Starbucks Coffee Train, Cat Stationmasters & Family-Friendly Rail Journeys

Forget boring commutes—imagine sipping a flat white while rolling through the Swiss Alps, or hopping off a train to pet a stationmaster cat in rural Japan. For coffee lovers and adventurers alike, trains have evolved into mobile experiences where caffeine and culture collide in unexpected ways.

Starbucks launched its first-ever coffee-serving train in Switzerland, while Japan’s Kishi Station boasts a feline stationmaster, and family-designed carriages keep kids entertained on long rides. Here’s how global railways mix travel, coffee, and charm.

Starbucks’ Swiss Café Train

In November 2011, Starbucks debuted its first coffee-serving train in Zurich, Switzerland. Operated on Swiss Federal Railway lines, this two-story café-on-wheels runs twice daily between Geneva Airport and St. Gallen. The lower level caters to commuters with quick-service counters, while the upstairs offers plush seating for longer journeys. The train debuted on Thursday, November 21, 2011, blending work and travel with espresso in hand.

Japan’s Feline Stationmasters

Nestled in Japan’s Kishi Station, a 12-year-old calico cat named Tama became a beloved stationmaster in 2007 after the local railway company appointed her to boost ridership. Residing at the station since 1999, Tama dons a tiny stationmaster hat and badge, drawing families—especially children—visiting from nearby Wakayama Prefecture. She works Tuesday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a fellow feline, Nitama, covering weekends. The station even features a Tama-themed café and souvenir shop selling pens, stationery, and even railway uniforms.

Family-Focused Train Travel

The Aso Boy train in Kumamoto, Japan, reimagines rail travel for families. Launched to connect Kumamoto with Aso, this train features cream-colored carriages with rotating leather seats, child-sized footrests, and 360-degree adjustable chairs. Its star attraction is Car No. 3, a dedicated parent-child zone with limited seating (one adult + one child per ticket). Seats are positioned near windows for optimal views, and the train includes a supervised play area and a café serving snacks and drinks. Tickets for Car No. 3 must be booked well in advance due to high demand.

Art Underground: Stockholm’s Subway Galleries

Stockholm’s metro system doubles as an open-air art museum, with 90 of its 100 stations showcasing sculptures, murals, and installations by hundreds of artists. Since the 1950s, the network has integrated art into its design, starting with T-Centralen station’s tilework and reliefs. Notable highlights include Solna Centrum’s cave-like red ceiling and a 1,000-meter-long forest mural. A standard subway ticket grants access to this sprawling underground gallery, blending commuting with cultural immersion.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Starbucks launch its first coffee train in Switzerland?

Starbucks launched its first coffee-serving train in Switzerland on Thursday, November 21, 2011. The two-level train operates twice daily between Geneva Airport and St. Gallen, with a lower level for commuters and an upper level featuring comfortable seating for longer trips.

What makes Kishi Station in Japan unique?

Kishi Station is famous for its feline stationmaster, Tama, a calico cat appointed in 2007 to revive local rail traffic. Tama, who has been a station resident since 1999, wears a stationmaster hat and badge, attracting families and children. She works Tuesday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with another cat, Nitama, covering weekends. The station also includes a Tama-themed café and gift shop.

What features does the Aso Boy train offer for families?

The Aso Boy train, running from Kumamoto to Aso, features family-friendly design elements such as rotating leather seats, child-sized footrests, and 360-degree adjustable chairs. Car No. 3 is a dedicated parent-child zone with limited seating (one adult + one child), window-side seats for better views, a supervised play area, and a café serving snacks and drinks. Tickets for Car No. 3 must be reserved in advance.

How many Stockholm metro stations feature art?

Out of Stockholm’s 100 metro stations, 90 feature art installations. Since the 1950s, the system has showcased works including murals, sculptures, and reliefs by hundreds of artists. Notable stations include T-Centralen, Solna Centrum, and others that make the subway a cultural experience.

Where can I find a train that serves coffee while traveling?

You can find a coffee-serving train on Starbucks’ dedicated railway service in Switzerland, operating between Geneva Airport and St. Gallen. Launched in November 2011, it’s designed for both commuters and travelers seeking espresso on the go.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Train Journeys

For your next rail adventure, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—bright with citrus and floral notes—or the Brazil Queen Manor, offering chocolatey richness with a nutty finish. Both single origins shine as pour-over or French press brews, perfect for sipping on scenic routes. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.