Metro is more than just a type of transport, it is the symbol of urban culture. The life of large and densely populated cities is extremely difficult to imagine without the system of underground trains and railroad tracks. And some metro stations in the world are true record-breakers in the total length of routes, ridership, and number of stations. We won’t go into technical details but will talk about five of the world’s metro networks.

Shanghai Metro (Shanghai, China) 

First launched in 1993, the newest Shanghai metro is the largest and busiest metro network with a total length of 831 km, 20 lines, and 508 stations. Its annual ridership has a value of over 3.5 billion people. This rapid transit system works between 14 municipal districts almost 24 hours a day. In addition to its record-breaking length, the Shanghai subway is also considered one of the cleanest in the world. The rapid transit system’s employees constantly maintain the appearance of stations and cars at the proper level.

Beijing Subway (Beijing, Beijing) 

The length of the Beijing Subway is 465 km, and the number of stations is 394. By the way, the Beijing Subway is the second largest one, but it holds the world’s record for daily passenger traffic and annual ridership (over 3.8 billion). Launched in 1969, this subway was the first Chinese subway and the first subway in mainland China. As in Shanghai, Beijing residents are very strict about the cleanliness of their subway. That’s why the Beijing Subway is one of the most illuminated and clean world’s metro stations. SomeMore interesting facts 

London Underground (London, UK) 

Nicknamed “The Tube”, the London Underground is known for being the oldest among the existing subways and, at the same time, one of the largest ones. The total length of the lines is 402 km, and the number of stations is exactly 272. By the annual ridership, by the way, it also takes third place on our list.  London Subway opened in 1863, began operating at the end of the 19th century, and remains one of the most recognizable symbols of England. But not only the annual 1.2 billion ridership makes the London Underground iconic. 

As one of the world’s most famous public systems, The Tube featured in several movies. If you aren’t only a fan of the Woo Casino, but a Potterhead, you must remember the scene from the Order of the Phoenix when Harry and Mr Weasley visit Westminster station. Yes, Muggles indeed understand something about metro systems! The Tube also featured in Bourne Ultimatum, Skyfall, 28 Days Later, and Atonement. 

New York City Subway (New York, USA) 

The length of this famous subway is not the largest in the world (394 km), but the New York City Subway holds leading positions in terms of the number of stations (472) and the number of lines (26). Interestingly, about 40% of all stations are not underground, but above it, by the way, it was originally planned as a surface railroad. This is the only one of the few subways in the world that serves 24 hours a day. The metro system was launched in 1904, and its construction started in 1900.

Seoul Metro (Seoul, South Korea) 

The Seoul Metro spans over 394 kilometers. It is considered one of the busiest subways in the world. More than 8 million trips to different ends of the network are made here every day between 315 stations. It began operating only in 1974 but is certainly one of the most comfortable metro systems in the world. Did you know that it has heated seats and wireless and internet service? 

Do you want to know more about the world’s longest rapid transit systems? Then look at this list:

Guangzhou Metro (Guangzhou, China). 

Paris Metro (Paris, France). 

Moscow Metro (Moscow, Russia). 

Madrid Metro (Madrid, Spain). 

Delhi Metro (Delhi, India). 

Mexico City Metro (Mexico City, Mexico). 

Tokyo Metro (Tokyo, Japan).