10 Largest Metro Networks In The World

Top 10 Largest Metro Networks In The World: The Top 10 Largest Metro Networks In The World are Shanghai Metro(China), Beijing Subway(China), London Underground(United Kingdom), Guangzhou Metro(China), New York City Subway(United States), Delhi Metro(India), Moscow Metro(Russia), Wuhan Metro(China), Seoul Metro(South Korea), Madrid Metro(Spain).

Metro systems, often called subways or underground railways, are fast and efficient urban transportation options that help improve people’s movement in busy cities. The largest metro system in the World is the Shanghai Metro in China. It has 16 lines covering 705 kilometers, making it the longest metro network globally. The Shanghai Metro also has the highest number of passengers, with 2.83 billion trips taken each year.

This article will explore the Top 10 Largest Metro Networks in the World. We will look at their key features, the number of stations they have, and the total length of each metro network.

About the Metro Networks In The World

As of December 31, 2024, more than 200 cities in 62 countries have metro systems. China leads the world with 46 metro systems in operation, followed by the United States with 32 and India with 16. Metro systems, called subways, undergrounds, tubes, U-Bahn, MRT, or MTR, are large-capacity urban rail networks that typically run through underground tunnels. They are powered by electricity, run on fixed routes, and transport millions of people daily, serving as the backbone of city transportation. 

The London Underground, opened in 1863, is the oldest metro system in the world. The Beijing Subway, with a length of 815.2 kilometers, is the longest metro network globally. The Shanghai Metro is the busiest metro system globally, with 2.83 billion yearly trips.

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Below is the list of the Top 10 Largest Metro Networks In The World.

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

Largest Metro Network in the World: Shanghai Metro – China

The Shanghai Metro is the longest network globally, spanning 831 kilometers with 508 stations across 20 lines. It is also the second busiest metro system after the Beijing Subway, carrying over 3.7 billion passengers yearly. This rapid transit system provides transportation services to 14 of Shanghai’s 16 municipal districts, covering urban and suburban areas.

• The Shanghai Metro system was launched in 1993.

• The Shanghai Metro is mainland China’s third-oldest rapid transit system, following the Beijing Subway and the Tianjin Metro.

• The Shanghai Metro operates almost 24 hours daily, from 3 AM to 11:30 PM.

• Most lines of the Shanghai Metro have a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). However, lines 11 and 17 can reach up to 100 km/h (62 mph), while Route 16 has a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).

• The Shanghai Metro is continuously expanding. The Phase IV extension, expected to open in 2024, will expand the network to about 453 kilometers.

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Second Largest Metro Network in the World: Beijing Subway – China

The Beijing Subway is a rapid transit system in Beijing, China. It features 27 lines, including 22 rapid transit lines, two airport rail links, one maglev line, and two light rail lines, with 490 stations. The lines are numbered from 1 to 19, and additional lines are labeled with letters. A different color is on subway maps, and signs mark each line.

• 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.

• It serves 10 million riders daily and ranks first in annual ridership, with over 3.8 billion trips yearly.

• The Beijing Subway is an excellent, fast, affordable way to get around the city.

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Third Largest Metro Network in the World: London Underground – United Kingdom

The London Underground, commonly known as the Tube, is a rapid transit system serving Greater London and nearby areas. It began operations in 1863 and is one of the oldest metro systems. The Tube features 11 lines stretching over 402 kilometers and connects 272 stations.

• It manages up to five million passenger trips daily, with over 543 trains running during busy periods.

• 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 includes the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines.

• The London Underground has 11 lines, each marked by a unique color. The system is split into nine fare zones, and the cost of travel depends on how many zones you pass through.

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Fourth Largest Metro Network in the World: Guangzhou Metro – China

The Guangzhou Metro is a rapid transit system in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. It started operating in 1998 and is currently the third busiest metro system globally. With 16 lines, it ranks as the fourth largest metro network in the world. The system includes 302 stations and covers a total length of 621.05 kilometers.

• The state-owned Guangzhou Metro Corporation operates the Guangzhou Metro.

• Line 18 of the Guangzhou Metro is the fastest metro line in the world and China’s first all-underground urban express line. It can reach up to 160 kilometers per hour (99 miles per hour).

• The Guangfo Line is the first metro line in China to connect two cities, Guangzhou and Foshan.

• The Guangzhou Metro runs daily from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, and about 8 million riders use the system daily.

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Fifth Largest Metro Network in the World: New York City Subway – United States

The New York City Subway is the fifth-largest metro system in the world, with a length of 399 kilometers. It is also one of the largest rapid transit systems globally, featuring 472 stations and 394 kilometers of routes on 1,112 kilometers of railway track. It is one of the largest and busiest subway systems in North America.

• The New York City Subway began operating on October 27, 1904.

• The New York City Subway is owned by the city government and leased to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for operation.

• The New York City Subway operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round.

• The New York City Subway uses a flat-rate fare system, which means passengers pay the same fare regardless of how far they travel.

• The New York City Subway serves 1.6 billion riders annually and is the ninth busiest subway system in the world.

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Sixth Largest Metro Network in the World: Delhi Metro – India

The Delhi Metro is a mass transit system that serves Delhi and nearby cities. It features 10 color-coded lines, 256 stations, and a total distance of 350.42 kilometers. The system is operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). A unique color identifies each line.

• The Delhi Metro began operations in 2002 with the opening of its first line.

• The Delhi Metro is India’s largest and busiest metro system and the second oldest, following the Kolkata Metro.

• The Delhi Metro operates roughly from 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

• It received UN recognition for helping to reduce carbon emissions.

• The Delhi Metro uses a fare system based on distance, so the cost depends on how far you travel.

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Seventh Largest Metro Network in the World: Moscow Metro – Russia

The Moscow Metro is a state-owned system that spans 449 kilometers and has 263 stations. Originally called the L. M. Kaganovich Metropolitan System, it was renamed after Lenin in 1957. The metro includes 14 radial lines that extend from the city center to the suburbs, along with Line 5 (Koltseveya), which circles the city.

• It opened in 1935 as the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union.

• The lines are arranged in a spoke-and-hub pattern, most radiating from the center of Moscow to the surrounding areas.

• The system also features a monorail and two circular lines that link suburban stations at various distances from the center.

• The Big Circle line was finished, making it the longest subway ring in the world.

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Eighth Largest Metro Network in the World: Wuhan Metro – China

The Wuhan Metro is a rapid transit system in Wuhan, Hubei, China. It has 12 lines, 300 stations, and covers 486.3 kilometers. Owned and operated by Wuhan Metro Group Corporation, it is the eighth-largest metro system in the world. Established in 2004, the Wuhan Metro features multiple lines, each marked by a unique color, serving different areas of Wuhan.

• It is the sixth-busiest rapid transit system in mainland China.

• It operates both underground and as an elevated express service.

• The Wuhan Metro usually has a distance-based fare system, where the cost is calculated according to the distance traveled.

• The metro uses modern technology, including automated trains and advanced safety features.

• It was the first underground rail line to cross the Yangtze River. The system has since rapidly expanded.

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Ninth Largest Metro Network in the World: Seoul Metro – South Korea

The Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit, or Seoul Metro, is one of the world’s largest urban railway networks. It serves the capital city of Seoul and the surrounding provinces of Gyeonggi, Incheon, and northern Chungnam. The Seoul Subway, considered one of the best metro systems globally, began operating on August 15, 1974.

• The Seoul Metro has nine lines stretching 327 kilometers, with 290 kilometers underground.

• Owned by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, it has nine lines and 302 stations.

• It serves millions of passengers daily and is as long as the subway systems in New York and London.

• The Seoul subway system uses a distance-based fare system.

• The average number of passengers per day is 7.2 million, and per year is 2.6 billion.

• The Seoul Metro offers two types of public transportation cards: T-money and Cash-bee.

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Tenth Largest Metro Network in the World: Madrid Metro – Spain

The Madrid Metro is a rapid transit system serving Madrid, Spain’s capital. It is the world’s 10th largest, covering 293 kilometers. The system opened its first line in 1919 and has become one of Europe’s largest and busiest metro networks.

• Madrid’s metro system has 12 lines, 231 stations, and one branch line.

• The Madrid Metro has multiple lines, each identified by a number and a specific color.

• The Madrid Metro uses a zone-based fare system, where the cost depends on the number of zones traveled.

• The Madrid Metro uses modern technology, including automated trains and advanced safety features.

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Conclusion

examining the 10 largest metro networks in the world showcases the impressive scale of urban transit systems and their crucial role in improving connectivity, boosting economic growth, and promoting sustainable development in busy cities. From Tokyo’s extensive subway system to Shanghai’s efficient network, each metro system addresses its city’s unique challenges and innovations. As urban populations grow and cities expand, the need for effective, reliable, and eco-friendly public transport becomes clearer. These top metro networks set an example for future urban planning, highlighting the importance of investing in transportation infrastructure to meet the needs of growing megacities. By focusing on expanding and upgrading metro systems, cities can build more accessible, livable, and connected urban areas for future generations.

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FAQs

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