlement (COE) auction system means paying a significant premium to own a car in Singapore. To curb traffic congestion, this policy encourages the use of transport systems and makes it the more practical and affordable option for most residents.
Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg promotes a car-free lifestyle by offering extensive bike paths and reliable public transportation. The city’s commitment to reducing emissions and traffic congestion has made it one of Sweden’s most walkable and cyclist-friendly cities. A car here feels more like a burden than a necessity for most.
Oslo, Norway
People in Oslo are increasingly relying on walking, cycling, and urban transit as the city rolls out pedestrian zones and reduces parking spaces. As cars become less central, the city’s focus shifts toward creating more public spaces and improving the overall for residents and visitors alike.
Kyoto, Japan
Narrow alleyways in Kyoto’s old quarters are often too small for cars, so residents and visitors rely on foot or bicycle. The absence of motorized transport invites a slower pace and allows for a deeper appreciation of Kyoto’s famed craftsmanship in architecture and traditional gardens.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s extensive bike lanes and transit network make it one of the world’s most car-free cities. Most locals prefer cycling or using trams to get around. The city’s progressive policies on reducing traffic and its compact size make owning a car both unnecessary and impractical for residents.
Paris, France
The rise of electric scooter rentals and well-planned bike paths have made driving in Paris less appealing. With streets dedicated to cyclists and pedestrians, getting around the city without a car has never been easier. These new alternatives make it easier to enjoy Paris without the stress of parking or traffic.
New York City, USA
Moving through Manhattan without a car can actually save time. Residents often find that public transportation and walking provide faster, more direct routes than going around the city’s busy streets and trying to find a place to park. The more practical option, in this case, is pretty clear.
Hong Kong
Is car ownership worth the cost in Hong Kong? With high taxes, limited parking, and constant traffic, owning a car proves impractical for most. The city’s dense infrastructure, along with alternatives like ferries and cycling, makes traveling much more convenient and affordable without the need for a personal vehicle.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s infrastructure caters to cyclists, with bike lanes covering the city. The well-developed shared transport system and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to get around without a car. Copenhagen’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions encourages both residents and visitors to embrace car-free living.
Stockholm, Sweden
The city’s push for green transport includes a vast network of car-free zones and dedicated bike lanes. These alternatives make it easier for residents to find their way in the city without needing a personal vehicle. With such infrastructure in place, Stockholm’s emphasis on sustainability directly influences car ownership trends.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is dedicated to sustainability, which is reflected in its vast network of bike paths and walkable streets. With parking fees climbing and driving costs increasing, many residents turn to cycling or walking for daily trips. While a car may be needed for excursions outside the city, within Vancouver, it’s not a “need.”
Reykjavik, Iceland
This city is small enough to explore by foot or bike. With eco-friendly initiatives like green buses and pedestrian zones, car ownership is unnecessary. Many areas are designed to prioritize cyclists, and bike lanes connect key locations. For longer distances, the city’s highly efficient public transportation system offers a seamless alternative to driving.
Berlin, Germany
Car ownership can feel like more trouble than it’s worth in Berlin. With well-integrated city transport, car-free zones, and bike lanes, the city offers a wide range of alternatives that make getting around faster and more affordable. Several districts have also implemented zones where private vehicles are heavily restricted.
Portland, Oregon, USA
Portland’s dedication to reducing car dependency is evident in its bike lanes, car-sharing programs, and frequent commuter service options. The city has long embraced sustainability, encouraging residents to leave their cars in favor of walking or using the MAX light rail system. It continues to expand its goals to reduce driving.
London, UK
London’s congestion charge, coupled with an extensive public transport system, makes driving a hassle. The Tube, buses, and walking paths are sufficient to get around. Car ownership is often impractical, as driving in the city center is expensive and slow due to heavy traffic and limited parking.
Tokyo, Japan
What’s the point of owning a car in Tokyo when you have access to an unrivaled transit network? With over 200 stations served by the Tokyo Metro and JR East lines, getting around is effortless. You can reach almost any destination with minimal wait times and maximum convenience.
