List of the 10 Beautiful Car-Free Cities in the World

If you look around, you’ll notice that in a family of four, at least two people own two cars; meaning that among a population of millions or billions, the number of cars collectively owned would be staggering.

Although public transportation helps reduce the number of cars on the road, people still prefer to use their own vehicles to travel because of its convenience and comfort.

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This leads to serious urban pollution and traffic congestion, ultimately affecting the environment and the quality of life of residents.

However, there are some cities in the world that use public transportation predominantly and have helped to significantly reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.

So, are you ready to learn how these cities have successfully implemented public transportation systems to reduce the number of cars on the road and improve air quality? Here are the top 10 car-free cities that prioritize public transportation and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

3. Giethoorn, Netherlands

Country: Netherlands

Air pollution rate: about 20 µg/m³ (2024)

Population: 2,600 (2024)

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Transportation: Boat (pontoon), bicycle, walking

Often referred to as the “Venice of the North”, Giethoorn is known for its picturesque canals and lack of traditional roads. Instead of using cars, residents and visitors navigate the village by boat or bicycle. This car-free lifestyle helps reduce air pollution levels and preserves the idyllic scenery. By limiting vehicle traffic, Giethoorn ensures that residents and visitors alike can enjoy clean air and tranquility.

4. Hydra, Greece

• Country: Greece
• Air pollution rate: about 18 µg/m³ (2024)
• Population: 1,800 (2024)
• Transportation: Walking, donkey, water taxi

Hydra is a charming Greek island that has been closed to all motor vehicles since the 1960s. The island’s steep terrain and narrow streets make it impossible for cars to pass, so people rely on walking, donkeys and water taxis to get around. This unique way of getting around has resulted in extremely low levels of air pollution on the island. The tranquil atmosphere attracts tourists seeking an environmentally friendly destination, while residents also enjoy a high quality of life without car exhaust emissions.

5. La Digue Island, Seychelles

• Country: Seychelles
• Air pollution rate: about 12 µg/m³ (2024)
• Population: 2,000 (2024)
• Transportation: Bicycle and walking

La Digue is one of the most beautiful islands in Seychelles and is completely car-free. The island is small and easy to explore on foot or by bike, and the lush landscape and stunning beaches add to the fun. This car-free policy helps maintain pure air quality. The absence of cars not only reduces pollution, but also enhances the island’s charm and tranquility.

6. Matheran, India

• Country: India
• Air pollution rate: about 30 µg/m³ (2024)
• Population: 7,000 (2024)
• Transportation: Horseback riding and walking

Matheran is Asia’s only car-free hill station, located near Mumbai. The town’s high altitude and dense forests make it an ideal getaway from city life. Visitors must park their vehicles at designated parking lots outside the town and explore on horseback or on foot. This unique policy helps preserve Matheran’s natural beauty while ensuring cleaner air for residents and visitors.

7. Ghent, Belgium

• Country: Belgium
• Air pollution rate: about 22 µg/m³ (2024)
• Population: 260,000 (2024)
• Transportation: Bicycle, public transportation (tram/bus), walking

Ghent’s city centre has been largely car-free since the implementation of a transport plan in the late 1990s. The initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion while improving air quality by promoting bicycles and public transport as the main modes of transport. The city’s commitment to sustainable development has increased green space and improved public health.

8. Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Country: Netherlands
• Air pollution rate: about 25 µg/m³ (2024)
• Population: 900,000 (2024)
• Transportation: Bicycle, tram, walking

Amsterdam is known for its extensive bicycle infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly policies, which have reduced car dependence over the years. While not completely car-free, about a quarter of trips in the city are by bike or on foot, significantly reducing air pollution levels. The city’s initiatives to promote cycling include dedicated bike lanes and rental schemes, encouraging residents and visitors to choose sustainable modes of transport.

9. Oslo, Norway

• Country: Norway
• Air pollution rate: about 20 µg/m³ (2024)
• Population: 1,550,000 (2024)
• Transportation: Bicycle, public transport (bus/tram/train) and walking

Oslo has implemented a comprehensive plan to become one of the greenest cities in Europe by significantly reducing car use. The city has done so through large-scale infrastructure improvements that encourage walking, cycling, and public transportation while restricting vehicle access in certain areas. Oslo’s efforts have improved air quality and reduced noise pollution while promoting a healthier lifestyle for residents.

10. La Cumbrecita, Argentina

• Country: Argentina
• Air pollution rate: about 10 µg/m³ (2024)
• Population: 800 (2024)
• Transportation: Walking, Bicycle

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La Cumbrecita is a picturesque village nestled in the Sierra de Córdoba, which has been strictly off-limits to cars since its founding in the early 20th century. Visitors can explore the stunning natural scenery on foot or by bike. The absence of cars ensures clean air for residents and visitors who want to escape from city life.

Some interesting facts about these car-free cities?

Some key points about these car-free cities:

• Venice is more famous for its canals and gondolas than for its cars.
• Mackinac Island, Michigan, only allows bicycles and horse-drawn carriages as a means of transportation.
• The Dutch village of Giethoorn is known as the “Venice of the North”. There are no roads here and people can only travel by boat.
• The Greek island of Hydra is mountainous and prohibits all wheeled vehicles, including bicycles.
• La Digue Island in the Seychelles is a car-free paradise of stunning natural beauty.
• Matheran, India is the only car-free hill station in Asia.
• Ghent in Belgium is the second most car-free area in Europe.
• Amsterdam has a limited number of cars, with only 19% of residents using a car on a daily basis, and they mainly ride bicycles.
• Oslo aims to become car-free by strategically reducing vehicles and increasing pedestrian areas.
• La Cumbrecita in Argentina is closed to vehicles from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with cars parked at the entrance.

How do car-free cities manage emergency services?

• Car-free cities manage emergency services through innovative strategies and infrastructure transformation to ensure timely response while remaining car-free.

• In these urban environments, emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars often use designated lanes or paths in order to travel efficiently.

• In Ghent, Belgium, for example, emergency services are integrated into the city’s pedestrian-friendly design by maintaining clear pathways within car-free zones.

• This allows emergency responders to reach the scene of an accident quickly without being hindered by traffic congestion.

• Additionally, some cities have implemented alternative modes of transportation for emergencies.

• In Venice, where conventional vehicles cannot operate, emergency services rely on boats to travel through the canals to reach various areas.

• This unique approach ensures that even the most remote areas receive emergency assistance.

• Car-free cities also emphasize public awareness and community involvement.

• By educating residents about emergency protocols and the importance of keeping roads open, cities foster a collaborative environment that is conducive to a quick response to emergencies.

What are the environmental benefits of car-free cities?

Car-free cities have numerous environmental benefits and contribute to healthier urban living and sustainable development.

By eliminating or significantly reducing vehicle traffic, these cities have reduced automobile emissions, the leading cause of air pollution, thereby improving air quality.

For example, after Madrid implemented car restrictions, nitrogen oxide levels in the city center dropped by 38%, showing the direct impact of reducing vehicle emissions on urban air quality.

Additionally, a car-free environment reduces noise pollution. The absence of engine and horn sounds creates a quieter atmosphere, which improves residents’ mental health and overall quality of life.

In Brussels, a ban on cars on Sundays resulted in a noticeable drop in noise levels by 10 decibels. These cities are also promoting green space by reallocating land previously used for roads and parking lots.

This not only enhances biodiversity, but also helps mitigate the urban heat island effect, where cities become significantly warmer than the surrounding countryside due to human activity.

Furthermore, car-free cities benefit public health by encouraging active modes of transportation such as walking and cycling, which can help reduce sedentary lifestyles and related chronic diseases.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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