Table of Contents
The largest metro networks in the world include some of the most extensive and efficient urban transit systems. Here are the top 10 largest metro networks globally
| Metro Network | Country | Stations | Network Length(km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Metro | China | 508 | 831 |
| Beijing Subway | China | 490 | 669.4 |
| London Underground | United Kingdom | 272 | 402 |
| Guangzhou Metro | China | 302 | 621.05 |
| New York City Subway | United States | 472 | 399 |
| Delhi Metro | India | 256 | 350.42 |
| Moscow Metro | Russia | 236 | 456 |
| Wuhan Metro | China | 300 | 486.3 |
| Seoul Metro | South Korea | 315 | 340.4 |
| Madrid Metro | Spain | 302 | 293 |
These metro networks are renowned for their vast coverage, high passenger capacity, and modern infrastructure.
Metro systems, also known as subways or underground railways, offer fast and efficient urban transportation, easing congestion in bustling cities. The largest metro system in the world is the Shanghai Metro in China, featuring 16 lines that span 705 kilometers, making it the longest metro network globally. It also holds the record for the highest passenger volume, with 2.83 billion trips annually.
In this article, we will explore the Top 10 Largest Metro Networks in the World, highlighting their key features, number of stations, and total network length.
About the Metro Networks In The World
As of December 31, 2024, over 200 cities across 62 countries have metro systems in operation. China leads with 46 metro networks, followed by the United States with 32 and India with 16. These systems, also known as subways, undergrounds, tubes, U-Bahn, MRT, or MTR, are high-capacity urban rail networks that primarily operate through underground tunnels. Powered by electricity and running on fixed routes, they transport millions of passengers daily, serving as the backbone of urban transportation.
The London Underground, inaugurated in 1863, holds the title of the oldest metro system in the world. Meanwhile, the Beijing Subway is the longest metro network, spanning 815.2 kilometers. The Shanghai Metro is the busiest metro system globally, handling 2.83 billion passenger trips annually.
1: Shanghai Metro – China
The Shanghai Metro is the longest metro network in the world, stretching 831 kilometers with 508 stations across 20 lines. It is also the second busiest metro system, following the Beijing Subway, with an annual ridership of over 3.7 billion passengers. This rapid transit system serves 14 out of Shanghai’s 16 municipal districts, efficiently connecting both urban and suburban areas.
- The Shanghai Metro system began operations in 1993.
- The Shanghai Metro is the third-oldest rapid transit system in mainland China, after the Beijing Subway and the Tianjin Metro.
- The Shanghai Metro operates almost 24 hours daily, from 3 AM to 11:30 PM.
- Most Shanghai Metro lines operate at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). However, Lines 11 and 17 can reach speeds of 100 km/h (62 mph), while Route 16 has a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).
- The Shanghai Metro is continuously expanding. The Phase IV extension, set to open in 2024, will increase the network to approximately 453 kilometers.
2: Beijing Subway – China
The Beijing Subway is a rapid transit system in Beijing, China. It consists of 27 lines, including 22 rapid transit lines, two airport rail links, one maglev line, and two light rail lines, with a total of 490 stations. The lines are numbered from 1 to 19, while additional lines are labeled with letters. Each line is color-coded on subway maps and marked on signs.
- The Beijing Subway opened in 1971 and was the first subway system in China.
- It is the oldest metro system in mainland China and East Asia.
- It is the second-longest subway system in the world, after the Shanghai Metro, and is larger than the subways in London, Moscow, and New York.
- The Beijing Subway serves 10 million riders daily and holds the highest annual ridership, exceeding 3.8 billion trips per year.
- The Beijing Subway is a fast, efficient, and affordable way to travel across the city.
3: London Underground – United Kingdom
The London Underground, widely known as the Tube, is a rapid transit system serving Greater London and its surrounding areas. Operational since 1863, it is one of the oldest metro systems in the world. The Tube consists of 11 lines, covering 402 kilometers and connecting 272 stations.
- The London Underground handles up to five million passenger trips daily, with over 543 trains operating during peak hours.
- It is the world’s first underground train system for passengers.
- It is 45% underground and serves 5 million passengers daily, with over 1 billion riders annually.
- The London Underground features the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines.
- The London Underground operates 11 lines, each distinguished by a unique color. The system is divided into nine fare zones, with travel costs depending on the number of zones crossed.
4: Guangzhou Metro – China
The Guangzhou Metro is a rapid transit system in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Launched in 1998, it is currently the third busiest metro system globally. With 16 lines, it is the fourth largest metro network in the world. The system features 302 stations and spans a total length of 621.05 kilometers.
- The Guangzhou Metro is operated by the state-owned Guangzhou Metro Corporation.
- Line 18 of the Guangzhou Metro is the world’s fastest metro line and China’s first fully underground urban express line. It can achieve speeds of up to 160 km/h (99 mph).
- The Guangfo Line is China’s first metro line to link two cities, connecting Guangzhou and Foshan.
- The Guangzhou Metro operates daily from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, serving approximately 8 million passengers each day.
5: New York City Subway – United States
The New York City Subway is the fifth-largest metro system in the world, spanning 399 kilometers. It is also one of the largest rapid transit systems globally, with 472 stations and 394 kilometers of routes on a total of 1,112 kilometers of railway tracks. It ranks as one of the largest and busiest subway systems in North America.
- The New York City Subway started operations on October 27, 1904.
- The New York City Subway is owned by the city government and operated under a lease by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
- The New York City Subway runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the entire year.
- The New York City Subway operates on a flat-rate fare system, meaning passengers pay the same fare no matter how far they travel.
- The New York City Subway accommodates 1.6 billion riders each year, making it the ninth busiest subway system globally.
6: Delhi Metro – India
The Delhi Metro is a mass transit system serving Delhi and surrounding cities. It consists of 10 color-coded lines and 256 stations and covers a total distance of 350.42 kilometers. The system is operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), with each line identified by a unique color.
- The Delhi Metro commenced operations in 2002 with the launch of its first line.
- The Delhi Metro is India’s largest and busiest metro system, as well as the second oldest, after the Kolkata Metro.
- The Delhi Metro operates approximately from 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily.
- It earned UN recognition for its contribution to reducing carbon emissions.
- The Delhi Metro follows a distance-based fare system, where the cost varies depending on the distance traveled.
7: Moscow Metro – Russia
The Moscow Metro is a state-owned system covering 449 kilometers and featuring 263 stations. Initially known as the L. M. Kaganovich Metropolitan System, it was renamed in 1957 to honor Lenin. The metro consists of 14 radial lines that connect the city center to the suburbs, along with Line 5 (Koltseveya), which forms a circular route around the city.
- It opened in 1935 as the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union.
- The lines follow a spoke-and-hub pattern, with most radiating from the center of Moscow to the surrounding areas.
- The system also includes a monorail and two circular lines that connect suburban stations at different distances from the center.
- The Big Circle Line was completed, making it the longest subway ring in the world.
8: Wuhan Metro – China
The Wuhan Metro is a rapid transit system in Wuhan, Hubei, China. It operates 12 lines, serves 300 stations, and spans 486.3 kilometers. Owned and operated by the Wuhan Metro Group Corporation, it is the eighth-largest metro system globally. Established in 2004, the Wuhan Metro consists of multiple lines, each distinguished by a unique color, catering to various areas of Wuhan.
- It ranks as the sixth-busiest rapid transit system in mainland China.
- It operates as both an underground and elevated express service.
- The Wuhan Metro typically uses a distance-based fare system, where the cost is determined by the distance traveled.
- The metro incorporates modern technology, such as automated trains and advanced safety features.
- It was the first underground rail line to cross the Yangtze River, and the system has since seen rapid expansion.
9: Seoul Metro – South Korea
The Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit, also known as Seoul Metro, is among the world’s largest urban railway networks. It serves the capital city of Seoul and surrounding provinces like Gyeonggi, Incheon, and northern Chungnam. Considered one of the best metro systems globally, the Seoul Subway began operations on August 15, 1974.
- The Seoul Metro consists of nine lines, covering a total distance of 327 kilometers, with 290 kilometers of that underground.
- Owned by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the system features nine lines and 302 stations.
- It caters to millions of passengers daily and is comparable in length to the subway systems of New York and London.
- The Seoul subway system operates on a distance-based fare system, where the cost is determined by the distance traveled.
- The Seoul Metro handles an average of 7.2 million passengers daily, with a total of 2.6 billion passengers annually.
- The Seoul Metro provides two types of public transportation cards: T-money and Cash-bee.
10: Madrid Metro – Spain
The Madrid Metro is a rapid transit system that serves Madrid, the capital of Spain. Spanning 293 kilometers, it ranks as the 10th largest metro system in the world. Since opening its first line in 1919, it has grown into one of Europe’s largest and busiest metro networks.
- Madrid’s metro system consists of 12 lines, 231 stations, and an additional branch line.
- The Madrid Metro features several lines, each designated by a unique number and color.
- The Madrid Metro operates on a zone-based fare system, where the price is determined by the number of zones you travel through.
- The Madrid Metro incorporates advanced technology, featuring automated trains and cutting-edge safety systems.
Conclusion
Examining the 10 largest metro networks in the world reveals the scale and impact of urban transit systems in enhancing connectivity, boosting economic growth, and supporting sustainable development. From Tokyo’s extensive subway to Shanghai’s efficient network, each system addresses its city’s unique challenges. As urban populations grow, the need for eco-friendly and reliable transport becomes even clearer. These top metro systems set examples for future urban development, showing the importance of investing in transportation infrastructure to create accessible and livable urban spaces.
