Top 7 unusual buses in the world that will definitely surprise you

In the world of transport, there is a unique category of buses that not only transport their passengers, but also help each guest to see, hear and even feel the culture of the country they are visiting. From various painted matatu in Kenya and ice monsters in Canada to capsule night express buses in Japan and London amphibians, let's take a closer look at each of them.

Amphibious buses

If you think that buses don't float, you've never been to London or Amsterdam. They look like ordinary buses, but when needed, they act as a boat, diving into a body of water and continuing their journey through the water.

One of the first amphibious buses was the English Duck Boat and its Dutch counterpart, the Floating Dutchman. These are tourist buses that help tourists explore the city from different angles using just one mode of transport. In Amsterdam and London, where canal networks are intertwined with roads, the amphibious bus is an ideal solution for sightseeing routes. 

English Duck Boat

This type of transport was developed for the US army to transport goods and soldiers across water. Over the years, this idea has been slightly improved and is still used today on sightseeing routes.

In London, the amphibious bus passes Big Ben, makes a few laps around Buckingham Palace, and then goes straight into the Thames. The Duck Boat is equipped with a special waterproof hull and an engine that allows it to move both on wheels and with the help of propellers.

Floating Dutchman

In the Netherlands, the number of canals often exceeds the number of streets, so it is not surprising that the Floating Dutchman has gained wide popularity here. What's more, the amphibious bus is equipped with an electric motor to minimise emissions. Its route includes sightseeing and the famous Prinsengracht Canal, where the bus sails as well as other boats and pleasure craft. A nice bonus is that it is quiet, so tourists can enjoy the sounds of the city rather than the engine.

The mechanism of operation of amphibious buses is quite complex. The body and chassis are made of durable materials that can withstand heavy loads (both on land and in water). When the bus starts to sink into a body of water, special screws are activated to help it move through the water.

Canadian ice buses

While the main obstacle in England and the Netherlands is water, in some regions of Canada it is ice and snow. But Canadians have found a way to transport passengers across snowy expanses and glaciers - ice buses. This is not just passenger transport, but a real tank on huge wheels that can withstand the most extreme conditions. One of the most popular routes among tourists is the Athabasca Glacier. 

From May to October, these ice monsters take everyone to the heart of the glacier, which is part of a large ice field in Jasper National Park. The Ice Explorer was developed by the Canadian company Brewster. Each machine weighs about 25 tonnes and is equipped with huge tyres. These wheels not only provide good traction but also serve as shock absorbers on difficult terrain. Each tyre is over 1.5 metres in diameter. Can you imagine?

Just anyone would not be allowed to drive such a masterpiece. Therefore, all drivers must additionally take special courses specifically for driving this type of transport.

Bus tours are not just entertainment or an extreme adventure - they are a real expedition into the world of permafrost, where the ice layers are more than 10,000 years old. Therefore, ice buses are a kind of symbol of Canadian tourism in the Rocky Mountains.

Buses in Thailand

This is a special category of transport that fascinates, surprises or even shocks tourists. In the cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, in addition to regular buses, you can also take a ride on a songteo, a cross between a minibus and a truck. Small buses with a roof and benches usually run on a fixed route. But if you need to, they can take you anywhere for a fee. Songteo is an extremely affordable form of transport for locals, and tourists are attracted to it because of its chaos and openness. 

It is here that you can plunge into the whirlwind of Thai life, as songteos are used by noisy students and old ladies alike. The drivers of this vehicle are a separate topic for discussion. They seem to know every bend in the road, every pothole, so they manoeuvre and turn the wheel as if in some crazy comedy.

Thailand also has more comfortable buses for tourists, which impress with their tuning, neon lights and bright colours. They run between popular destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya. Flowers, scenes from cartoons, goddesses and dragons - you can see everything you can imagine on the bus body.

The inside of such buses is also interesting, as some of them are even equipped with a dance floor or karaoke systems, which helps to have fun on the road. Food and drinks are standard for such tourist buses.

And for the most demanding passengers, there are VIP buses with seats that can be folded down to almost a horizontal position. There is climate control, and pillows and blankets are provided. Sometimes these buses have separate seats where passengers can retire and have a good rest.

Colombian buses

This is something extremely bright, colourful and very loud, just like the culture of this country in general. Colombian buses are not just a means of transport, but a symbol that reflects the local way of life.

Chiva

The most famous and recognisable form of transport is the chiva. These are not just buses, but real works of art on wheels, decorated with bright paintings, traditional patterns, images of animals, trees, and landscapes. Each bus is unique in appearance.

Among the local population, the chiva is an affordable way of travelling between remote mountain villages. The roof is usually used to carry cargo: from food and pets purchased at markets and fairs to postal parcels and packages. Rest assured, INFOBUS does not use this method of parcel delivery.

Autobusetta

Another popular form of transport in Colombia that runs between cities and suburbs is the autobusetta. It is usually cramped, loud, but cheap. The atmosphere inside fully reflects the driver's tastes and preferences: posters with local stars, loud music, and other trinkets. You can also feel the real Colombian soul here: noisy, cheerful and a little chaotic.

Buses in India

In India, almost every bus, especially intercity buses, is a unique work of folk art. Drivers and owners decorate it to make it stand out on the road, adding inscriptions in Hindi, Punjabi, Merhati, various symbols, garlands, images of gods and goddesses. And all this is not only for beauty, but also as amulets. After all, most Indians believe that such images will bring good luck and protect them on the road. Shall we get to know the world of Indian buses better?

Painted buses in India

The colour palette is usually bright: orange, green, red and blue shades prevail. And it is no coincidence that blue symbolises strength and happiness, green - prosperity, and red - peace. On buses, you can see traditional patterns (lotuses, peacocks, elephants), which are considered symbols of wisdom, good luck and prosperity.

Some buses in India resemble mobile temples. Icons, sacred signs, gods and mantras create an atmosphere of security and spirituality. Drivers also place small altars with flowers and incense inside.

An atmosphere of celebration and good mood

It is always cheerful and quite loud inside the bus. Bollywood music, Indian pop and even classical melodies are often heard. And even if you have a long journey ahead of you, you won't be bored.

By the way, many buses have meditation areas - corners with images of gods where drivers can pray. Indian buses also often have garlands of artificial flowers and even curtains with sparkles - all for maximum comfort.

When travelling, remember that the external beauty and wonderful atmosphere inside the bus do not affect the road, and in India it may not be the smoothest.

Buses in Japan

The Japanese have always placed an emphasis on comfort, which is why night buses have emerged and are successfully running here. They have become a worthy alternative to trains and planes. They are designed specifically for long journeys, as they provide a comfortable rest during the journey.

And the main innovation is capsule seats - comfortable folding chairs that look more like separate capsules for each passenger. Such buses provide a high level of comfort and privacy, especially during long night journeys. They are ideal for those who need a good night's rest in order to arrive at their destination in the morning refreshed and full of energy for new achievements.

Design and features of the capsule seats

The capsule seats are designed with insulation and comfort in mind. Every night bus has:

• comfortable ergonomic seats;
• special curtains or even sliding doors;
• rows spaced far enough apart to allow the seat back to be reclined as comfortably as possible;
• adjustable lighting and ventilation;
• USB connectors, sockets, and in some buses, individual screens;
• pillows and blankets.

The most popular manufacturers of night buses are Willer Express ReBorn, JR Bus Dream Sleeper, Tokyo VIP Liner Grace. You will have to book tickets in advance, especially if you are planning a trip on a popular route in Japan (Tokyo-Osaka, Tokyo-Kyoto).

Kenyan buses

Kenyan buses, especially the famous matatu, are a real symbol of Kenyan roads and streets, where almost every vehicle competes in brightness and creativity of design. These buses impress with their unique atmosphere and style, turning an ordinary journey into a cultural event.

Matatu - the heart of Kenyan public transport

Matatu buses are designed for an average of 14-33 passengers and run on urban and suburban routes. But one of the most interesting features of this transport is their appearance. Almost every matatu is decorated with bright drawings, graffiti and neon lights. The bus design is a unique blend of street art and traditional African motifs.  

Music and atmosphere inside

Matatu is a real mobile disco, with loud music inside each bus: pop, hip-hop, reggae. This is an important part of the culture, and drivers often compete to see whose bus is louder and cooler. Some matatus even have screens that constantly show music videos. For some tourists, travelling in such buses is unusual, but the local population has long been accustomed to this style.

Each of these buses adds a special flavour, whether it is due to its unique design, comfort or even its striking style. Travelling around the world, these vehicles allow you to get to know the culture of a country better and immerse yourself in its rhythm.

And for those who love to discover new routes and plan trips, the INFOBUS service will be an indispensable tool. It allows you to find the flights you need, compare prices and buy tickets online. And honest passenger reviews will help you understand which carrier to prefer.

Olha Bondarenko

If you have any questions, the INFOBUS round-the-clock support team will always be happy to help you sort everything out.  

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