International trails easily accessible by public transport
Exploring the world’s great hiking trails doesn’t have to mean hiring private shuttles or organising complicated transfers. In this guide, we’ve picked international trails where reliable, regular public transport makes it easy to get straight to the start and just as easy to head home at the finish. Whether you prefer a satisfying loop or a well-connected linear route, these walks are not only accessible but also begin or end in towns and villages with amenities. We’ve even highlighted a few journeys where the transport itself — think scenic mountain railways and ferries — becomes part of the adventure. Read on to find out more.
The Tour of the Bernina
Where: Italy and Switzerland (circling the Piz Bernina massif)
How long: 119km
How many days: 9 days
How hard: some basic alpine walking experience is recommended
Season: late June to late September
The Tour of the Bernina offers stunning Alpine scenery with the added convenience of excellent public transport. To reach the trailhead at Pontresina in south-east Switzerland, the most convenient airport is Zurich, around 3 hours and 30 minutes away by train via Chur. Pontresina is served by the Rhaetian Railway — a scenic experience in itself, winding through mountains and across iconic viaducts. The Rhaetian Railway operates both regular services and the famous red Bernina Express. You begin this brilliant nine-day Alpine circuit with a scenic train ride to a high-mountain station, before setting off on foot to cross the spectacular Bernina Pass between Switzerland and Italy. With frequent trains running year-round, the trail is easy to access and charming villages along the route offer plenty of amenities.
The Tour of the Bernina
9 day tour in Switzerland and Italy and Tour of Italy's Valmalenco
£15.95
Guidebook describing a 9-stage (119km) route around the Piz Bernina massif in the Alps on the Swiss-Italian border near St Moritz, and the 8-stage (94km) Alta Via Valmalenco exploring the Valmalenco valley, in the shadow of Monte Disgrazia. The Tour of the Bernina is suitable for first-time trekkers but the Alta Via needs some experience.
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The Robert Louis Stevenson Trail (GR70)
Where: France's Cevennes region
How long: 272km
How many days: less than two weeks
How hard: good level of fitness required
Season: from around Easter to October
Following in the footsteps of the famous writer, the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail (GR70) runs through the picturesque Cévennes region. Le Puy-en-Velay, the starting point, is well-connected by train from major French cities, and you’ll find regular rail links from Alès or Nîmes at the end. Both the start and end points are reachable from London in a day each way. Along the way, you'll pass through welcoming villages where you can find food, lodging, and a taste of rural France at its best.
Trekking the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail
The GR70 through the Cevennes/Massif Central
£16.95
Guidebook to the GR70 through France's Velay and Cévennes regions, which follows in the footsteps of author Stevenson and his faithful donkey, Modestine. At 272km, this long-distance trail from Le Puy to Ales is ideal for people new to walking holidays, and promises an interesting journey with an historical and literary flavour.
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The Hong Kong Trail and the MacLehose Trail, Hong Kong
Where: Hong Kong archipelago
How long: 50km (Hong Kong Trail), 101.5km (MacLehose Trail)
How many days: 3 days (Hong Kong Trail), 5 days (MacLehose Trail)
How hard: difficult (long walks with considerable ascent that may include more difficult navigation, pathless terrain and some easy scrambling)
Season: October to December
Hong Kong might not be the first place you think of for long-distance hiking, but it’s a paradise for walkers and its public transport network is second to none. Both the Hong Kong Trail and the MacLehose Trail are easily accessible by bus, MTR (metro), or ferry, with services running frequently throughout the day. Each trail showcases a surprising amount of wilderness, from lush forests to sandy beaches, all within easy reach of the city.
Hiking in Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Lantau, MacLehose and Wilson Trails and 21 day walks
£17.95
The multi-day Wilson, MacLehose, Hong Kong and Lantau Trails and 25 day walks (from easy to challenging) on the fascinatingly diverse Hong Kong archipelago, including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the islands. With notes on plants, wildlife and geology (including the UNESCO-listed geopark) and public transport information.
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The Juliana Trail
Where: Slovenia's Julian Alps
How long: 330km (206 miles)
How many days: around 3 weeks
How hard: straightforward, relatively easy hike
Season: between June and October
Circling the spectacular Julian Alps, the Juliana Trail links some of Slovenia’s most beautiful towns and villages. Public buses (and/ora trains) serve key points along the route, making it simple to plan flexible starts and finishes. With regular connections from Ljubljana and other hubs, plus the chance to ride scenic local trains, you can enjoy the landscape without worrying about complicated logistics.
Hiking Slovenia's Juliana Trail
Three-week trek: Triglav National Park, Bled and the Julian Alps
£18.95
Guidebook to walking Slovenia's Juliana Trail, a 20-stage, 330km hike through the Julian Alps circling Mount Triglav. The route is described clockwise from Kranjska Gora with details on public transport, accommodation and available facilities.
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North Alps Traverse, Tateyama Area, Japan
Where: Japan's Alps
How long: 63km (39 miles)
How many days: 5-7 days
How hard: previous hiking experience recommended, but few overly technical or challenging sections
Season: mid July to the beginning of October
The North Alps Traverse is one of Japan’s finest multi-day hikes, linking the popular mountain hubs of Murodō and Kamikōchi with a high-level route across the wild spine of the Japanese Alps. Despite its remote feel, both trailheads are remarkably well-served by public transport. Murodō is accessed via the scenic Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route — a memorable journey involving trains, cable cars, and trolleybuses, all running regularly and reliably. On the other end, Kamikōchi can be reached by bus from Matsumoto or Takayama, with easy onward rail connections. Private vehicles aren’t allowed in either location, so the infrastructure is built around walkers and sightseers arriving by public transport — making this spectacular traverse as accessible as it is adventurous.
Hiking and Trekking in the Japan Alps and Mount Fuji
Northern, Central and Southern Alps
£22.95
English-language guidebook to the Japan Alps, featuring 27 walks and treks in the North, Central and South Alps, and the Mt Fuji area. Routes range from short, easy walks to long, tough treks and thrilling scrambles. Covers popular areas of Hakuba, Tateyama, Kamikochi, Kawaguchiko. With full information on travel, camping, mountain huts and more.
More informationThat wraps up our favourite international hiking trails that offer both spectacular scenery and easy access by public transport. From Alpine crossings to subtropical ridgelines and remote European backroads, these routes prove that you don’t need a car — or a complicated plan — to enjoy an unforgettable walking adventure abroad. If you're after something closer to home, take a look at our picks for the best UK long-distance walks that are easily accessible by public transport.
