Street-running trains are trains that run through a built-up area in a mixed-traffic area (which can include pedestrian streets where economic activity occurs). These differ from trams or light rail systems in that full-sized trains run on these streets, making such trains considerably rare.
In much of the developed world, street-running trains are most often found in smaller cities that see lower traffic. However, in the developing world, it is entirely possible to see train lines run through pedestrian streets full of economic activity, making them interesting travel destinations (particularly if you're not used to seeing organised chaos). Perhaps the most famous is the Hanoi Train Street in Vietnam, but similar streets exist elsewhere that give a similar experience.
Destinations
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Indonesia
[edit]- 1 Slamet Riyadi Street, Surakarta. This street, in contrast to the others, lacks a distinct "high-street" area; instead, the road shares lanes with the Batara Kresna Railbus service (a 37-km-long commuter rail service) on the busiest street of Surakarta.
Peru
[edit]- 2 Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu pueblo). Train is the main way in to the town of Aguas Calientes for those who aren't hiking, as there are no proper roads. The town itself is a gateway to the world famous ruins of Machu Picchu, just up a nearby mountain, as such it is a very bustling town with travellers and services catering to travellers. The railway goes right through town, along Avenida Imperio de los Inkas. However services from Cuzco that most travellers use, terminate at the town's station which is at the eastern edge of Aguas Calientes but still among quite narrow pedestrianised streets.
Taiwan
[edit]- 3 Shifen Old Street, Shifen, Pingxi. A small street market with one of Taiwan's few diesel rail lines passing through the midst of it. Although it is on a local diesel line, Shifen does see hourly trains to Badouzi via Rueifang, and isn't too far away from Taipei.
Thailand
[edit]- 4 Maeklong Railway Market, Maeklong. Perhaps the second most famous such street, functioning as a seafood market and colloquially called "Umbrella Market" (ตลาดร่มหุบ) locally, as all shops and vendors are moved away from the tracks when a train approaches.
Vietnam
[edit]- 5 Hanoi Train Street, Hanoi. Possibly the most famous train street in the world, having turned itself into one of the city's largest tourist attractions. One of the best ways to experience this street is to watch the train from one of the cafes, though do be warned that these can be busy during peak tourist season. Also, make sure to check the train timetables, as there is a high chance that you may not see a train at all if you arrive at the wrong time.
Stay safe
[edit]It goes without saying that street-running trains, particularly in pedestrian areas, can be very dangerous if you're oblivious to your surroundings, even though most trains through such areas will typically be travelling very slowly (even slower than trams). The Hanoi Train Street in 2019 had to close temporarily due to a large number of oblivious tourists before reopening in 2023. The best you can do to minimise risk is to pay attention to your surroundings and infer social cues – if you see vendors packing up, or people moving well away from the tracks, it probably means a train is coming and you should move well away.
Finally, never put yourself in the way of an oncoming train, as obvious as that may sound. Hanoi in particular has had several near-misses from tourists taking selfies in front of trains.