When it comes to population and crowds, India and China usually top every list. With billions of people and packed cities, it is natural to assume that the world’s busiest places would be found in these two countries. Surprisingly, that is not the case when it comes to railway stations. Despite India having some of the busiest railway hubs in the world, the title of the world’s busiest railway station belongs to a much smaller country.
Which Is the Busiest Railway Station in the World?
The title of the world’s busiest railway station belongs to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan. According to Guinness World Records, it handles the highest number of passengers globally, with more than 3 million people commuting through the station every day. Its unmatched footfall, massive size, and connectivity across multiple rail and metro lines make Shinjuku Station the busiest railway hub in the world.
India’s Busiest Stations Still Fall Short
In India, railway stations are among the most important transport hubs. Cities like Delhi and Mumbai handle massive daily footfall. Howrah Railway Station in West Bengal is often counted among India’s busiest stations, with nearly 10 lakh passengers passing through every day.
Even with such huge numbers, Howrah does not feature on the list of the world’s busiest railway stations. The reason is simple: the scale elsewhere is even bigger.
A Station With 200 Gates and 36 Platforms
The world’s busiest railway station has around 200 entry and exit gates and 36 platforms. Every day, 30 to 35 lakh passengers pass through this single station. That number is higher than the population of many small countries. What makes this even more surprising is that this station is not located in a large or heavily populated country.
The Answer Lies in Japan
Just like India, Japan relies heavily on rail transport for daily commuting. Trains are the backbone of Japanese public transport, especially in major cities. The world’s busiest railway station is located in Tokyo, Japan. Its name is Shinjuku Station, and it officially holds the record for being the busiest railway station in the world.
Guinness World Records Recognition
Shinjuku Station’s name is listed in the Guinness World Records for handling the highest number of passengers daily. From early morning till late night, the station sees a continuous flood of commuters.
On average, over 3 million people use Shinjuku Station every single day. The crowd is so large that it often exceeds the population of several countries.
Easy to Get Lost Inside the Station
Shinjuku Station is not just busy it is also extremely complex. During peak hours, trains arrive every two to three minutes. The station connects more than 12 railway and metro lines, making it one of the most interconnected transit hubs in the world.
First-time visitors often find it confusing. With so many exits, platforms, and underground passages, people can easily lose their way inside the station.
A City Within a Station
Shinjuku Station is more than just a place to catch a train. It functions like a small city, with shopping areas, offices, food outlets, and underground walkways stretching for kilometers.
While India and China dominate global population charts, Japan’s Shinjuku Station proves that efficiency, planning, and public transport culture can create crowds on an entirely different scale.
The next time someone mentions the world’s busiest railway station, the answer might surprise them—it’s not in India or China, but in the heart of Tokyo.
