The metro is a globally popular mode of transportation known for its convenience and speed, making it a preferred choice for daily commutes. It remains a leading form of transportation in numerous cities worldwide. In this exploration, we'll focus on the ten largest and most extensive metro systems across the globe, highlighting their scale and the countries they serve.

Delhi Metro - India

Our journey through the world's largest metro systems begins with the Delhi Metro in India. While it's considered a relatively new addition, having commenced operations in 2002, it secures the tenth spot on the list of the world's most extensive metro networks. The system boasts a total of 285 stations, though it's important to note that transfer stations are counted more than once. As of 2018, the Delhi Metro recorded an annual ridership exceeding 900 million passengers, a testament to its popularity and efficiency.

What's particularly noteworthy is that in 2011, the United Nations recognized the Delhi Metro Railway Corporation as the world's first metro system dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the city, thereby mitigating carbon emissions. 

This commendable initiative is hardly surprising given India's colossal population of over 1 billion people, emphasising the country's commitment to addressing environmental concerns while efficiently catering to the extensive subway transportation needs of its citizens.

Moscow Metro - Russia

Our exploration of the world's expensive metro systems now takes us to the Moscow Metro in Russia. This vast network comprises 236 stations, which includes six metro stations on the Moscow Monorail and an additional 31 stations within the Moscow Central Circle. 

With a total route length of 397.3 km, it stands as the fifth-longest metro system globally, extending to 456 km when considering the Moscow Monorail and the Moscow Central Circle. Impressively, the Moscow Metro, which commenced operations in 1935, recorded a ridership exceeding 2 billion passengers in 2018, securing its position as the sixth-busiest metro system worldwide.

One notable feature of this metro system is the "Park Pobedy" station, which ranks as the third deepest metro station globally, reaching a depth of 84 metres.

Guangzhou Metro - China

Our journey through the world's extensive metro systems now leads us to the Guangzhou Metro in China. Despite its relatively recent inauguration in 1997, this metro network has achieved an impressive eighth place in the global rankings with a total of 257 stations. Serving the population of southern China for just 22 years, it has quickly become one of the most prominent metro systems worldwide.

Notably, this metro system boasts a daily ridership of approximately 8 million passengers, a remarkable b, making it the third-longest metro system globally. In a recent milestone, on June 6th of this year, it reached an astounding peak ridership of 10.62 million passengers in a single day. Furthermore, in 2018, it was recognized as the third busiest metro system globally, with a ridership exceeding 3 billion passengers.

London Underground - United Kingdom

When it comes to the world's oldest underground train system, London takes the crown! The London Underground, which commenced operations in the 1890s, holds the distinction of being the world's first underground metro system. Interestingly, despite its name, only 45% of the entire subway network is actually located underground.

This iconic underground system ranks seventh among the world's largest metro networks, boasting a total of 270 stations and covering a substantial length of 402 km, making it the fourth-longest in the world. With daily ridership exceeding 5 million passengers and an annual ridership of over 1 billion, as per statistics, the London Underground continues to be a vital transportation lifeline for the city. Remarkably, this historic underground network has been in operation for more than 156 years and is affectionately known as "The Tube."

Madrid Metro - Spain

Celebrating its centenary on October 17, the Madrid metro system holds the sixth position in our list of the world's most extensive metro networks, featuring an impressive 302 stations. The system covers a total length of 293 km and is notable for being the least utilised among our highlighted metro systems, recording over 600 million annual riders in 2018.

An intriguing fact about the Madrid metro is that it boasts the highest number of escalators and elevators ever found in any metro system globally. With a total of 1,705 escalators and 529 elevators, it stands as a testament to the system's commitment to accessibility and passenger convenience.

Paris Metro – France

Established in 1900, precisely a decade after the inception of the London Underground, the Paris Metro proudly holds the title of being the world's fifth-oldest subway system. Furthermore, it ranks fifth among the largest metro systems globally, boasting an extensive network of 302 stations, a number equivalent to the Madrid Metro. Interestingly, one might even consider it as having 303 stations, given that the Montmartre funicular operates under the name "Funiculaire" and is counted as the 303rd "unofficial" station, seamlessly integrated into the metro system.

Impressively, the Paris Metro records a daily ridership surpassing 4 million passengers and an annual ridership exceeding 1 billion, reflecting its pivotal role in the daily lives of Parisians and visitors alike.

Seoul Metro - South Korea

As we continue our exploration of the world's largest metro systems, our focus now shifts to Asia. The Seoul Metro, inaugurated in 1974,boasts an impressive network of 315 stations, making it one of the most extensive metro systems in the world. Covering a total route length of 340.4 km, it is renowned for its status as one of the busiest metros globally, with an annual ridership exceeding a remarkable 1.9 billion passengers.

What's even more exciting is that there are plans in place for the addition of new metro stations and lines, set to be operational by 2024, further enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of Seoul's bustling metropolitan area.

Beijing Subway - China

Our next destination in our exploration of the world's largest metro systems takes us to the heart of China, specifically the Beijing Subway. While some sources may claim 394 metro stations, it's worth noting that 60 of these are transfer stations, and this number is counted twice, resulting in a total of 331 unique stations within the system.

The Beijing Subway, which commenced operations in 1969, celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 1 of this year, marking a significant milestone in its history. With an extensive route length of 678.2 km (669.4 km without the Xijiao line), it stands as the second-longest metro system globally.

What truly sets the Beijing Subway apart is its remarkable daily ridership, consistently exceeding 10 million passengers. On a particularly busy day, July 12 of this year, it achieved a record-breaking ridership of more than 13 million commuters.

However, its achievements do not stop there; it proudly ranks as the world's busiest metro system with an astounding annual ridership of over 3.8 billion passengers. Such impressive figures are hardly surprising given the capital city's enormous population, which exceeds 21 million, firmly establishing Beijing's place in the top three in all three key categories.

Shanghai Metro - China

Unsurprisingly, China, the world's most populous nation, holds two spots in our list of the world's top 10 largest metro systems. One of these is the Shanghai Metro, which embarked on its journey in 1993. It proudly claims the second position globally with a staggering 345 stations and holds the record as the world's longest metro system, covering an impressive 676 km in total.

With just a slight difference, boasting an annual ridership exceeding 3.7 billion passengers, the Shanghai Metro secures its place as the world's busiest metro network, second only to the Beijing Subway. Its daily performance mirrors that of its Chinese counterpart, consistently surpassing 10 million passengers and achieving an extraordinary record of 13 million commuters in a single day. Clearly, the dominance of Chinese metro systems in all three key categories is a testament to their scale and efficiency.

New York City Subway - United States

Our journey through the world's largest metro systems culminates with the New York City Subway, which proudly takes the top spot on our list. The New York City Subway, inaugurated in 1904, holds the distinction of being the eighth oldest subway system globally and reigns as the world's most extensive metro network, boasting an impressive 424 stations. 

To further emphasise its scale, if we consider transfer stations, the count reaches 472 stations, with a remarkable 470 of them operating 24 hours a day, year-round. The system also has plans to introduce an additional 14 new stations, further enhancing its reach and convenience.

Notably, the concept of an underground transit system in New York City was first demonstrated by American inventor Alfred Ely Beach in 1869. Construction for the New York City Subway commenced in 1900, ultimately becoming operational for the city's residents in 1904. With a total route length of 394 km, it ranks as the sixth-longest metro system worldwide. 

FAQS

What is the world's largest metro system?

The New York City Subway in the United States holds the title of the world's largest metro system, with 424 stations.

Which metro system is the oldest in the world?

The London Underground in the United Kingdom is the world's oldest underground train system, inaugurated in the 1890s.

Which metro system is the second longest in the world?

The Beijing Subway in China is the second-longest metro system globally, covering a total route length of 678.2 km (669.4 km without the Xijiao line).

What is the busiest metro system in the world?

The Beijing Subway in China is the busiest metro system globally, with an annual ridership exceeding 3.8 billion passengers.

How many stations does the Shanghai Metro have?

The Shanghai Metro in China boasts an extensive network with 345 stations, making it the second-largest metro system globally.

What is the daily ridership of the Seoul Metro?

The Seoul Metro in South Korea records a daily ridership of over 10 million passengers.

Which metro system has the most escalators and elevators in the world?

The Madrid Metro in Spain holds the record for having the most escalators (1705) and elevators (529) of any metro system globally.