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Bored Panda

Lifestyle

Donata Ruzgaitė

Subways Are Their Own Separate World And These 50 Photos Prove It (New Pics)

The doors slide open, you step through, and it feels like you’ve just entered a different dimension. No, we’re not talking about fantasy or sci-fi portals but public transportation! For good or for ill, people can sometimes be pretty peculiar, and getting on the subway, train, or bus can be a very amusing yet confusing experience.

We wanted to show you just how funny, bizarre, and cool people can be, so we traveled all over the internet to find the best pictures of subway passengers from around the world. Scroll down to see Bored Panda’s collection, and be sure to upvote the photos that impressed you the most. You think you know what ‘weird’ means? We’re about to raise the bar!

Bored Panda wanted to get to grips with subway weirdness, so we got in touch with Rick McGuire, the creator of the massively popular Subway Creatures social media project. He was kind enough to share his thoughts about the strange things people see when using public transportation, and you'll see his insights below.

#1 This Has Made My Morning

Image credits: msthain

#2 Best Day Of My Life Like I Love Korea

Image credits: OCEANGlRL

#3 It Screm

Image credits: MaximumCrab

We reached out to Rick, whose legendary Subway Creatures account showcases some of the weirdest, most bizarre things ever to be seen in New York City.

Bored Panda asked him for his thoughts about what makes New York City's subway system stand out from other metros around the world.

"For the better or worse— the people," he said. "NYC is home to 8 million people who mostly rely on the public transit system to get around," he explained.

"When you put that many people into a confined space, you are going to be presented with some of the most bizarre, interesting, and talented people," Rick told us via email.

#4 So Cute

Image credits: TranslatedCats

#5 Lil Sebastian Made A Trip

Image credits: subwaycreatures

#6 My Heart Just Melted When I Saw That In The Subway

Image credits: EINETOTEKATZ

Meanwhile, we were curious to get his take on public transportation photography. Namely, what the key to taking truly high-quality pictures that capture the chaotic atmosphere is.

"The secret to taking a great photo that captures the chaos in the subway is to make sure no one realizes you are doing it," Rick said.

He explained to Bored Panda that this approach "usually produces the best candid shots and captures the moment as people who are there see it."

#7 Another Day On The Metro

Image credits: bravesaint

#8 Idk Who This Woman Was On The Train, But Your Dog Was Awesome

Image credits: ReticentReflection

#9 Sally Is A True Fashion Icon

Image credits: dog_rates

While the London Underground is the oldest, having opened in 1863 as an underground railway and with an electrified underground line opened in 1890, other systems around the world have since surpassed it in size and scope.

For instance, the Shanghai Metro is the longest, boasting nearly a whopping 900 kilometers (around 560 miles) of railway. It is also the busiest underground system in the world. In 2019, the system reached a record-breaking 3.88 billion (yes, that’s ‘billion’ with a ‘b’) rides that year. And March 9, 2024, saw the biggest daily ridership record with 13.39 million rides. An average workday in Shanghai sees over 10 million rides on the Metro system.

CNN reports that Shanghai had plans to expand the system further to around 620 miles (or around 998 kilometers) by 2025.

China, as a whole, has the most metro systems on the planet as of 2024, with 54 of them operating. These include 11 of the 12 longest networks worldwide.

Meanwhile, the New York City Subway, one of the most well-known in popular culture, comes in with a jaw-dropping 472 stations.

#10 It Feels Like I Am Being Watched... (Brussels Subway)

Image credits: warp232

#11 How To Sleep Well...it Freaking Worked

Image credits: aymbrbr

#12 Bernie Is That You

Image credits: subwaycreatures

Using the subway and other public modes of transportation, in general, can lead to some really bizarre experiences.

Broadly speaking, so many people use trains and buses that you naturally spot more odd outfits and behaviors. You run into more strangers on the subway platform and on the train than you would, say, at work or walking down a random street.

Subway stations are central hubs where people from all walks of life congregate. And everyone needs to commute one way or another. If you have a car, you might run into your fair share of road rage incidents or bad drivers, but you’re too focused on the road to notice random passersby.

If you’re riding a bike, similarly, you’re busy staying safe on the road. Meanwhile, on the subway, you have nothing but time to look around and notice all the other passengers.

#13 Plague Doctor In The Train

Image credits: Robin0660

#14 So Cute

Image credits: _cynthiiax3

#15 Someone On The Metro Today Took TV Remote Instead Of Their Cellphone . Must’ve Left In A Hurry

Image credits: Prath33k

Aside from people-watching, your morning and evening commutes are great opportunities to either unwind or catch up on a bit of work.

For example, you could take a few minutes to sort out your calendar, inbox, or personal to-do list so that you’re organized and ready to tackle whatever you need to do the next day or week.

Or you could take the time to catch up on the news, rehearse whatever presentation that’s been weighing on your mind and bugging you for ages, or do a few quick language lessons on your phone.

If you have the energy and focus for it, your commute can be a good use of your time instead of a ‘waste’ to get from point A to point B. However, you don’t feel like you absolutely must be productive during this time.

#16 Wholesome Creatures

Image credits: nyak_nyak_

#17 Another Average Day In The NYC Subway

Image credits: trooper843

#18 The Chaotic Neutral Energy In This Is Off The Charts

Image credits: Sl3nderMusic

Alternatively, if you have a fairly long subway commute, you could always use this time as a way to intentionally detach yourself from work on your way home. In a way, you can use public transportation as a liminal space to relax and shift your mindset from business to relaxation.

Read a book for pleasure, laugh at some memes, text your friends, do a crossword puzzle, or watch a random video.

#19 Ridiculously Massive Doggo Spotted On The Underground

Image credits: shaigolan810

#20 New Yorkers Are Always On The Cutting Edge Of Health-Improving Technology

Image credits: subwaycreatures

#21 This Guy Brought A Coffee Table Onto The Subway

Image credits: MichaelRahmani

Or you can just zone out and meditate for a bit, enjoying the sights both outside the window and in the train car. Look, no matter how driven and ambitious you are, there are bound to be days when you need more downtime and rest. Nobody can be 100% effective 24/7.

A trip using public transportation and a (long) walk can help you disconnect from any anxieties you have at the office or at school. So, when you finally get back home, you’re less worried and can spend some quality time with your family or friends.

#22 Spider Maid

Image credits: jace-crux

#23 The Bird Is Called Teddy! And He Gave A Little Squawk When I Said He Was Very Handsome

Image credits: sanyaburgess

#24 Relatable

Image credits: subwaycreatures

Before you start taking photos of random passersby and passengers, take a bit of time to get familiar with your local laws and culture. Make sure that wherever you are, you’re legally allowed to take photos of strangers.

Meanwhile, even if something is legal, it might still be frowned upon depending on the area and the people in question. It helps to be a bit more empathetic, flexible, and polite as a photographer, especially if you're new in town.

#25 Rabbits In The Subway

Image credits: StarfoxXSS

#26 This Guy Hanging From One Of His Belts To Show People That His Belts Are Good Quality. Egyptian Metro Sellers Are A Different Species

Image credits: Zillak

#27 Tinfoil Headpiece And Nose Ring

Image credits: Cherry_antacids

Usually, if someone is in a public place, they can be a part of your photos, but a good rule of thumb is still to consider asking for permission if they’re the main focus of your shot and if you'd like them to pose.

For example, there is a rather large difference between, say, a photo of a building with people milling around the entrance and an image where someone’s look and style are the entire point. As a photographer, you should think about taking the time to briefly talk to the person you’re photographing if you want a portrait. Usually, strangers are thrilled that you think they’re interesting enough to take a picture of!

Alternatively, if you want a more candid, honest, and 'raw' photo, there's merit to taking a photo without anyone knowing. A lot depends on your philosophy as a photographer.

#28 That Is So Freaking Cute

Image credits: noraneus

#29 When You Don't Plan On Actually Catching Anything Because Keeper Range Is So Narrow, And Then You Do

Image credits: subwaycreatures

#30 Love A Good Coincidence

Image credits: aerialartsnyc

Which of these photos piqued your interest the most? Which outfits did you think were the most stylish? Meanwhile, which behaviors would make you do a double-take if you saw it in real life?

Who are the weirdest people that you’ve seen riding the subway recently? Let us know! We’d love to hear your opinions and all about your public transportation adventures in the comments.