Hidden deep underground are true engineering masterpieces—metro stations sunk to record depths. These are not just transport hubs, but full-fledged landmarks where modern technology blends with history, and functionality meets aesthetics. From Pyongyang to St. Petersburg, from Kyiv to Lisbon, each of these stations possesses a unique character, reflecting the spirit of its city.
These stations are located hundreds of meters underground, turning an ordinary metro ride into a true adventure. Escalators descend like portals to subterranean worlds, and the station vaults, carved into the rock or reinforced with massive concrete structures, are impressive in their scale. But it's not just the depth of the station that matters; it's how the architects and engineers managed to transform these spaces into functional yet breathtaking structures.
In this article, we'll take a virtual tour of the deepest metro stations on the planet. You'll discover which ones were built during the Cold War as bomb shelters, which ones impress with their luxurious design, and which remain hidden from most tourists. Ready to go deeper? Let's begin.
10. Lenin Square metro station – 67 meters
Ready to dive into St. Petersburg's criminal underworld? Then Lenin Square Station is the perfect destination! Located 67 meters underground, this station is a veritable underground paradise! It first opened in 1958 under the name Finland Station, but given its proximity to Lenin Square, it soon became known as Lenin Square. Situated deep underground, this station not only offers convenient travel but also creates a sense of belonging to a historical monument! When you emerge above ground, you're greeted by a mosaic referencing Lenin's famous 1917 speech. This design by architect A.K. Andreyev was executed in a simpler, more elegant style, far removed from the excesses of Stalinist architecture. The lighting in this station, where everything is in perfect harmony, was also updated in 2006, and the atmosphere has completely changed!
9. Washington Park Station – 79 meters
If you're looking for epic depth, visit Washington Park Station in Portland! Located 230 feet below sea level, it's the deepest subway station in North America! Opening in 1998, its construction was aimed at providing convenience to both Portland residents and tourists. It has become a favorite among visitors due to its proximity to the Oregon Zoo and the World Forestry Center. But this station's uniqueness doesn't end with its depth! Its design, reflecting geological timeline, offers passengers both visual delight and a constant, ideal temperature of 50°F (10°C), thanks to the effect of depth and rock structure. Furthermore, the station's modern design, with its high-speed elevators and giant murals, is a true work of art!
8. Victory Park – 84 meters
The deepest station on the Moscow Metro, Park Pobedy, lies at a depth of 84 meters! It's considered the deepest metro station in Moscow, and one of the deepest in the world! This magnificent station, construction of which began in 1986, opened in 2003. It serves as a hub for both the Kalininsko-Solntsevskaya and Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya lines and is striking in its depth. Its design is also captivating! This station, home to the longest escalators in Europe, will take you up a 126-meter staircase in exactly three minutes! Furthermore, the station's interior is decorated with gigantic mosaics, each depicting historical events, literally creating an art gallery!
7. Admiralty Station – 86 meters
Ready to dive into the mysterious depths of St. Petersburg? Then Admiralty Station is for you! This enormous station, located at a depth of 86 meters, holds the title of the deepest metro station in St. Petersburg! Opened in 2011, the station was built to provide convenient access to important cultural sites like the Hermitage. However, the construction process was not easy! Located in the historic district, construction of this station was delayed due to numerous financial and local government issues. But ultimately, it was located right next to the historic Admiralty building, making it an ideal transportation hub for both tourists and locals. At this depth, two gigantic escalators, each 125 meters long, will whisk you to the top, like something out of a dream!
6. University Station (Kiev Metro) – 87 meters
Located on the Sviatoshynsko-Brovarska line of the Kyiv Metro, Universitet station opened in 1960 and not only provides underground transportation but also invites you to delve into the depths of history! Named after the nearby Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, this station bears the imprint of Stalinist architecture. Its high walls and gigantic pylons create the feeling of stepping into a time tunnel!
Beautifully arranged white marble busts of Ukrainian and Russian figures lend the station a nostalgic ambiance, although some of them were covered during the Russian invasion in 2022. Furthermore, the station was used for a time as a shelter, and its architecture is so impressive that it has been designated a listed building. The decoration is truly magnificent: orange tile walls, granite floors, and hidden light fixtures! You truly feel a piece of Ukrainian history in every corner you step into.
5. Hongtudi Station - 94.47 meters
This is Hongtudi Station in Chongqing, China! The station's depth is 94 meters, making it one of the deepest metro stations in the world. When it opened in 2012, it was only 60 meters deep, but with the addition of Line 10 in 2017, the depth increased to 94 meters! This station is noteworthy for its dynamic structure and depth. It is equipped with 91 escalators. The high traffic volumes and complex layout make this station truly interesting. This deep metro system in Chongqing demonstrates how valuable time is in transportation!
4. Golden Gate (Kiev metro) – 96.5 meters
Now let's return to Kyiv! The Zoloti Vorota metro station takes its name from the city's famous historic Golden Gate, and its depth is 96.5 meters, making it one of the deepest metro stations in the world! This station embodies the history and culture of Kyiv's underground, and also captivates with its stunning architecture.
Designed by Boris and Vadim Zhezherin and Nikolai Zharikov, the station features a unique structure reminiscent of the ancient churches of Kyivan Rus'. The station consists of 80 mosaic fragments, each telling the story of Kyivan Rus'. Therefore, the "Golden Gate" is more than just a metro station; it is a cultural treasure! It was even used as a shelter during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. With its history and architecture, this station literally transports the heart of Kyiv underground.
3. Arsenalnaya (Kiev metro) – 105.5 meters
Kyiv is famous not only for its historic buildings but also for this metro station, hidden deep underground! Arsenalna station is exactly 105.5 meters deep! Located on the Svyatoshinsko-Brovarska line of the Kyiv Metro, it is the third-deepest metro station in the world.
The station is named after the nearby Mystetskyi Arsenal Museum, formerly known as the Kyiv Arsenal Plant and registered as an "Architectural Monument of Local Significance" in 1986. This station is so deep that it has a completely unique design, consisting of exactly three vaults but with only decorative pylons. This metro station also began to be used as a shelter in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.
2. Pyongyang Metro – 110 meters
Now let's take a look at the Pyongyang Metro, which occupies a very interesting place in the world! The metro in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, attracts attention not only for its depth but also for its history. This 110-meter-deep metro was actually designed as a shelter, and many of its stations were adapted for this purpose.
Construction of the Pyongyang Subway began in 1965 and was operational between 1969 and 1972 under the leadership of Kim Il-sung. The subway is so deep that there's nothing underground! Everything is located deep underground, meaning the subway was specifically designed to be used not only as transportation but also as a shelter. The subway has one shining feature: it maintains a constant temperature of 18°C!
1. Hongyancun Station – 116 meters
And now we reach the deepest subway station in the world! Hongyancun Station, located on Line 9 of the Chongqing Railway in Chongqing, China, is 116 meters deep! This station is a truly astounding feat of engineering. There's a massive 141-meter drop between the two entrances. So, if you decide to descend this far, you'll be accompanied by moving walkways and wide escalators for a while. It could take you exactly 8 minutes to reach the platform!