In a foreign land, food and transport are the biggest challenges for most travellers. 94% of Pickyourtrail’s travellers cite easy access to public transport as key criteria for choosing hotel locations. When I reflect on my own vacations, the ones I enjoyed the most had public transport deeply linked to it. It gives you a certain sense of freedom and security that catapults the overall enjoyment score to a different level.

With the travel season around the corner, I thought it would be fair to put together a list of the most fascinating metros in the world. Don’t be ashamed to plan a trip just to experience some of these complex travel systems, my favourite pick – Metros of Moscow

1. Paris – Second busiest metro in Europe

The city of love reverberates with a striking sense of fashion and culture. Love is in the air and the buzz is real in Paris. But literally beneath all the fuss is the dense metro system of Paris. Operating every day since 1990, the metro in Paris is the second busiest in Europe with 4.16 million people (that’s almost the entire country of New Zealand on a metro) riding it across 302 stations. (Delhi metro has 229 stops).

Did you know?

• The term ‘metro’ is derived from Compagnie du chemin de fer métropolitain de Paris, the company that built and operates Paris metro.
• It is said that there is not a single place in Paris which doesn’t have a metro station in 500 metres reach.
• The Arts et Métiers station in the Paris metro was redesigned in 1994 in a steampunk style by comic book artist François Schuiten.
• The grounds of the metro system was used as the discussion spot for the French resistance during World War II.

2. Tokyo – The most peaceful metro

When it comes to engineering and innovation, there’s no better country than Japan. The Tokyo metro is yet another gem from the land of the rising sun. The city has two subway operators: Tokyo Metro & Toei and they are best used in tandem. Over 6.84 million people use the Tokyo metro daily and it is one of the busiest in the world. Take a look at the Tokyo metro map and you will most likely mistake it for a complicated riddle.

Did you know?

• Almost all the stations in Japan have a unique jingle that plays marking the imminent departure of the train. Composed by the famous Minoru Mukaiya, the jingles are of 7 secs and convey a unique story.
• There is little to no noise inside the car as the Japanese respect privacy and almost everyone is streaming live tv on their smartphones.
• During peak hours, white-gloved attendants (pusher or oshiya) shove you and your belongings into the train.
• Most of the stations also have railings in braille and raised yellow rubber strips to guide the disabled.
• Inside the station escalators, people stand on the left and walk on the right. Those taking the stairs or walking, always follow the arrows.

Got this in my #whatsappwonderbox from my friend who posts videos from China. Seems like Monday mornings are no different there… Surprised there are no complaints by the women passengers about the pushing & shoving.. pic.twitter.com/Dv3pIjmH9u

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) November 19, 2018

3. Moscow – The most magnificent metro

If you think just the attractions in Moscow are artistic with a splash of history, then you are wrong. The Moscow metro is a classic example. Complete with chandeliers, mosaic artworks, and bronze status, the opulence on offer is inviting. The idea was that the aristocrats wanted to give the locals a flavor of the opulence and make them feel inclusive and hence these metros were constructed at a grandeur like none other.

Given there were larger state motives, each station in Moscow is designed in accordance with the particular era and the political leader in mind. So, riding the metro in Moscow is like diving right into the Russian history book. Dress up in your finest and you will also experience the artsy gallery vibe which throws light on the grand baroque past of Russia.

Did you know?

• In 2007, Watercolor train called the Aquarelle was introduced. It offers a museum-like experience with paintings decorating the inside and watercolors on the outside.
• Moscow metro holds the record for the most accurate on-time arrivals and departures. The accuracy is 99.99%
• Male voice announcements in the train signify that you are headed into the city. Female voice means the train is heading out of the city.
• Moscow has three themed trains apart from Aquarelle – Reading, Poetry, and Retro train.
• Moscow subway was used as bombproof shelter during World war II airstrikes. Some stations even served as hospitals during the time.

4. London – Oldest metro in the world