What Is a Subway? Underground Train Systems for Kids
Learn what a subway is and how it helps people travel in cities. This kid-friendly guide explains subway trains, tunnels, stations, and safety tips.

🚇 Subway: The Underground Train That Moves the City
Summary:
A subway is a train that runs underground in tunnels beneath busy cities. Subways help people get around quickly without using cars. In this article, you’ll learn what a subway is, how it works, and why it’s one of the fastest and most reliable ways to travel in urban areas.
🚉 What Is a Subway?
A subway is a type of public train that runs below the ground. It carries hundreds of passengers at once and makes regular stops at underground stations.
Subways are often called:
- Metro (in Europe and Asia)
- Underground (in the UK)
- Tube (in London)
They are mostly used in big cities like New York, Tokyo, Paris, and London, where traffic above ground can be very slow.
🛠️ How Does a Subway Work?
Subways use electric trains that run on tracks in tunnels. The trains get their power from an electric rail or overhead wires.
Main Parts of a Subway System:
- Train – The vehicle that carries passengers
- Tunnel – The underground path the train travels through
- Subway station – The place where passengers get on and off
- Turnstile – A gate where you scan your ticket or transit card
- Platform – A flat area where you wait for the train
Subway systems run on a schedule and stop at stations every few minutes.
🕰️ A Brief History of the Subway
- 1863 – The world’s first subway opened in London and used steam engines!
- 1904 – New York City opened its first subway line
- Today – Cities around the world use clean, electric subway systems that serve millions of riders every day
💡 Did You Know? Some subway systems have over 300 stations and carry millions of passengers each day!
🚇 Why Are Subways Important?
Subways are fast, efficient, and help reduce traffic and pollution. They are especially helpful in cities where roads are crowded and space is limited.
Benefits of Subways:
- Fast – Avoids traffic above ground
- Reliable – Runs on a set schedule
- Eco-friendly – Uses electricity instead of fuel
- Affordable – Cheaper than owning a car
- Safe – Well-monitored and protected
Subways are a big part of public transportation systems, keeping cities moving.
🌍 Famous Subway Systems
City | Fun Fact |
---|---|
New York City | Runs 24/7 and has over 470 stations! |
London | First subway in the world, opened in 1863 |
Tokyo | One of the busiest and cleanest subways |
Paris | Famous for its art-decorated stations |
Seoul | Offers free Wi-Fi and touchscreen maps |
🚨 Subway Safety Tips
- Stand behind the yellow line on the platform
- Hold onto a pole or rail inside the train
- Don’t run in stations
- Always listen to announcements
- Keep your belongings close
📚 Vocabulary to Know
- Subway – A train system that runs underground
- Tunnel – A long hole in the ground the train travels through
- Platform – Where people wait to board the train
- Turnstile – A gate that controls entry to the subway
- Transit card – A card used to pay for subway rides
🧠 Think About It!
Why do you think subways are only found in big cities and not in small towns?
🧒 Kid-Friendly Summary
A subway is an underground train that helps people travel around big cities quickly. It’s electric, fast, and doesn’t get stuck in traffic. Subways are a great way to help people get where they need to go—without using cars!