In a world dominated by cars, buses, and trains, some places keep their travel
traditions wonderfully weird and uniquely local. From floating mail trucks to bamboo
trains, these unconventional transportation methods don’t just get you from point A to
point B – they become unforgettable parts of the journey.
Ready to explore some of the world’s most fascinating ways to get around?
Venetian Vaporetto
Venice’s water buses navigate the city’s famous canals like floating public buses.
These sturdy boats serve as the city’s main public transit system, carrying locals and
tourists alike past centuries-old palazzos while skilled pilots navigate the busy water
traffic with practiced ease.
Wuppertal Suspension Railway
Hanging upside down over the Wupper River in Germany, this unique suspended
monorail has been swinging commuters to work since 1901. The ‘Schwebebahn’
dangles from its track like a child’s toy train set brought to life, offering riders a bird’s-
eye view of the city below.
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Bangkok’s Long-tail Boats
Powered by repurposed car engines mounted on long poles, these wooden boats zip
through Bangkok’s canals with impressive speed. The boat captains navigate narrow
waterways with incredible skill, offering a thrilling alternative to the city’s congested
streets.
Madeira’s Monte Toboggan
In Funchal, Madeira, wicker basket sleds called ‘Carros de Cesto’ hurtle down steep
streets guided by skilled drivers in traditional white clothes. These toboggans have
been a unique form of downhill transport since the 19th century when they were
used to carry goods from the hillside to the port.
La Paz Cable Cars
Bolivia’s capital city relies on the world’s largest urban cable car network, Mi
Teleférico, to transport residents across its mountainous terrain. Floating above the
city’s steep valleys, these gondolas offer breathtaking views while providing essential
public transportation.
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Bamboo Trains of Battambang
Cambodia’s ‘norry’ trains consist of bamboo platforms powered by small engines
running on abandoned railway tracks. These makeshift vehicles can be quickly
disassembled when two trains meet, with local etiquette dictating that the lighter-
loaded train gives way.
Dutch Canal Bike
Amsterdam’s pedal-powered water bikes let you cruise the historic canals under your
own steam. These curious hybrids of bicycles and boats offer a unique perspective
on the city while providing an eco-friendly workout.
Philippine Jeepneys
Manila’s iconic jeepneys, converted from American military jeeps, serve as
flamboyant public buses decorated with vibrant art and chrome. Each vehicle
becomes a unique expression of its owner’s personality, turning daily commutes into
rolling art exhibitions.
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Moroccan Donkey Taxis
In Fez’s ancient medina, narrow alleyways are navigated by sure-footed donkeys
carrying everything from tourists to construction materials. These four-legged taxis
have been the most reliable form of transport in medieval streets for centuries.
India’s Toy Train
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the ‘Toy Train,’ winds
through tea plantations and mountain passes on narrow-gauge tracks. This
UNESCO World Heritage site has been chugging along since 1881, offering
spectacular views of the Himalayas.
Burmese Trishaw
Yangon’s bicycle rickshaws carry passengers through narrow streets with a unique
side-facing seat arrangement. These trishaws allow riders to observe local life from a
distinctly different angle than traditional rickshaws.
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Norwegian Bicycle Lift
Trondheim’s Trampe bicycle lift, now modernized as the CycloCable, helps cyclists
conquer steep hills with a simple foot plate that pushes them upward. It’s the world’s
first and only bicycle lift, making uphill cycling as easy as skiing.
Vietnamese Basket Boats
Round bamboo boats called ‘thuyền thúng’ bob along Vietnam’s central coast and
are spun skillfully through the waves by standing fishermen. These traditional
vessels remain vital to local fishing communities while offering visitors a memorable
way to experience coastal life.
Croatian Mail Boat
The split-second timing of jumping onto Hvar’s moving mail boat as it delivers to
Croatia’s smallest inhabited island adds excitement to the postal service. These
boats serve as essential links between remote islands while providing an adventure
for brave passengers.
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Mexican Tope Bus
In rural Mexico, converted flatbed trucks with wooden benches and colorful tarps
serve as public buses, stopping wherever passengers need them. Known as ‘chicken
buses’ in some regions, these resourceful vehicles connect remote villages to larger
towns.
New Zealand Mail Run Cruise
Stewart Island’s mail boat doubles as a cruise vessel, delivering post and supplies to
remote inhabitants while showing tourists the rugged coastline. This working boat
offers an authentic glimpse into island life while serving an essential community
function.
Hong Kong Sampan
Traditional wooden sampans weave between massive ships in Hong Kong’s
Aberdeen Harbor, offering water taxi services and floating seafood restaurants. These vessels represent a living link to the city’s maritime heritage while providing
practical transportation.
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Peruvian Reed Boats
Lake Titicaca’s totora reed boats, hand-crafted by indigenous communities, float
tourists and locals between the lake’s famous artificial islands. These traditional
vessels have remained largely unchanged for centuries, using techniques passed
down through generations.
Japanese Funifor
The Kobe Port Liner’s unique suspended cars run on rubber tires above elevated
tracks, creating an almost silent ride above the harbor. This innovative system
combines the efficiency of rail with the comfort of rubber-wheeled transport.
Romanian Horse Cart
In rural Maramureș, decorated horse carts remain a practical form of transport on
narrow village roads, particularly during harvest season. These traditional vehicles
showcase local woodcarving craftsmanship while serving essential agricultural
needs.
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Enjoy Quirky Transportation Around the Globe
From necessity to novelty, these unique modes of transport reflect local ingenuity
and cultural heritage while offering travelers unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re commuting or sightseeing, these quirky transit options prove that
sometimes the journey truly is as remarkable as the destination.
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