The rule for using ‘in’ or ‘on’ for transport is:
– independent or special transport uses in
– services use on
* It is not about being inside or on top.
An easy way to think about this is:
Does the transport usually do this journey, even when I am not here?
If it does, it probably uses ‘on’.
Independent transport vs. service
| Independent transport | Service |
|---|---|
| taxi | train |
| boat (private boat) | boat (ferry) |
| plane (private plane) | plane (normal plane from airport) |
Exception: bicycles are independent transport, but use on.
Examples
| She came to the party in a taxi. | They went to Blackpool on the train. |
| Jules travelled to the island in her boat. (*private boat) | Darlene went to France on the ferry. |
| I left my wallet in the plane. (*my plane) | I left my bag on the plane. (*normal plane) |
| Francis went to the shop on her bicycle. |