In 2023, London boasted the most extensive metro network in Europe of over 470 kilometers in length. By comparison, the second largest metro network, in the Spanish capital of Madrid, was around 291 kilometers long – just over half the size of London’s metro system.
The Tube
The London Underground, also sometimes referred to as the Tube, makes up the majority of London’s metro network. It was the world’s first underground train line, opening in 1863 on what is today known as the Metropolitan Line. Today, the London Underground carries nearly 1.1 billion passengers per year, about a third of all passengers traveling on Transport for London’s public transport services.
Worldwide largest metro networks in China
The longest metro network in the world can be found in China. Shanghai’s metro network extends to a length of 694 kilometers and is closely followed by Beijing, which has a metro network measuring 653 kilometers. London’s metro network only comes fourth in the global ranking, following Seoul in third place.
Longest metro networks in European cities in 2023
(in kilometers)
Adjust the presentation of the statistic and data points.
Share the statistic on social media channels or embed the statistic in your
website using "Embed Code", where available.
Cite this statistic and select one of the following formats: APA, Chicago, Harvard, MLA & Bluebook.
Print the statistic including description and metadata.
Chart type
Longest metro networks in European cities in 2023
Share this statistic
You have no right to use this feature.
Make sure to contact us if you are interested in scientific citation.
You can upgrade your account to enable this functionality for all statistics.
This feature is not available with your current account.Request access
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
Legambiente. (February 23, 2023). Longest metro networks in European cities in 2023 (in kilometers) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved June 05, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1129533/longest-metro-lines-in-europe/
Legambiente. "Longest metro networks in European cities in 2023 (in kilometers)." Chart. February 23, 2023. Statista. Accessed June 05, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1129533/longest-metro-lines-in-europe/
Legambiente. (2023). Longest metro networks in European cities in 2023 (in kilometers). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: June 05, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1129533/longest-metro-lines-in-europe/
Legambiente. "Longest Metro Networks in European Cities in 2023 (in Kilometers)." Statista, Statista Inc., 23 Feb 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1129533/longest-metro-lines-in-europe/
Legambiente, Longest metro networks in European cities in 2023 (in kilometers) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1129533/longest-metro-lines-in-europe/ (last visited June 05, 2025)
Longest metro networks in European cities in 2023 (in kilometers) [Graph], Legambiente, February 23, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1129533/longest-metro-lines-in-europe/
Profit from additional features with an Employee Account
Please create an employee account to be able to mark statistics as favorites.
Then you can access your favorite statistics via the star in the header.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.