6 Unusual Starbucks Locations Around the World

You’ve probably been to your local Starbucks—but have you ever sipped coffee aboard a moving train, on a luxury cruise ship, or inside a former bank vault? While most people know Starbucks as a chain café, the brand has also set up shop in some of the most unexpected places around the world. These unique locations reveal just how versatile and globally adaptive the Starbucks concept can be.

In total, there are at least six notably unusual Starbucks locations worldwide: a train café in Switzerland, a café on a Caribbean cruise ship, a mountain-top shop in California, a location inside Disney theme parks, a former bank vault in Amsterdam, and an eco-friendly café built inside a shipping container.

1. Starbucks on a Train

Starbucks’ smallest retail location is a café built inside a train car. This mobile café made its debut on a route running from Geneva Airport to St. Gallen in northeastern Switzerland. The specially designed train car offers a compact yet fully functional Starbucks experience, allowing passengers to enjoy coffee while traveling through the scenic Swiss countryside.

2. Starbucks on a Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean International’s MS Allure of the Seas features a Starbucks outlet onboard. The ship sails between Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Haiti, Jamaica, and Cozumel (Mexico), bringing the familiar Starbucks experience to travelers exploring the Caribbean. It’s a great spot for java lovers who want their coffee fix while at sea.

3. Starbucks on a Mountain

At the Squaw Valley Ski Resort in California, you’ll find a Starbucks located not at the base but halfway up the mountain—at an elevation of 8,000 feet (approximately 2,438 meters). It’s a high-altitude coffee stop for skiers and snowboarders looking for a warm drink amid the slopes.

4. Starbucks Inside a Disney Park

The first Starbucks location inside a Disney theme park opened in Anaheim, California, within Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom. The café retains the classic Starbucks design but adds a fun twist—baristas wear Disney park uniforms. It’s tailored for families taking a break from the rides.

5. Starbucks in a Former Bank Vault

Located beneath Amsterdam’s Rembrandt Square, Europe’s largest Starbucks occupies a historic bank’s underground vault. The store preserved the original 1920s marble flooring and raw concrete walls of the vault, combining history with modern coffee culture. It’s one of the brand’s most atmospheric settings.

6. Starbucks in a Shipping Container

Starbucks debuted an environmentally conscious café in Tukwila, Washington, using a repurposed 450-square-foot (about 41.4-square-meter) shipping container. Sourced from the company’s own recycled materials, this compact store reflects Starbucks’ sustainability efforts and offers a distinctive take on the traditional café layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the smallest Starbucks location in the world?

The smallest Starbucks is a café installed inside a train car that operates between Geneva Airport and St. Gallen in Switzerland. It’s designed specifically for mobility and space efficiency while still offering the full Starbucks menu.

Where is the Starbucks located on a cruise ship?

Starbucks is available on Royal Caribbean’s MS Allure of the Seas cruise ship, which sails in the Caribbean, visiting ports in Florida, Haiti, Jamaica, and Mexico. It allows travelers to enjoy Starbucks coffee while at sea.

Is there really a Starbucks inside a Disney park?

Yes, Disneyland in Anaheim, California, hosts a Starbucks location inside its Magic Kingdom area. The café follows the standard Starbucks design but features baristas dressed in Disney park attire to match the theme park environment.

What makes the Amsterdam Starbucks so unique?

The Amsterdam Starbucks is located in a former bank’s underground vault. It retains original features such as 1920s marble flooring and exposed concrete walls, offering a historic and atmospheric coffee experience in Europe’s largest Starbucks outlet.

Where is the Starbucks located on a mountain?

At Squaw Valley Ski Resort in California, a Starbucks is situated at an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,438 meters), halfway up the mountain. It serves skiers and snowboarders looking for coffee during their mountain activities.

What is the eco-friendly Starbucks made from?

The eco-friendly Starbucks in Tukwila, Washington, is built inside a 450-square-foot (41.4-square-meter) recycled shipping container. It’s part of Starbucks’ sustainability initiative and demonstrates innovative use of repurposed materials.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Global Café Culture

For coffee adventurers who love unique settings, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for its juicy stone fruit and floral brightness—perfect for high-altitude sipping. Pair it with Yirgacheffe for a classic Ethiopian profile of citrus and berry, ideal for a cruise or theme park break. Finally, the Kenya Little Tomato offers winey acidity and tart berry notes, a vibrant choice to enjoy in any unconventional café. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.