12 Carbon-Free Journeys That Will Define the Future of Sustainable Tourism

5. Electric Buses and Last-Mile Electrification

Last-mile transit matters for tourism hotspots and urban mobility. Cities are replacing diesel buses with electric models to provide quieter streets, cleaner air, and lower operational emissions where visitors move between sites. Malmö’s recent fleet order highlights this trend: the city ordered a mix of 12m, 18m, and 24m electric buses — including articulated and bi-articulated models — with battery packs reportedly in the 400–700 kWh range for delivery in the mid-2020s. For destinations, electrified buses enable sustainable sightseeing routes and reliable connections from transport hubs to accommodations. For travelers, choosing accommodations near electric bus lines, tram systems, or other low-emission public transport reduces a trip’s total carbon impact while often costing less than taxis. Municipalities and transit authorities increasingly publish fleet electrification plans and route maps; using those resources helps you pick low-carbon ground mobility for your stay.