10 Weird and Wonderful Modes of Transportation Around the World

People often say, “it’s about the journey, not the destination”, and we wholeheartedly agree — especially since one of our favourite things to do while travelling is checking out the local transportation options. Like trying new foods, using the trains, cars, bikes, boats and toboggans (yes, you read that right!) in a foreign country is a great way to navigate and experience a destination’s unique culture.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the most unusual modes of transport found around the world. Which one are you most interested in taking for a spin?

• Jeepneys: Colourful buses in the Philippines
• Norry: A bamboo train in Battambang, Cambodia
• Schwebebahn: A suspension railway in Wuppertal, Germany
• Amfibus: A bus-boat hybrid in Rotterdam, Netherlands
• DUKWs: Amphibious trucks in London, England
• Carrinhos de cesto: Wicker toboggans in Madeira, Portugal
• Cocotaxis: Coconut-shaped taxis in Cuba
• Trishaws: Vibrant three-wheelers in Malacca, Malaysia
• eSleds: Electric snowmobiles in Lapland, Finland
• Barco de totora: Reed boats in Lake Titicaca, Peru

Original jeepneys looked a lot different than they do now. In fact, this might just be the most iconic glow-up in the history of public transportation.

When American troops departed the Philippines at the end of World War II, they left a surplus of these military jeeps behind — and the locals wasted no time transforming them into public utility vehicles. They added roofs and painted the jeepneys bright colours, ultimately creating one of the most unusual modes of transport around the world. Today, they’re as much of a cultural symbol as they are a means of getting around.

Pro tip: Plan a trip and catch a ride ASAP! Soon, there won’t be many of these military jeeps left, as the Philippines government is beginning to phase them out in favour of more eco-friendly public transport options.

We’ll let you decide whether this counts as a train — because despite its name, this bamboo train is far from being a modern-day locomotive. Instead of relaxing in a luxurious sleeper car, passengers sit on a makeshift bamboo platform that hovers just inches above the unmaintained railway tracks in Battambang.

Reaching a maximum speed of 40km/h, this is less of a public transport option and more of a fun experience (and bumpy ride) that you can only get in this part of the world. It’s especially interesting when two bamboo trains travelling in opposite directions meet; this requires the passengers of one bamboo train to disembark while a driver removes the platform from the track to let the other pass. When in Cambodia, right?

Picture the London Underground train system. Now, picture the opposite of the London Underground train system. What you’re imagining is probably something akin to Schwebebahn, a suspended monorail in Wuppertal, Germany.

Opened in 1901, Schwebebahn is the oldest electric elevated railway in the world and continues to be a reliable public transit option for locals — approximately 85,000 people ride in its suspended trains each day! It’s less of a tourist attraction than some of the other modes of transportation mentioned in this article but is worth hopping aboard all the same. While soaring 8–12m above ground, you’ll get to take in some great views of the city.

The Amfibus takes the concept of off-roading to a way, way deeper level... literally.

These amphibious vehicles (which function as both buses and boats) launched onto the transport scene in Rotterdam, Netherlands in 2011, and have since expanded to other European countries — including Germany and Portugal. That said, we recommend you stick with the original. One second, you’re rolling down historic streets; the next moment, you’re cruising on the Maas River. Talk about getting the best of both worlds.

Speaking of amphibious vehicles! London has its own variety of the bus-boat hybrid: DUKWs (pronounced “ducks”). Like jeepneys, these vehicles were used by the American military during World War II — but today, they form the foundation of the city’s famous Duck Tours.

Whether you book a Classic Sightseeing Tour, a City of London Tour or a James Bond Tour, you’ll get to view iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace before launching into the River Thames to take in the views from the water.

Do you love tobogganing? Have you ever wanted to race down a narrow street on a wicker sledge? If so, make your way to Madeira, Portugal. This archipelago is where you’ll find one of the world’s most unusual modes of transport: carrinhos de cestro (“basket carts”).

These toboggans were originally created for public transport — getting locals from the tiny hillside village of Monte to the city of Funchal — but now are mostly enjoyed by tourists. Beginning at the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church, two drivers wearing traditional outfits (including straw hats) will help you descend the hills. Reaching a maximum speed of 50km/h, the Monte toboggan ride is a unique and thrilling experience.

New York City cabs have nothing on these adorable taxis. Found in Havana, Varadero and Trinidad, riding in a Cocotaxi is akin to… well, sitting in a coconut. Kidding! (Kind of.)

This three-wheeled vehicle functions pretty much the same way as an auto rickshaw — a driver pedals up front while two passengers ride in the backseat — but feels distinct thanks to the Cocotaxi’s cheerful colour and quirky shape. Plus, they’re cheaper than traditional taxis in Cuba. Just keep in mind that the yellow ones are for tourists and the black ones are for locals.

While trishaws can be found in Cambodia, Vietnam and other Asian countries, Malaysia is without a doubt the best place to experience this public mode of transport. In Malacca, almost every single trishaw has been transformed into what can only be described as a three-wheeled party bike.

Each driver decorates their pedal-powered vehicle with a combination of neon lights, stereos, tinsel, flowers, stuffed animals and cartoon posters (think Frozen, Hello Kitty and Minions) in order to attract tourists. Trishaws are bright, loud and whimsical — and thanks to the drivers’ distinct styles and décor, no two rides will be the same. 

As Finland’s northernmost region, Lapland is a popular spot for tourists to partake in two of the wildest modes of transport: dog sledding and reindeer sledding. Like most animal encounters, however, you must do your research to ensure that the once-in-a-lifetime experience you sign up for is ethical and responsible. Or, you can do one better and opt for a ride on an electric snowmobile instead.

Not only are eSleds emission-free, but they’re also silent — meaning you can better take in the sights and sounds of the Arctic. Imagine speeding across a vast and beautiful stretch of snow as you make your way towards frozen lakes, icy fields and more. These vehicles may not be as unique as dog sleds, but are guaranteed to provide you with an exhilarating experience you won’t soon forget.

Visiting Lake Titicaca in Peru is unlike anything else. Situated 3,810m above sea level, it’s the highest navigable lake in the world — and home to the incredible floating Uros Islands, which are made entirely from reeds. It should therefore come as no surprise that you can also travel in unique boats made entirely from these strong, water-resistant plants.

While some of the boats are small and feature a single sail, others can be up to 30m long. Excursions and boat tours depart from the city of Puno in the southeastern part of the country, giving travellers the opportunity to take in the beauty of the lake and get a glimpse into how the locals live on these man-made islands.

Ready to try these unusual modes of transportation for yourself? Check out our current travel deals or chat with a Travel Expert today.