The spark that ignited my journey: From a simple transfer to a lifelong passion
I have always believed that the true heartbeat of a city isn’t found in its static monuments, but in the moving arteries that carry its people: the high-speed rail networks, the sprawling urban metros, and the historic heritage trains.
I distinctly remember the exact moment my fascination with trains shifted from a casual interest to an absolute obsession. It happened during my first visit to the United Arab Emirates. I had planned a very practical, straightforward journey on the Dubai Metro: a quick transit from Dubai International Airport straight to the Mall of the Emirates station. But the moment the doors closed, everything changed.
As the train glided smoothly out of the station, I was immediately struck by the impeccable comfort inside. Escaping the sweltering Middle Eastern heat into a perfectly air-conditioned, futuristic cabin was an experience in itself. But the real magic happened when the train emerged above ground. Looking out the window from the elevated tracks, I was gifted with a sweeping, panoramic view of the Dubai skyline—a rolling cinematic perspective of skyscrapers, highways, and desert oases that you simply cannot get from the back seat of a taxi.
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Right then and there, I made a decision that would spark the creation of this blog. I abandoned my original itinerary. Instead of getting off at the Mall of the Emirates, I stayed in my seat, mesmerized, and rode the Red Line all the way to the very last stop at Jebel Ali, before making my way back to the Dubai Mall station. That single, spontaneous joyride taught me that public transportation is not just a way to get from Point A to Point B; it is a destination in itself.
Since that day, I have made it my mission to utilize every opportunity to explore new travel methods—mainly train and metro services—whenever I visit a new city or country. In this comprehensive article, I am pulling back the curtain on my personal travel diary to share my ultimate urban and high-speed train experiences from across the globe. Let’s ride!
Ishabil Tip: The joy of joyriding
Whenever you visit a new city, don't just use the rapid transit network for airport transfers. Buy a day pass, grab a window seat in the first or last carriage, and ride the longest line from end to end. It is often the cheapest and most comprehensive sightseeing tour you will ever take!
Mastering the Asian megacity: My international metro experiences
Navigating a foreign city can be daunting, but a robust underground or elevated metro system levels the playing field for travelers. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing some of the most efficient, historic, and downright busy rapid transit networks in Asia and the Middle East.
Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): The gold standard
During a two-day exploration of Singapore, the MRT was my absolute best friend. I purchased a two-day Singapore Tourist Pass, which offered unlimited travel and incredible value. Singapore is incredibly well-connected, and we relied exclusively on the metro to reach all the main attractions. What fascinated me most was the seamless integration; my journey quite literally started at Changi Airport and ended at the airport, without ever needing to step foot in a car or bus. The efficiency, cleanliness, and punctuality of the Singapore Metro make it a global benchmark.
Kuala Lumpur's transit trio: Metro, commuter, and monorail
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, offered a masterclass in diverse urban transit. I experienced the KL Metro two or three times, but one journey stands out vividly: traveling from KL Sentral to the Petronas Twin Towers area during the evening peak time. It was the busiest metro I have ever seen in my life! Yet, despite the massive crowds, the system handled the surge flawlessly, with trains arriving every 2 to 3 minutes.
But KL isn't just about the standard metro. I also hopped on the KL Commuter, a special rail service running at ground level (unlike the elevated or underground metro). My journey from KL Sentral out to the magnificent Batu Caves and back was incredibly smooth and scenic.
Then came the KL Monorail. I rode this unique elevated train from Bukit Bintang back to our downtown hotel. Compared to the smooth glide of the metro, the monorail felt a bit less comfortable, but looking down at the traffic from that narrow, single-track vantage point was absolutely crazy. It’s an adventure ride masquerading as public transport!
Doha Metro & Lusail Tram: Subterranean splendor
While exploring the capital of Qatar, I utilized the Doha Metro extensively. Purchasing an unlimited one-day pass for just 6 Qatari Riyals, I made it my mission to travel on all the lines. The Doha Metro is an architectural marvel—it is mainly an underground network, boasting futuristic station designs that look like something out of a sci-fi movie. One thing to note, however, is the sheer scale of these stations; reaching the platforms often requires a significant amount of walking and extra time. Using the same 6 Riyal pass, I also experienced the sleek Lusail Tram, which connects perfectly with the broader metro network.
Ishabil Fact: The Doha Metro
Built largely in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Doha Metro features trains that are among the fastest driverless trains in the world, capable of reaching speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph). Its three lines (Red, Green, and Gold) span 76 kilometers and include 37 beautifully designed subterranean stations.
Bangkok MRT and Red Line: Beating the traffic
In Bangkok, Thailand, the traffic can be notoriously heavy, making public transit not just an option, but a necessity. On a solo backpacking trip, I started my transit journey right from Don Mueang Airport, hopping onto the Red Line commuter train. Throughout my stay, I used several different metro lines to seamlessly navigate from my hotel to attractions like Safari World. For solo travelers looking to bypass Bangkok's legendary gridlock, the city's rapid transit network is an absolute lifesaver.
Cairo Metro: A walk through transit history
Traveling is as much about experiencing the old as it is the new. During my visit to Egypt, I rode the Cairo Metro from Coptic Cairo to the iconic Tahrir Square station. As one of the oldest metro systems I have ever experienced (and the first of its kind in Africa), it had a distinct, raw energy. It provided a deeply special and authentic experience, mingling with daily commuters in the bustling heart of Egyptian history.
Discovering India through its expanding metro networks
India is currently undergoing a massive revolution in urban rail transport. As a proud enthusiast, I try to map out the local rapid transit systems whenever I visit a new state. The scale, variety, and rapid expansion of these networks are nothing short of phenomenal.
Kochi Metro & Water Metro: Close to home
Let's start with the one closest to my heart—and my home. The Kochi Metro is a system I have used countless times, whether traveling solo, enjoying a day out with family, or hanging out with friends. What truly sets Kochi apart on the global transit map, however, is its innovative Kochi Water Metro. This integrated boat service acts as a seamless extension of the rail network, connecting the islands in and around Kochi. Riding a modern, air-conditioned electric boat with the same ease as an urban train is a remarkable experience.
Delhi Metro: The giant of India
During our famous "Golden Triangle" family trip, I finally had the chance to experience the longest metro system in India: the Delhi Metro. Driven purely by my deep interest in transit systems, we specifically carved out time to travel from the Secretariat station to INA Market. The sheer scale, organization, and cleanliness of the Delhi Metro make it an engineering marvel that moves millions daily.
Bengaluru (Namma Metro), Chennai, and Hyderabad
My metro explorations across Southern India continued in full force. In Bengaluru, during another family trip, we enjoyed the Namma Metro, taking a memorable ride from the striking Vidhana Soudha station all the way to the end of the line.
Later, during a trip with my cousin Mahmood to Tamil Nadu, we fully utilized the Chennai Metro to navigate the city. Chennai is unique because, alongside the modern metro, I have also experienced the classic Chennai Suburban Railway, a vital lifeline for daily commuters that offers a completely different, bustling atmosphere.
Rounding out my South Indian urban rail tour, I made sure to ride the Hyderabad Metro while exploring the "City of Pearls." The elevated tracks weave gracefully through the dense urban landscape, offering great views and much-needed respite from the city streets below.
Ishabil Tip: Navigating Indian metros
When traveling on India's expanding metro networks, skip the long queues at the ticket counters by downloading the local transit apps (like Namma Metro or Delhi Metro app) to purchase QR-code tickets directly on your smartphone. It saves precious time during rush hour!
The need for speed and the charm of steam: High-speed to heritage
While urban metros are the bloodlines of a city, long-distance trains represent the soul of the journey. Over the years, I’ve had the immense pleasure of riding both cutting-edge high-speed trains and nostalgic heritage railways.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway: 300 km/h in the desert
The Haramain High-Speed Train in Saudi Arabia holds a special place in my travel diary as the first true high-speed rail I have ever experienced. My very first ride was from Jeddah to Makkah right when the service launched. However, because the distance between the two cities is relatively short, the train never really had the runway to reach its maximum velocity.
But that changed later. I took a family trip from Jeddah to the holy city of Madinah. This longer route allowed the state-of-the-art train to unleash its full potential, comfortably cruising at a blistering 300 kilometers per hour. Watching the vast, golden Saudi desert blur past the window while sitting in complete, whisper-quiet comfort was a genuinely amazing experience that solidified my love for high-speed rail.
Ishabil Fact: Haramain High-Speed Rail
The Haramain High-Speed Railway covers 453 kilometers (281 miles) and connects the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City. The fleet consists of 35 Talgo 350 electric trains, specifically modified to withstand extreme desert temperatures and sand.
Vande Bharat Express: India's modern era
Back in India, I experienced the modern face of the Indian Railways: the Vande Bharat Express. I traveled from Tirur to Alappuzha on this beautifully designed train set. The coaches were exceptionally neat and clean, providing a premium, semi-high-speed experience that represents a massive leap forward for intercity travel in the country.
Classic Indian Railways: The long haul
Of course, my train adventures wouldn't be complete without acknowledging the traditional Indian Railway network. I have taken countless journeys—solo, with friends, and with family. While I have never undertaken multi-day cross-country travels, my longest journeys so far have been to Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram. There is a unique rhythm and romance to long-distance train travel in India that simply cannot be replicated.
Thailand's Maeklong Railway Market train
Recently, I had the chance to experience a completely different kind of local train in Thailand. I rode from the famous Maeklong Railway Market to the next stop. The way the market vendors retract their awnings mere seconds before the train squeezes through the crowded stalls is an unbelievable, heart-pounding spectacle, and being inside the train looking out at the cheering crowds gave me an incredibly nice, unique perspective.
The Ooty heritage train: Fulfilling a dream
Finally, I must mention a journey that sat on my dream bucket list for years: the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, commonly known as the Ooty Heritage Train. A few years ago, my friends and I finally made it happen. We traveled from Mettupalayam to Ooty.
Even though it is a relatively short geographic distance, the steep mountain ascent means the journey takes around 5 hours. But what a magnificent 5 hours it is! Pulled by a vintage steam engine, the train chugged slowly over old stone bridges, plunged into dark tunnels, and wound its way through dense forests, past cascading waterfalls, and alongside rolling green tea gardens. It was pure, unadulterated travel magic.
The track ahead for Ishabil.com
From the futuristic, driverless cabins of the Doha Metro to the coal-fired nostalgia of the Ooty Heritage train; from the 300 km/h rush of the Haramain High-Speed Railway to the daily commuter crush in Kuala Lumpur—these are the experiences that fuel my passion.
I know I still have so much more of the world to explore, and a thousand more transit lines to ride. But now, I have a profound new reason to take these journeys: to share every detail, every tip, and every stunning view with all of you right here on ishabil.com. My ultimate dream is for this platform to grow and succeed, allowing me to travel further, ride faster, and bring the fascinating world of global rail transport straight to your screen.
Thank you for riding along with me. Be sure to bookmark the site and check back often, because the next departure is just around the corner!
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