Whether you call it a train, a tube, a subway or a metro rail, these transport networks help people around the world get from one place to another quickly, safely, and without having to pay for taxis or parking.
Keep reading to see what different metro routes around the world have to offer.
1. Hong Kong Subway, Hong Kong
It’s difficult to dispute that Hong Kong Subway deserves this number one spot. To start, it’s just 30 years old meaning it’s wonderfully modern with Wi-Fi, automated ticket systems, and intelligent sensors that inform train times. And, because it’s so new, it’s been thoughtfully laid out to move people from every corner of this densely populated city around efficiently.
2. London Underground, United Kingdom
If Hong Kong’s metro system is in its youth, London Underground is its great-great-grandmother. This 150-year-old underground system was the world’s first, opening back in 1863. But, just because it has a few years on Hong Kong’s MTR, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have some of the same modern conveniences.
Carriages are now air-conditioned, and many are set up with WiFi. Contactless card payments have replaced tickets (for the most part) and the network stretches beyond London to Essex and Buckinghamshire.
3. Tokyo Metro Rail, Japan
Tokyo’s metro schedule is arguably the most punctual in the world. It’s like clockwork. But, it’s not just the trains that are efficient. The layout of the stations – with maps plastered on the walls and all signs printed in both English and Japanese – makes the whole experience incredibly pleasant for passengers.
4. Moscow Metro System, Russia
If this were an award for aesthetics, Moscow would have taken first place. With marble interiors, gold fixtures, and ornate arches, subway stations look more like palaces or art museums than a platform to board a high-speed train.
Of course, the metro system itself is world-class as well. Moscow’s metro follows the cities natural circular structure, with fourteen lines that cross Moscow and extend outside of it, making it one of the busiest and longest metro systems in the world.
5. Seoul Metropolitan Subway, South Korea
Somehow, the Seoul metropolitan subway is even more modern than Japan’s, equipped with luxuries like heated seats that aren’t even found in most cars. And, with over 1 million passengers daily, a lot of people are getting to enjoy the perks.
But, despite the conveniences that modern technology affords, the subway is limited in terms of services, closing by or before midnight seven days a week.
6. Singapore Metro Rail, Singapore
Singapore’s MRT is one of the most environmentally friendly, sustainable, clean, and efficient systems in the world. And, according to a McKinsey report from 2018, it’s also among the safest, most convenient, and affordable systems.
What more could you ask for?
7. Paris Metro Rail, France
Made up of 210 kilometers of track, the Paris Metro is crammed within just 87 square kilometers of the city and is still – somehow – one of the busiest train systems in the world.
But, what makes it charming and undeniably Parisian is also what brings it closer to the bottom of this list. It lacks modern conveniences, and we don’t mean heated seats like in Seoul. Many carriages don’t even have automatically closing doors, meaning efficiency is lacking and an upgrade is possible in order.
8. New York Subway, United States
The New York subway is dirty, noisy, and outdated. But it runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. No wonder NYC is affectionately known as the city that never sleeps!
The subway is also extensive, with 450+ stations, many of which are decorated with graffiti, the fare is cheap, and – perhaps best of all – it saves you from having to sit through hours of gridlocked traffic.
9. Stockholm Tunnel Rail, Sweden
Like Moscow’s metro, the Stockholm tunnel rail made it on this list in part because of its beautiful stations that resemble cliffs and caves more than a transport hub underground. The stations on their own represent an opportunity to explore the city’s culture and history.
10. Athens Metro Rail, Greece
Literally, the Athens metro is a museum. In digging up the rail lines for the metro across the ancient city, thousands of artifacts were uncovered and now, are proudly displayed for visitors and passengers to marvel at as they travel through.
With modern amenities, ancient artifacts, and vast networks, these ten metro rails stand out amongst the almost 200 that are operating in cities around the world of Metrorail map.
Metro Rail || New York Subway || London Underground ||
Read more… Best Scenic Train Travel in Europe.