What are some of the different modes of transportation in World of Warcraft?
In World of Warcraft, you have the opportunity to use several different modes of transportation. Early in your adventuring career, you explore the beautiful environments on foot, but once you discover certain NPCs, you can hire flying mounts such as Gryphons and Wyverns from them for a fee. These mounts cover regular routes; utilizing them makes it easier for you to quickly travel between locations you have already explored. Along with these taxi-style transports, there are also boats and zeppelins that can be chartered for intercontinental travel.

Personal mounts, specific to each race, are available to characters at higher levels. For instance, Orcs ride dire wolves, Humans ride horses, and Dwarves ride battle rams. Though it is somewhat challenging to do so, characters can also learn how to ride the mounts of races other than their own. In addition, "epic" and magical forms of travel can be discovered in the game, such as ancient portals and player-based rituals, that can be used for instant travel to exotic locations.

The world of Outland introduced a new type of personal mount: the flying mount. Available only to level 70 players with high levels of training in the Riding skill, these mounts represent the pinnacle of personal freedom to travel in World of Warcraft.

Go to the Mounts page and the Public Transportation page to learn more.

How do mounts work in World of Warcraft?
World of Warcraft offers a variety of mounts for the different races of Azeroth. For example, Humans generally ride horses, and Orcs tend to favor their trusted wolf mounts. Mounts are a great way to travel the world for mid-to-high-level characters. With extensive training, riding specialists will be able to use mounts not generally available to their particular race, but this ability will be rare.

When can players get their own mount?
The level requirement for normal mounts is 30. Players also must learn a riding skill which requires both a good reputation toward the faction of the trainer for that specific mount, and will also cost you a fee. At level 60, you can gain access to a faster mount (commonly called an "epic" mount), which is very expensive, so prepare yourself to spare gold soon enough if you plan acquiring the faster mount. Flying mounts are only available to level 70 players who have the necessary training.

How will players use mounts?
Mounts can be "called" when needed by the owner, essentially making them on-demand transportation. Warlocks and Paladins have the special ability to summon their personal mounts with a spell.

Can players own or operate ships?
At this time, all ships are owned and operated by NPCs within the game.