Top 10 Largest Railway Network in the World List

Discover the world’s largest railway network with insights on passenger travel and volume. Explore a curated Largest railway network in the world list showcasing the Largest railway network in the world. Join us on a brief journey through the unparalleled expanse of the Largest passenger railway network in world.

The railway network is crucial for efficient and cost-effective transportation, facilitating trade, connecting regions, reducing traffic congestion, and offering an environmentally friendly mode of travel.

In this article, we have covered the Largest railway network in the world and many more in detail.

Largest Railway Network in the World List

Let’s dive right in.

Top 10 Largest Railway Network in the World List

The following is the List of Largest Railway Network in the World:

List of Largest Railway Network in the World
Country/Territory	Length (km)	Electrified length (km)	% of the total electrified	Area (km²) per route km	Population per route km	Historical peak length (km)	Nationalised or private
United States	250,000	2,025	0.92%	43.2	2,060	408,833	Freight services private. Passenger operations primarily public. Infrastructure mostly privately owned.
China	140,000	100,000	50%	63.8	9,570	200,000 (in 2024)	Nationalised
India	92,952	84,140	90.52%	35.37	15,290	111,000	Nationalized
Russia	85,000	54,054	51.48%	162.84	1,367	150,000	Nationalised
Canada	49,422	129	0.20%	214.48	674	N/A	Freight services private, Passenger operations primarily public. Infrastructure mostly privately owned.
Germany	Approximately 42,000	22,500	55.38%	9.26	2,145	64,000	Nationalised, with private freight and passenger operators.
Argentina	Approximately 37,000 km	190	0.51%	77.45	1,117	47,000	Both
Australia	Approximately 38,500	3,393	10.23%	231.91	742	N/A	Both
Brazil	Approximately 29,000	9,025	30.27%	299.6	7,225	N/A	Both
France	Approximately 29,500	15,687	53.59%	22.78	2,374	42,500	Nationalised

Note: Please note that these figures are based on the most recent updates available from various sources. The exact lengths can fluctuate due to ongoing construction, upgrades, and possible decommissioning of lines. For the most current and precise data, consulting official railway or transportation authorities of each country is recommended.

Largest Railway Network in the World – United States of America ( 250,000 km )

Largest Railway Network in the World – United States of America

Boasting the Largest Railway Network in the World, the United States stretches its tracks over an impressive 250,000 kilometers. Dominated by seven major railroads, known as Class I railroads, they efficiently manage over 90% of the nation’s freight rail network.

Second Largest Railway Network in the World – China ( 140,000 km)

Second Largest Railway Network in the World – China

Securing the Second Largest Railway Network in the World, China’s railway network spans 140,000 kilometers. Recognized as the world’s fastest-growing system, it adds more than 10,000 kilometers of new track annually.

Third Largest Railway Network in the World – India (92,952 km)

Third Largest Railway Network in the World – India

Ranking Third Largest Railway Network in the World, India’s extensive railway network covers 92,952 kilometers, holding the title of the world’s largest passenger railway network. Each day, it transports over 23 million passengers.

Fourth Largest Railway Network in the World – Russia ( 85,000 km )

Fourth Largest Railway Network in the World – Russia

With a vast expanse of 85,000 kilometers, Russia claims the Fourth Largest Railway Network in the World. Notably, it hosts the world’s longest continuous railway, connecting Moscow to Vladivostok over a staggering 9,000 kilometers.

Fifth Largest Railway Network in the World – Canada (49,422 km)

Fifth Largest Railway Network in the World – Canada

Canada secures the Fifth Largest Railway Network in the World with a 49,422 kilometer railway network. It stands as the longest railway network in North America, linking Vancouver to Halifax over 6,000 kilometers.

Sixth Largest Railway Network in the World – Germany (Approximately 42,000 km)

Sixth Largest Railway Network in the World – Germany

Claiming the Sixth Largest Railway Network in the World, Germany’s railway network spans Approximately 40,000 kilometers, earning recognition as the densest railway network in Europe, featuring over 6,000 train stations.

Seventh Largest Railway Network in the World – Australia (Approximately 38,500 km)

Seventh Largest Railway Network in the World – Australia

Ranking Seventh Largest Railway Network in the World, Australia’s railway network extends Approximately over 38,500 kilometers, making it the longest railway network in Oceania. Trains traverse from Sydney to Perth, covering over 4,000 kilometers.

Eighth Largest Railway Network in the World – Argentina (Approximately 37,000 km)

Eighth Largest Railway Network in the World – Argentina

Argentina holds the Eighth Largest Railway Network in the World, covering Approximately 37,000 kilometers. It stands as the longest railway network in South America, connecting Buenos Aires to Ushuaia over a distance of 3,000 kilometers.

Ninth Largest Railway Network in the World – France (Approximately 29,500 km)

Ninth Largest Railway Network in the World – France

France claims the Ninth Largest Railway Network in the World with a Approximately 29,500 kilometer railway network. It stands as the densest railway network in Western Europe, featuring over 30,000 train stations.

Tenth Largest Railway Network in the World – Brazil (Approximately 29,000 km)

Securing the Tenth Largest Railway Network in the World, Brazil’s railway network spans Approximately 29,000 kilometers, standing as the longest in Latin America. Notably, trains cover the distance from São Paulo to Brasília, spanning over 1,000 kilometers.

Largest Railway Network in the World by Volume

The United States’ railway system handles the largest volume of freight, significantly contributing to the country’s economy.

Largest Passenger Railway Network in World

India operates the largest passenger railway network, serving over 8 billion passengers annually with its extensive network of over 92,952 km.

Largest Train Network in the World

India, the United States, and China boast some of the largest railway networks in the world, each serving a unique purpose within their respective transportation infrastructures. India leads with the largest passenger railway network, accommodating over 8 billion passengers annually across more than 92,952 km of tracks, highlighting its critical role in daily commutation and connectivity. In contrast, China has heavily invested in high-speed rail, creating the largest network of its kind globally, which spans over 140,000 km and significantly enhances its passenger transport capabilities. Meanwhile, the United States, with a network stretching over 250,000 km, primarily focuses on freight transport but still manages to serve millions of passengers each year, showcasing the diverse applications of railway networks across these major economies.

Conclusion – Largest Railway Network In The World

In conclusion, the enormous scope and diversity of the transport infrastructure found in many nations are reflected in the global railway network landscape. Every nation’s railway network connects its largest cities and regions and is essential to both passenger transportation and the nation’s economy. It is clear from looking at the Largest railway network in the world that these networks are essential for promoting commerce, connection, and development as well as helping to shape the socioeconomic landscape of countries.

Largest Railway Network In The World – FAQs

Which country has the world’s longest railway network as of 2024?

The United States boasts the world’s longest railway network, followed closely by China and India.

Can you list the top 10 largest railway networks in the world?

• United States
• China
• India
• Russia
• Canada
• Australia
• Brazil
• Germany
• France
• Argentina

How long is the United States’ rail network?

The United States’ rail network extends over 250,000 km, making it the largest globally.

Which countries follow the United States in terms of railway network size?

China, with a network of 124,000 km, and India, are next in line after the United States for the largest railway networks.

What makes the United States’ railway network the largest?

The extensive coverage and development of freight and passenger services across a vast geographical area contribute to its size.

Are there any emerging trends in the global railway industry for 2024?

The Railway Signalling market is witnessing significant trends, including advancements in Automatic Train Protection System (ATP) and Positive Train Control (PTC), enhancing safety and efficiency.

How long are US rail network routes?

257, 560 KM is the length of routes in US rail network.

When it comes to rail networks in China, how long is the route?

The length of China’s railway route is over 150,00 decades; that makes it the second largest system in the world.

How long are Russia’s rail lines?

85,600 KM long railway route makes Russia the third biggest network in the world.

What is the first largest railway network in Asia?

It is the largest rail network in Asia and second biggest under one management across global that INDIAN RAILWAYS, as India’s premier transport organization of the country.

Which is the largest electrified railway network in the world?

Overall, China takes first place, with around 100,000km of electrified railway, followed by India with over 60,000km of electrified railway, and topping out with Russia, with over 54,000km of electrified railway.

Which is the Longest railway network in Asia?

INDIAN RAILWAYS, the premier transport organization of the country is the largest rail network in Asia and the world’s second largest under one management.