Abstract Active transport might be well suited to counteract the decrease in physical activity and the increase in weight gain in students and working young adults (18–25 years). To promote active transport in this neglected age group, knowledge of factors influencing all transport modes is needed. Focus groups were used to explore factors influencing transport choice of studying and working young adults, for short distance travel to various destinations. Nineteen students (mean age of 21±1.1 years) and 17 working young adults (mean age of 23±1.5 years) were recruited. Three focus groups were conducted with students and three with working young adults. Content analysis was performed using NVivo 9 software (QSR International). Grounded theory was used to derive categories and subcategories. Young adults talked about several factors that influence transport choice, which could be categorized in three themes: Personal factors, social factors and physical environmental factors. Some factors were reported as very important for choosing between transport modes, such as autonomy, travel time, financial cost and vehicle ownership; some as less important, such as the built environment and perceived safety and some as not important at all, such as ecology and health. Most factors were discussed by both students and working young adults, but some differences were found between the two groups, mainly based on income and living situation. When promoting active transport in young adults, health benefits or ecological benefits should not be emphasized. Focus should be put on cycling instead of walking, on flexibility, speed, good social support and low costs. Also, more bicycle storage and workplace facilities should be provided. It should be avoided that young adults own a private car and the public transport system should be optimized to fit their needs.

Highlights • To promote active transport, transport choices in young adults were explored. • Working and studying young adults participated in 6 focus group discussions. • Owning a private car is an important barrier to active transport. • Flexibility, speed, good support and low costs are facilitators of active transport. • More bicycle storage and workplace facilities should be provided.