Which Cities Have Unusual Travel Facts, Like Trains Through Buildings?
Travel in cities around the world is not just about getting from point A to point B. In some cities, travel infrastructure and transport systems have become landmarks in themselves, with unique features that make them stand out. From trains passing through buildings to buses driving underwater, here are some of the most unusual travel facts from cities across the globe:
Trains Going Through Buildings
Some cities have developed railway systems so integrated into the urban fabric that trains pass through actual buildings, creating iconic and unusual travel experiences for passengers.
Examples of Trains Through Buildings
- Tokyo, Japan - Shibuya Station: At Shibuya Station, one of Tokyo's busiest railway hubs, there is a part of the station where trains pass directly through a shopping complex. The station is a major transport interchange and the trains continue to pass through the shopping areas, blending travel with shopping.
- London, United Kingdom - The Leadenhall Building: While not a train, the Leadenhall Building in London (nicknamed the "Cheesegrater") is so tall and has such a unique design that it is an unusual sight in the city. There is also a railway line passing under parts of the city, like London Bridge Station, which is also famous for its complex arrangement of tracks running beneath and around buildings.
- New York, USA - The High Line: The High Line is an elevated park built on an old railway track. It has transformed a piece of disused land into a green walkway where trains once passed, with some areas even being directly adjacent to buildings.
Trains that Stop in the Middle of Rivers
Some cities have unique train stations or stops located in unusual places, like in the middle of rivers or water bodies, making the journey quite a spectacle.
Examples of Trains Stopping in the Middle of Rivers
- Vancouver, Canada - SkyTrain in the River: Vancouver's SkyTrain, the world's longest automated light rapid transit system, travels across several water bodies, including over the Fraser River. Passengers get to enjoy scenic views of the water while traveling across bridges and above rivers.
- Hamburg, Germany - The Underground and Water Tunnels: The Hamburg underground rail system features the "Uberseequartier" station, where some trains pass through a tunnel under the river Elbe. This underground connection serves as a major transport link in the city.
Vehicles Driving Underwater
There are cities where vehicles travel underwater, either via tunnels or submerged roads, making these travel routes incredibly unique.
Examples of Vehicles Traveling Underwater
- Stockholm, Sweden - The Stockholm Tunnelbana: The Tunnelbana (subway system) is part of the city's underwater network, with several stations and train lines running beneath the city’s waterways.
- Oslo, Norway - Oslofjord Tunnel: The Oslofjord Tunnel allows both vehicles and buses to drive under the water between the island of Hurumlandet and the mainland of Norway. The tunnel runs deep under the Oslofjord, one of Norway’s most famous natural sites.
- London, United Kingdom - The Thames Tunnel: The Thames Tunnel, built under the River Thames, was the world's first underwater tunnel. Originally built for pedestrian use, it now serves as part of the Docklands Light Railway.
Buses that Drive on Water
Some cities have unique transport systems, such as buses that travel on water or even amphibious vehicles that can travel both on land and in the water.
Examples of Water-Driving Buses
- Singapore - Amphibious Bus Tours: Singapore offers an amphibious bus tour that drives passengers around the city before entering the water. These buses drive through streets and then turn into boats to cruise along the Singapore River and Marina Bay.
- Venice, Italy - Vaporetto Water Buses: In Venice, the Vaporetto, a public water bus system, is the main form of transport through the canals. The boats serve as buses, stopping at different piers around the city, making it a unique method of transport.
- Seattle, USA - Seattle's Amphibious Duck Tours: These tours use amphibious vehicles, called "ducks," which are able to travel both on land and in water, offering a fun way to see Seattle’s landmarks and waterways.
Roads That Pass Through Water
Some cities have roads or highways that are uniquely located above or below bodies of water, creating an unusual driving experience.
Examples of Roads Passing Through Water
- Venice, Italy - Roads Above Water: Venice’s entire transport system is built on water, with boat taxis and gondolas acting as the primary form of transport. The streets are canals, and the entire city can be traversed on foot or by boat.
- Dubai, UAE - Palm Jumeirah Causeway: The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is a man-made island shaped like a palm tree, and the roads on the island, along with its causeways, pass over the water, providing a stunning view of the surrounding seas.
- Maldives - Underwater Roads: The Maldives has a network of roads that connect the islands, some of which run across the water. Travelers experience the beauty of crystal-clear waters while traveling along these causeways.
Underground Cities and Transport Systems
In certain cities, transportation networks go far beyond the typical subway or underground system, reaching into entire subterranean cities where people live and work beneath the surface.
Examples of Underground Cities
- Montreal, Canada - Underground City (RESO): Montreal’s underground city, known as RESO, is a vast network of tunnels and walkways beneath the city, connecting shopping centers, restaurants, and offices. It’s one of the world’s largest underground complexes.
- Beijing, China - Beijing Subway: The Beijing subway is one of the largest and busiest systems in the world, with many lines running underground to avoid the city's busy streets and support efficient transit in the densely populated capital.
- Wellington, New Zealand - Wellington's Underground Railway: Known for its underground transport, Wellington has designed several transportation routes, including parts of its rail network, to run beneath the city to avoid interfering with the dense urban landscape.
