I paid $1 to see Zurich from a train that's been around for 130 years. It was unlike any railway I've taken.

The Polybahn in Zurich is a train that runs on a steep incline. It's also known as a funicular.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

• The Polybahn in Zurich is the most unique train ride I've ever experienced.
• The Polybahn is a train on a steep incline that takes riders up and down the hilly Swiss city.

I've traveled 5,120 miles on trains in the US, Canada, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Germany.

My rail journeys in these seven countries have varied greatly. I've booked a range of classes on day trips and overnight rides. I've even been on the 21st-century version of a legendary luxury train— the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

But none of those experiences were as unique as my ride on the Polybahn in Zurich in 2022.

The Polybahn is a funicular, like a train on a steep incline (sometimes called a hillavator). The rails go up and down, making it feel like a slow roller coaster.

I thought the Swiss funicular was a great tourist attraction similar to an aerial tram because you can see a range of views of the surrounding areas. It's also a cool experience for history buffs, as the transportation mode has served Zurich since 1886, according to the company's website.

And for just over $1, it's the cheapest travel activity I've ever paid for — and one of the best.