The Shanghai Metro is the world's longest metro network at 803 kilometres (499 mi) and has the highest annual ridership at 2.83 billion trips.

As of 2026, Shanghai, China maintains the title for the longest metro/rail network in the world, with its system spanning over 800 kilometers (approx. 500 miles) and continuing to expand. It is followed closely by Beijing and Guangzhou, as China continues its massive urban transit investment. In the Western world, the New York City Subway has the most stations (472), but its total track length is surpassed by Shanghai’s sheer urban reach. From a "commuter rail" perspective (combining subways with suburban trains), Tokyo is often considered the most extensive, though its network is operated by multiple different companies rather than a single unified authority. For 2026 travelers, Shanghai's network is particularly impressive because nearly every station features "Level 4" accessibility and fully integrated digital payment via WeChat or Alipay, making it the gold standard for modern rail infrastructure.