The doors slide open, you step through, and it feels like you’ve just entered a different dimension. No, we’re not talking about fantasy or sci-fi portals but public transportation! For good or for ill, people can sometimes be pretty peculiar, and getting on thesubway, train, or bus can be a very amusing yet confusing experience.We wanted to show you just howfunny, bizarre, and cool people can be, so we traveled all over the internet to find the best pictures of subway passengers fromaround the world. Scroll down to seeBored Panda’scollection, and be sure to upvote the photos that impressed you the most. You think you know what ‘weird’ means? We’re about to raise the bar!Bored Panda wanted to get to grips with subway weirdness, so we got in touch with Rick McGuire, the creator of the massively popularSubway Creaturessocial media project. He was kind enough to share his thoughts about the strange things people see when using public transportation, and you’ll see his insights below.This post may includeaffiliate links.

The doors slide open, you step through, and it feels like you’ve just entered a different dimension. No, we’re not talking about fantasy or sci-fi portals but public transportation! For good or for ill, people can sometimes be pretty peculiar, and getting on thesubway, train, or bus can be a very amusing yet confusing experience.

We wanted to show you just howfunny, bizarre, and cool people can be, so we traveled all over the internet to find the best pictures of subway passengers fromaround the world. Scroll down to seeBored Panda’scollection, and be sure to upvote the photos that impressed you the most. You think you know what ‘weird’ means? We’re about to raise the bar!

Bored Panda wanted to get to grips with subway weirdness, so we got in touch with Rick McGuire, the creator of the massively popularSubway Creaturessocial media project. He was kind enough to share his thoughts about the strange things people see when using public transportation, and you’ll see his insights below.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Dog playing with a ball on a train, entertaining subway passengers.

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Man on train holding a white bunny, with another image showing the bunny on a patterned seat; funny train subway passengers.

Subway passengers with a man in orange workwear holding a black cat on a leash, sitting on the train.

We reached out to Rick, whose legendarySubway Creaturesaccount showcases some of the weirdest, most bizarre things ever to be seen in New York City.Bored Panda asked him for his thoughts about what makes New York City’s subway system stand out from other metros around the world.“For the better or worse— the people,” he said. “NYC is home to 8 million people who mostly rely on the public transit system to get around,” he explained.“When you put that many people into a confined space, you are going to be presented with some of the most bizarre, interesting, and talented people,” Rick told us via email.

We reached out to Rick, whose legendarySubway Creaturesaccount showcases some of the weirdest, most bizarre things ever to be seen in New York City.

Bored Panda asked him for his thoughts about what makes New York City’s subway system stand out from other metros around the world.

“For the better or worse— the people,” he said. “NYC is home to 8 million people who mostly rely on the public transit system to get around,” he explained.

“When you put that many people into a confined space, you are going to be presented with some of the most bizarre, interesting, and talented people,” Rick told us via email.

Cat peeking between train seats, amusing subway passenger experience.

Funny subway scene with a miniature horse standing among passengers on a train.

Dog in a blue bag held by subway passenger, complying with subway rules, creating a funny train scene.

“The secret to taking a great photo that captures the chaos in the subway is to make sure no one realizes you are doing it,“Ricksaid.

He explained to Bored Panda that this approach “usually produces the best candid shots and captures the moment as people who are there see it.”

Passenger with a cat in a pink carrier, creating a funny train subway scene.

Person in an eccentric costume resembling a plague doctor on a subway train.

A subway passenger with a dog wearing sunglasses in a backpack, highlighting funny train moments.

While the London Underground is the oldest, having opened in 1863 as an underground railway and with an electrified underground line opened in 1890,othersystemsaround the worldhave since surpassed it in size and scope.

For instance, the Shanghai Metro is the longest, boasting nearly a whopping 900 kilometers (around 560 miles) of railway. It is also the busiest underground system in the world. In 2019, the system reached a record-breaking 3.88 billion (yes, that’s ‘billion’ with a ‘b’) rides that year. And March 9, 2024, saw the biggest daily ridership record with 13.39 million rides. An average workday in Shanghai sees over 10 million rides on the Metro system.

China, as a whole, has the most metro systems on the planet as of 2024, with 54 of them operating. These include 11 of the 12 longest networks worldwide.

Meanwhile, theNew York CitySubway, one of the most well-known inpopular culture, comes in with a jaw-dropping 472 stations.

A subway passenger humorously naps holding a book titled “How to Sleep Well."

Elderly subway passenger dozing off with arms crossed, capturing a funny train moment.

A parrot in a clear backpack on a subway train with humorous passengers around.

Using the subway andotherpublic modes of transportation, in general, can lead to some really bizarre experiences.

Broadly speaking, so many people use trains and buses that you naturally spot more odd outfits and behaviors. You run into more strangers on the subway platform and on the train than you would, say, at work or walking down a random street.

If you’re riding a bike, similarly, you’re busy staying safe on the road. Meanwhile, on the subway, you have nothing but time to look around and notice all theotherpassengers.

Adorable dog on subway with mini fan, providing a funny train moment for passengers.

Funny subway passengers dressed in cowboy outfits napping on the train.

Man plays harp on subway, showcasing funny train passengers.

Aside from people-watching, your morning and evening commutes are great opportunities to either unwind or catch up on a bit of work.For example, you could take a few minutes to sort out your calendar, inbox, or personal to-do list so that you’re organized and ready to tackle whatever you need to do the next day or week.Or you could take the time to catch up on the news, rehearse whatever presentation that’s been weighing on your mind and bugging you for ages, or do a few quick language lessons on your phone.If you have the energy and focus for it, your commute can be a good use of your time instead of a ‘waste’ to get from point A to point B. However, you don’t feel like you absolutely must be productive during this time.

Aside from people-watching, your morning and evening commutes are great opportunities to either unwind or catch up on a bit of work.

For example, you could take a few minutes to sort out your calendar, inbox, or personal to-do list so that you’re organized and ready to tackle whatever you need to do the next day or week.

Or you could take the time to catch up on the news, rehearse whatever presentation that’s been weighing on your mind and bugging you for ages, or do a few quick language lessons on your phone.

If you have the energy and focus for it, your commute can be a good use of your time instead of a ‘waste’ to get from point A to point B. However, you don’t feel like you absolutely must be productive during this time.

Commuters in a humorous scene on a crowded subway train, each focused on their phones.

Subway passengers, including one hanging upside down, provide a funny scene as a man reads a newspaper on the train.

Parrot perched on a subway seat, ignored by fellow train passengers, creating a funny, unexpected scene.

Alternatively, if you have a fairly long subway commute, you could always use this time as a way to intentionally detach yourself from work on your way home. In a way, you can use public transportation as a liminal space to relax and shift your mindset from business to relaxation.Read a book for pleasure, laugh at some memes, text your friends, do a crossword puzzle, or watch a random video.

Alternatively, if you have a fairly long subway commute, you could always use this time as a way to intentionally detach yourself from work on your way home. In a way, you can use public transportation as a liminal space to relax and shift your mindset from business to relaxation.

Read a book for pleasure, laugh at some memes, text your friends, do a crossword puzzle, or watch a random video.

A large dog sitting on a subway seat beside a woman, exemplifying funny train passengers.

Subway passenger wearing “Adulting” shirt and funny hat, looking at phone.

Young passenger amusingly hangs on a subway train while sitting on a scooter, showcasing funny train antics.

Or you can just zone out and meditate for a bit, enjoying the sights both outside the window and in the train car. Look, no matter how driven and ambitious you are, there are bound to be days when you need more downtime and rest. Nobody can be 100% effective 24/7.A trip using public transportation and a (long) walk can help you disconnect from any anxieties you have atthe officeor at school. So, when you finally get back home, you’re less worried and can spend some quality time with your family or friends.

Or you can just zone out and meditate for a bit, enjoying the sights both outside the window and in the train car. Look, no matter how driven and ambitious you are, there are bound to be days when you need more downtime and rest. Nobody can be 100% effective 24/7.

A trip using public transportation and a (long) walk can help you disconnect from any anxieties you have atthe officeor at school. So, when you finally get back home, you’re less worried and can spend some quality time with your family or friends.

Woman needle-pointing Baby Yoda on subway, showcasing funny train passengers.

Passenger using a glass table as a desk on the subway, creating a funny train scene.

Stylish passenger with crocodile-patterned shoes and green pants on the subway.

Meanwhile, even if something is legal, it might still be frowned upon depending on the area and the people in question. It helps to be a bit more empathetic, flexible, and polite as a photographer, especially if you’re new in town.

Passenger in Spiderman costume with maid outfit on subway, creating a funny train scene.

Impromptu bar setup by passengers on a train journey, featuring drinks and snacks.

Man in overalls holding a large fish on a subway train with other funny passengers seated nearby.

Usually, if someone is in a public place, they can be a part of your photos, but a good rule of thumb is still to consider asking for permission if they’re the main focus of your shot and if you’d like them to pose.For example, there is a rather large difference between, say, a photo of a building with people milling around the entrance and an image where someone’s look and style are the entire point. As a photographer, you should think about taking the time to briefly talk to the person you’re photographing if you want a portrait. Usually, strangers are thrilled that you think they’re interesting enough to take a picture of!Alternatively, if you want a more candid, honest, and ‘raw’ photo, there’s merit to taking a photo without anyone knowing. A lot depends on your philosophy as a photographer.

Usually, if someone is in a public place, they can be a part of your photos, but a good rule of thumb is still to consider asking for permission if they’re the main focus of your shot and if you’d like them to pose.

For example, there is a rather large difference between, say, a photo of a building with people milling around the entrance and an image where someone’s look and style are the entire point. As a photographer, you should think about taking the time to briefly talk to the person you’re photographing if you want a portrait. Usually, strangers are thrilled that you think they’re interesting enough to take a picture of!

Alternatively, if you want a more candid, honest, and ‘raw’ photo, there’s merit to taking a photo without anyone knowing. A lot depends on your philosophy as a photographer.

A funny subway passenger in a full costume and fur coat using a phone on the platform.

Man on subway with funny DIY air filter mask connected to a plant in a clear container on the floor.

Businessman on train wearing a colorful friendship bracelet, creating a lighthearted moment among subway passengers.

Which of these photos piqued your interest the most? Which outfits did you think were the most stylish? Meanwhile, which behaviors would make you do a double-take if you saw it inreal life?

Pirate costume-wearing passenger on subway, adding a funny twist to the train ride.

Amusing subway passenger balancing on a baggage platform while others watch with mixed expressions.

Rabbits in a clear backpack, amusing train subway passengers.

Funny train passengers with a tattooed leg and boots, sitting next to a paper bag on the subway floor.

Man using a swivel chair as a seat on a subway train, browsing his phone, showcasing funny train passengers.

Train passenger using a full desktop setup, including monitor and keyboard, on a subway for a funny scene.

Man with dog in a backpack waiting for subway train, holding a yellow bag; a funny train passenger moment.

Man on subway wearing cap, holding a large blue shark sculpture, sitting on a bench, using phone. Funny train subway scene.

Passenger on subway with a quirky wire hat, creating a funny scene during the train ride.

Bird sitting on a subway seat, capturing a funny moment among train passengers.

Passenger on subway holding an oversized rose, creating a humorous scene.

A funny subway passenger in an alien costume crouches on a New York train, while others remain unfazed.

Three train passengers, one with a towel on their head, create a humorous scene in a subway car.

Subway passenger with funny backpack carrying two birds inside a transparent bubble on a train.

Passengers with a duck on a subway, showcasing funny train moments.

Woman on subway holding a dog wearing pink booties, highlighting funny train passengers.

Person in mirrored mosaic outfit standing on a subway, embodying funny train passenger style.

Person in full metallic armor sitting on a subway train seat, showcasing funny train passengers.

Passenger with unusual fringed sandals on a train, wearing blue jeans and holding a patterned bag.

Subway passenger reading a printed boarding pass like a phone screen, holding it upright with one hand.

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Funny train subway passenger with sunglasses and a pink bag, attracting attention from others in the carriage.

See Also on Bored Panda

A person in a costume with a funny design being helped by a subway passenger up stairs.

Subway passenger with a book and mug, sitting casually on a train seat.

Purple costumed passenger amusingly riding the train, seen inside and outside the subway car.

Funny subway passengers with birds on a train, woman smiling beside a laptop, holding one bird while two perch on a backpack.

Funny subway passengers with a large gaming setup on the train.

A subway passenger with a tattoo of eyes on their lower back.

Passenger in trench coat sitting on subway train, using phone with earbuds in.

Passengers engaged with phones on a subway, one seated on a stool, creating a funny train scene.

Subway passenger wearing a stormtrooper helmet, sitting on a train.

Dog sitting on a subway seat beside an featuring a similar dog, a funny scene during a train ride.

Subway passenger wearing colorful sneaker boots with brown patterns, standing on a train.

A snake peeks out of a bag on a subway, amusing fellow passengers.

Carrots and beans placed on a train seat tray by funny subway passengers.

Passenger on subway with face mask, using phone and carrying floral bag; amusing scene in public transit.

She Edited And Sent To A Friend For Approval Who Asked If She Wanted To Ever See The Guy Again And She Said “Like No LOL”

Colorful train subway passenger in a fluffy outfit, wearing goggles and holding a shopping bag, sitting on a subway seat.

Passenger on subway wearing a funny turkey hat, focused on phone with a subway map in the background.

Knight in armor seated among funny subway passengers.

Pigeons perched on subway seats, looking at each other humorously.

A parrot perched on a train seat next to a passenger reading a newspaper, adding humor to the subway ride.

Woman sitting on subway, holding a dog wearing a face mask; example of funny train passengers.

Passenger humorously charging phone on subway.

“Funny train scene with a passenger lying on the crowded subway floor among standing commuters."

Sleeping subway passenger beside a stroller filled with bags, creating a funny train scene.

Subway passenger holding a frying pan with a phone inside, next to a toy egg, creating a humorous scene.

Man humorously reading a menu on a train, surrounded by seats and a bag with a drink inside.

Funny train passenger wearing unique shoes and using a phone on a subway.

Passenger humorously interacting with a subway door poster displaying a character in a plaid shirt.

Person holding a toy on a subway seat, making it appear as a funny train passenger.

Toy passengers on a subway seat, offering a funny glimpse of train travel humor.

Phone screen with rap lyrics held by a passenger on a subway, capturing a funny subway moment.

A pigeon flying inside a subway train, perched on the stairs, creating a funny scene with its wings spread.

Subway passenger in funny costume with spiky hair and backpack on empty train.

Curly-haired subway passenger with jewelry and a unique style sits on a train, emphasizing funny train experiences.

Funny subway passenger flips upside down in a red hoodie, entertaining fellow train riders.

Passenger on subway wearing a shirt covered in a humorous print of a man’s face, creating a funny train scene.

Person in quirky beige shoes sitting on a subway train, showcasing unique passenger footwear style.

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