Incredible monorail systems from around the world - including a network that travels through a block of flats

'Monorail, monorail, monorail!'

If your first thought when you hear the word monorail is of the song in The Simpsons - you wouldn't be alone.

Unfortunately Springfield's monorail experiment ended in disaster.

But that's not the case in real life.

We take a look at some of the world's most successful monorail systems including a mammoth system that travels through a building and a beloved US tourist attraction.

Chongqing, China

Incredible monorail systems from around the world - including a network that travels through a block of flats

Chongqing's monorail system is the largest in the world and even travels through a high-rise building (pictured above)

Chongqing's monorail was opened in 2005 and can carry 30,000 passengers per hour. It's the largest monorail system in the world and, amazingly, even travels through a building.

The Liziba Station is situated between the sixth and eighth floor of a 19-storey high-rise block. While some of the building's lower floors serve as the station, others are actually flats and residences.

It might seem like curious urban planning, but the building and the station were built at the same time and the flats are equipped with noise reduction systems to reduce the sound of the monorail.

Alton Towers, England

Alton Towers's monorail gives guests a glimpse of the park's attraction as it transports them from the car park

Alton Towers's monorail gives guests a glimpse of the park's attraction as it transports them from the car park

Not all monorails are based in cities.

The monorail at Alton Towers theme park, in the UK, opened back in 1987 and transports guests from the car park to the entrance.

Guests get a glimpse of the park's attractions while they ride the monorail which travels over the tracks of its Galactica and Nemesis rollercoasters.

Each of the monorail trains have a unique theme and current designs include 'jellybeans' and 'aquarium'.

Las Vegas, USA

The Las Vegas monorail runs above the city's strip and it takes just 14 minutes to complete the journey

The Las Vegas monorail runs above the city's strip and it takes just 14 minutes to complete the journey

The bright lights of Las Vegas are perhaps best admired from above, but if your holiday budget doesn't stretch to a helicopter ride - why not hop on the city's monorail?

The Las Vegas monorail runs above the famous strip and it takes just 14 minutes to complete the journey.

It operates until 3am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights - which is useful for party-goers - and stops at key attractions including Caesar's Palace and Paris Las Vegas.

Wolmido, South Korea

While onboard the Wolmi Sea Train, tourists can enjoy panoramic views of Wolmido - an island  off the coast of South Korea - and the West Sea

While onboard the Wolmi Sea Train, tourists can enjoy panoramic views of Wolmido - an island  off the coast of South Korea - and the West Sea

The Wolmi Sea Train is the longest urban tourist monorail in South Korea. It circles Wolmido Island, a popular tourist destination, and the whole route takes around 35 minutes.

While onboard tourists can enjoy panoramic views of Wolmido and the West Sea.

It's perhaps best at the end of the day when tourists can admire the 'beautiful sunset of the West Sea at a glance' says the Incheon Transport Commission.

Wuppertal, Germany

The suspension railway in Wuppertal was rejected by Munich and Berlin but found a home in the west German city

The suspension railway in Wuppertal was rejected by Munich and Berlin but found a home in the west German city

The suspension railway in Wuppertal, Germany, isn't a traditional monorail as it hangs from the track, but it is elevated above the city.

The system's inventor, Eugen Langen, originally pitched the idea to Berlin and Munich but both cities rejected it.

He found interest in Wuppertal however and nowadays the city's system carries 80,000 people per day and attracts tourists to the area.

Seattle, USA

The Seattle Center Monorail takes just three minutes to ride but it's a popular tourist attraction

The Seattle Center Monorail takes just three minutes to ride but it's a popular tourist attraction

The Seattle Center Monorail has just two stops but still manages to attract over two million riders per year.

It runs between the Seattle Center, an entertainment and education complex, and the Westlake shopping Center in Downtown Seattle.

Although the monorail takes just three minutes to ride, it's a popular tourist attraction and even has its own merchandise.

Osaka, Japan

Osaka's monorail system is famed for its railroad switch where the tracks move to create different routes for trains travelling in opposite directions

Osaka's monorail system is famed for its railroad switch where the tracks move to create different routes for trains travelling in opposite directions

Osaka's monorail system is the longest in Japan and the second longest in the world.

The system is famed for its railroad switch where the tracks move to create different routes for trains travelling in opposite directions.

The monorail has free WIFI for tourists, but avoid having loud conversations or talking on the phone while onboard as this is against the monorail's rules.

Comments

Keep up to date with our latest articles and uploads...