The world's five most sustainable forms of transport

The benefits of sustainable transport are extensive. It supports economic growth through efficient mobility, improves public health, strengthens social equity by widening access, reduces pollution and increases the resilience of cities and rural regions. As countries around the world work toward net zero goals, sustainable mobility is becoming one of the most important pillars of climate strategy.

So what are the most sustainable forms of transport today? Below we explore five categories that demonstrate the biggest potential for long-term, low-impact mobility.

Smart roads and intelligent infrastructure

Modern transport systems are increasingly shaped by digital infrastructure that enables safer, cleaner and more efficient travel. Smart roads use embedded sensors, wireless communication and in some cases electrified surfaces to support connected and electric vehicles.

Examples include:

• Roadside nodes and sensor systems that communicate with vehicles to reduce congestion and improve safety
• Pilot projects that use inductive charging to power electric vehicles as they drive
• Integrated traffic management systems that optimise speed, flow and routing to cut emissions
• Real-time monitoring that supports predictive maintenance and reduces the need for heavy roadworks

These technologies support sustainability indirectly, by reducing stop-start traffic, improving efficiency and enabling the large-scale adoption of electric and connected vehicles. As electrification expands worldwide, smart roads form a crucial part of the future mobility ecosystem.

High-speed rail and low-carbon super-trains

Rail continues to be one of the lowest carbon forms of mass transport, and innovation in rail technology is accelerating. High-speed electric rail, hydrogen-powered trains and magnetic-levitation (maglev) systems are pushing the boundaries of long-distance, low-carbon travel.

Notable developments include:

• Ultra-high-speed maglev prototypes capable of reaching speeds around 1,000 km/h
• Hydrogen trains being trialled and deployed in Europe, the UK and Asia, offering long-range travel with zero tailpipe emissions
• Expansions of high-speed electric rail networks across Europe and Asia as countries shift more passengers and freight away from road and aviation
• Regenerative braking and lightweight materials that cut the energy required to move rail stock

High-speed rail significantly reduces emissions per passenger kilometre and, when powered by clean energy, becomes one of the most sustainable long-distance transport options available.

Adaptable and electrified urban bus and tram networks

As urban populations grow, cities face increasing pressure to provide reliable, affordable and low-carbon transport. Bus and tram networks remain essential, particularly where rail infrastructure is limited.

Sustainable progress in this area includes:

Zero-emission fleets

Electric and hydrogen-powered buses are rapidly replacing diesel fleets in major cities. These vehicles dramatically reduce local air pollution and cut carbon emissions when powered through clean electricity.

More efficient vehicles

Improved aerodynamics, lighter bodies, energy-efficient motors and regenerative braking reduce energy use and operating costs.

Better planning and integration

High-density urban planning, mobility hubs and multimodal integration reduce the distance people need to travel and make public transport the most convenient option.

On-demand public transport

Demand-responsive transport allows vehicles to adapt routes in real time, increasing accessibility while reducing unnecessary miles.

Urban public transport remains one of the most impactful levers for lowering transport emissions globally.

Lower-carbon air travel through technology and optimisation

Aviation is one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise, but significant progress is being made in reducing emissions per flight.

Key developments include:

• Aircraft designed with lighter composite materials and more efficient engines
• Improved aerodynamics and wing designs that lower fuel burn
• Smarter routing systems that reduce unnecessary miles and avoid congestion
• Early trials of hydrogen-powered aircraft and hybrid-electric propulsion
• Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) that offer lower lifecycle carbon emissions than traditional jet fuel

While air travel will never be the most sustainable choice overall, continuous innovation is helping reduce its environmental impact. For many remote or island regions, it also remains essential for connectivity and economic development.

People-powered and shared mobility

The most sustainable forms of movement remain the simplest: those powered by people or shared across many users.

Cycling and walking

Cities worldwide continue to invest in protected cycle lanes, low-traffic neighbourhoods and pedestrian-first design. These forms of travel have zero emissions, support public health and reduce congestion.

Bike-sharing and micro-mobility

Shared e-bikes, e-scooters and cargo-bike schemes provide flexible alternatives to car use, particularly in urban areas.

Car-sharing and ride-sharing

Increasing vehicle occupancy is one of the fastest ways to reduce emissions per kilometre. Community car-sharing, employer shuttle schemes and app-based pooling services help achieve this.

Virtual transport

Remote working, video conferencing and digital collaboration have permanently reduced the need for some business travel. This is often overlooked but remains one of the most impactful sustainability shifts of the past decade.

A multi-dimensional future for sustainable transport

No single form of transport can solve global sustainability challenges. The most resilient systems integrate clean infrastructure, efficient mass transit, active travel, shared mobility and behavioural change. As more people understand the environmental and social benefits of sustainable transport, public demand will continue to shape investment and policy decisions.

Ultimately, the world’s most sustainable mobility systems combine technology, planning and cultural change. The challenge is not to choose one form of transport but to design systems where each mode supports cleaner, healthier and more efficient travel for all.