Using the metro is one of the quickest and easiest ways for a traveler to get around a big city.

In Europe, some systems have even become tourist attractions in themselves, like the London Underground with its iconic circular station signs, the Paris Métro with its Art Nouveau cast iron entrance ways and the modern designed stations in Naples which have received multiple international awards.

If you are curious about which metro networks are the most efficient and economical, luggage storage company Bounce has released a study of the best and worst in Europe’s capitals.

The researchers based their ranking on a range of factors including the average Google review score of stations, the distance covered by the system, the number of stations, the annual ridership, and the percentage of positive and negative online reactions to news about each metro. The data was then compiled into a single ‘underground index’ score.

Oslo Has The Best Metro System In Europe

Oslo came out top in the ranking with an underground index score of 8.06 out of 10. The Oslo Metro, known locally as either the Oslo T-Bane or T-banen i Oslo, has 101 stations covering 52.8 miles of track and serves all 15 city boroughs, as well as extending part-way into the neighboring Baerum municipality.

With an average Google review score of 4.13 out of 5 across all stations, the Oslo Metro is well-regarded by users. The system’s busiest station, Jernbanetorget, is part of the largest transport hub in Norway, along with Oslo Bus Terminal, Oslo Central Station, and the attached tram station. Jernbanetorget has been described as “easy to get around,” “very well organized,” and “nice and clean” in its many reviews.

Sofia’s Metro Is Cheap And Easy To Use

The Sofia Metro serving the Bulgarian capital comes in second place. It is the only metro system in the country and one of the youngest in the study, only opening to passengers in 1998.

The city’s metro system covers 32.3 miles of track and is accessible via 47 stations, including one at Sofia Airport, making travel to and from the city a breeze. The airport station has a Google review score of 4.10 out of 5 and is described as cheap and easy to use by many reviewers. There’s plenty of English signage, including payment instructions, making it a simple and accessible experience for foreign visitors.

Aleksandar Malinov station is situated in the Mladost area of southern Sofia and is praised by many for its beautiful architecture and decor, such as the modern forest-like artwork that decorates one of the platforms.

Budapest Has The Worst Metro System In Europe

Budapest Metro, or Budapesti Metró in Hungarian, is the lowest-rated metro system in the study with a score of 3.13 out of 10. The network is relatively small, with 48 stations across just 24.7 miles of track, while it has a disproportionately larger number of annual passengers at over 382 million.

Állatkert is Budapest’s highest-rated station, scoring five out of five. The station is located next to the Biodóm zoo, which is within the bounds of Városliget, Budapest’s city park.

Határ út station is the city’s lowest-rated metro stop, earning a Google review score of just 2.80 out of 5. The station appears to receive a lot of criticism for its poor looks, with comments describing it as “a rather unpleasant place” and also saying it “looks pretty terrible.” Cleanliness is another major complaint at the station, repeatedly cited in reviews with comments like “moldy stalls,” “a lot of garbage,” and “simply disgusting.”

Brussels Metro Called Unsafe By Passengers

Brussels Metro has the second-lowest underground index score. It has 59 stations along 24.8 miles of track covering the wider Brussels metropolitan area.

Besides being the Belgian capital, Brussels is an important European city as it co-hosts the European Parliament along with Strasbourg. Each year, the metro carries more than 86 million passengers, making it a vital part of the city’s infrastructure while reducing traffic and congestion on the roads.

However, the Brussels Metro is relatively unpopular online compared to other cities’ systems. The Google review scores for stations are underwhelming, with an average score of 3.80 out of 5.

The busiest metro station on the Brussels Metro is Gare du Midi, which is also the lowest-rated, with a Google review score of just 1.90 out of 5. Online reviewers describe it as the worst station in Belgium and even Europe. Multiple commenters refer to the station as “unsafe” and “dangerous,” with many others referencing the strong smell of urine that travelers must contend with.