6 Unexpected Locations Where You’ll Find a Starbucks

You’ve probably grabbed a latte from a Starbucks in a shopping mall or near your office—but what if your morning coffee came from a moving train, a cruise ship sailing the Caribbean, or even inside a former bank vault? Turns out, the world’s most recognisable coffee chain operates in some wildly imaginative settings beyond the usual urban storefront.

From a railway carriage in Switzerland to a shipping container in Washington State, here are six of the most unusual Starbucks locations around the globe that defy the typical coffee shop formula.

1. Starbucks on a Train

The smallest Starbucks location ever designed by the company operated on a train running from Geneva Airport to St. Gallen in northeastern Switzerland. This mobile cafe made its debut aboard a passenger train, offering barista service while speeding through the Swiss countryside. While no longer in operation, it remains one of the most unique retail concepts attempted by Starbucks.

2. Starbucks at Sea

Cruising the Caribbean on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas? You can sip a Starbucks coffee while onboard. This particular location is situated on one of the largest cruise ships in the world, which sails regularly between Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Haiti, Jamaica, and Cozumel (Mexico). Given the proximity to coffee-growing regions like Haiti and Jamaica—and Mexico being the world’s eighth-largest coffee producer—the maritime Starbucks offers an intriguing potential for regional bean influence, though actual offerings aren’t specified.

3. Starbucks on a Mountain

Nestled at 8,000 feet (approximately 2,438 metres) above sea level, a Starbucks operates within the Squaw Valley Ski Resort in California. Unlike base-lodge cafes, this location serves skiers and snowboarders high up on the mountain, making it one of the highest-elevation Starbucks in the world. Altitude impacts everything from brewing pressure to taste perception, and this spot proves Starbucks’ reach extends into extreme environments.

4. Starbucks in Disneyland

Located within the Magic Kingdom area of Disneyland in Anaheim, California, this Starbucks is the first of its kind inside a Disney theme park. The store retains the classic Starbucks design but adds a twist: baristas wear Disneyland character-style costumes. Themed drinks like the Mickey Mouse Mocha and Disney-inspired desserts add to the immersive experience, making it a hit for parents taking a break from the rides.

Featured drinks include the Mickey Mocha and various Disney-themed sweets, tailored for families spending long days in the park.

5. Starbucks in a Bank Vault

In Amsterdam’s Rembrandt Square, Starbucks took over a historic bank’s underground vault to create Europe’s largest Starbucks location. The café preserves the original 1920s marble flooring and exposed concrete walls of the former bank vault, blending historical architecture with modern coffee service. The space is both industrial and atmospheric, offering a striking contrast to typical Starbucks decor.

6. Starbucks in a Shipping Container

Located in Tukwila, Washington, this compact 450-square-foot (approximately 41.4-square-metre) Starbucks was built from a recycled shipping container. It’s the company’s first eco-focused outlet housed entirely within a repurposed container, reflecting early efforts toward sustainability in retail design. Situated near the company’s Seattle headquarters, it offered a functional and environmentally conscious model for future modular stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Starbucks completely stopped operating on trains?

Yes, the train-based Starbucks that operated between Geneva Airport and St. Gallen in Switzerland is no longer in service. While it was the smallest Starbucks ever created by the company, it remains a notable example of mobile retail innovation.

What Caribbean islands does the Starbucks cruise ship visit?

The Starbucks on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas sails between Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Haiti, Jamaica, and Cozumel (Mexico). These destinations are near major coffee-producing regions, though the ship’s menu doesn’t specifically highlight local beans.

How high is the Starbucks in Squaw Valley?

The Starbucks at Squaw Valley Ski Resort in California is located at approximately 8,000 feet (2,438 metres) above sea level, making it one of the highest-elevation Starbucks locations in the world.

What’s special about the Disneyland Starbucks?

The Disneyland Starbucks in Anaheim is located in the Magic Kingdom area and features cast-member baristas dressed in Disney-style costumes. It also offers themed drinks such as the Mickey Mocha and exclusive Disney-themed desserts.

Why did Starbucks choose a bank vault in Amsterdam?

Starbucks converted a former bank vault in Amsterdam’s Rembrandt Square into Europe’s largest Starbucks. The location features original 1920s marble flooring and concrete walls, preserving the historical bank atmosphere while serving coffee.

What makes the Tukwila Starbucks unique?

The Tukwila, Washington Starbucks was built inside a recycled 450-square-foot shipping container, making it the company’s first eco-friendly, container-based store. It demonstrated early sustainability efforts in Starbucks retail design.

FrontStreet Coffee Picks for Unusual Cafe Experiences

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for its bright floral and citrus notes—perfect for high-altitude sipping like at Squaw Valley. Their Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 brings mild sweetness and chocolate undertones, ideal for a maritime cruise vibe. For a rich, bold option reminiscent of European cafés, the PWN Golden Mandheling offers deep body and earthy spice. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.