Dispatches From Underground
Whether you call it the subway, the metro, or the tube, more than 65 countries around the world have subway systems. Not only do these systems ferry millions of passengers across sprawling metropolises every day, but they look good doing it. Here are 20 of the coolest subway systems in the world.
1. Metro Naples
One theme we'll see throughout these stations is the use of public art, both analogue and digital. Commuting can get monotonous, but it doesn't have to be boring or confusing. The beautiful murals throughout Metro Naples are proof of this.
2. Shanghai Metro
It's no wonder that more than 3 billion people ride the Shanghai Metro annually, given that it's the second-largest city in the world. This system is built for efficiency, with new stations and lines constantly in the work. Several lines connect to the maglev to the airport, one of the fastest in the world.
3. Tashkent Metro
Unless you're a subway fiend (and even then), the Tashkent Metro probably isn't on your radar. That's a shame, seeing as how these Silk Road-inspired stations are unlike anything in the world. Station photography was actually banned until 2018, which is probably why these stations don't get the credit they deserve.
4. New York City Subway
We aren't saying the NYC subway is the prettiest, or the cleanest, or even the most normal. In fact, it's none of those things. However, what it lacks in those categories it more than makes up for in sheer star power.
5. Berlin U-Bahn
Riding the Berlin U-Bahn can feel like stepping back in time, as many trains and stations are relatively unchanged since their opening in 1902. Inspired by the Bauhaus movement, many U-Bahn stations have a simple and industrial vibe. This not only creates cohesion, but makes the stations easy to navigate.
6. Kyiv Metro
Constructed during the Cold War, Kyiv Metro was built to be durable, with metal blast doors and specialized ventilation. Kyiv is home to the second-deepest subway station in the world, Arsenalna, which is 346 feet below ground. Many of Kyiv's metro stations have played double duty as bomb shelters in recent years.
AMY (talk) 17:08, 4 June 2010 (UTC) on Wikimedia
7. Warsaw Metro
At just 30 years old, the Warsaw Metro is a youngster when it comes to metropolitan public transit. However, its youth means that it's one of the most aesthetically stunning systems in the world. Disembarking at Nowy Świat-Uniwersytet feels like entering a spaceship.
Fred Romero from Paris, France on Wikimedia
8. Tokyo Metro
Tokyo actually has two subway systems, but the one that bears its name is by far the most popular. Unlike many systems, the Tokyo Metro actually runs around the clock, so you needn't worry abut missing the last train. Unfortunately, these trains regularly operate at twice their intended capacity.
9. Budapest Metro
What the Budapest Metro lacks in size, it makes up for in age. Opened in 1896, it's the second-oldest electric subway system in the world! Many stations maintain that 1890s charm with carved wood and tiled ceilings.
10. Beijing Metro
With track stretching nearly 550 miles, Beijing boasts the largest subway system in the world. The Beijing Metro is constantly being expanded to meet rider demands, and six of the trains support state-of-the-art driverless navigation. This system is also beloved because of how beloved it is.
11. Stockholm Metro
The Stockholm Metro is called the world's longest art gallery for a reason. Almost all of the cave-like stations have public art, which cuts down on vandalism and helps orient travelers. Our favorite stations include the eerily beautiful Rådhuset and retro Thorildsplan.
12. St. Petersburg Metro
From statues of literary luminaries and bourgeoisie chandeliers to classic Soviet brutalism. The St. Petersburg Metro has it all. One of the deepest in the world, several stations mimic daylight to keep passengers from getting claustrophobic.
Florstein (Telegram:WikiPhoto.Space) on Wikimedia
13. Copenhagen Metro
Taking the subway can be stressful—especially during rush hour. That's why Copenhagen designed their metro stations to be calming. Not only are these stations sleek and stylish, they're also nearly spotless. If you nab a front seat on the train, you can even pretend to drive.
Stig Nygaard from Copenhagen, Denmark on Wikimedia
14. Toronto Subway
The Toronto Subway has to be one of the quirkiest systems in the world. For example, St. Patrick Station has bright green walls, while Museum Station is a history exhibit in itself. Part of the charm is how diverse the stations are.
15. Taipei Metro
While the Taipei Metro on a whole has been praised for its ease and efficiency, we want to shout out one station in particular. Formosa Boulevard MRT Station houses one of the world's largest public art installations and is absolutely stunning. We wonder how many people have missed their trains because they were too busy staring.
16. Moscow Metro
With soaring ceilings and Medieval murals, it's no wonder the Moscow Metro is considered the most beautiful system in the world. Each station is totally unique, and you can trace the city's development by the different architectural styles. The Metro's grand opening was celebrated with an underground choral performance.
Unknown. First uploaded by Worldtraveller. on Wikimedia
17. Seoul Metropolitan Subway
Blending yesterday's history with tomorrow's technology, Seoul's subway system is as futuristic and efficient as you'd expect. Seoul takes pride in making its subway system navigable to locals and tourists alike—no small feat with over 288 stations! This subway blends seamlessly into the cityscape.
18. Glasgow Subway
Glasgow is an unlikely candidate for one of the oldest subway systems in the world. In fact, this charming "clockwork orange" system is largely unknown outside the city. With only 15 stations, this subway is forms the route for a popular pub crawl.
19. Paris Métro
One of the busiest systems in Europe, the Paris Métro is also one of the best-known. These metro stations are filled with as much grandeur and character as the city above them. Our personal favorite is Abbesses with its iconic Art Nouveau sign.
20. London Underground
The oldest subway system in the world, the London Underground is instantly iconic. The Underground connects London with the nearby counties of Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex. Despite the name, more than half the tracks run above ground!
