List of Top 10 Longest Rail Tunnels in the World

Did you know that the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, the longest rail tunnel in the world, runs deeper than any other tunnel, reaching up to 2.3 kilometres (1.4 miles) below the surface? 

This engineering wonder spans 57.1 kilometres (35.5 miles) and cuts through the mighty Swiss Alps, making travel faster and smoother for millions of passengers and freight every year.

Rail tunnels like this are more than just shortcuts—they represent human innovation and determination to connect the world.

Across the world, some rail tunnels stretch for dozens of kilometres, cutting through challenging terrains to link cities and countries. In this article, we'll explore the Top 10 Longest Rail Tunnels in the World.

Check Out| List of Underwater Tunnels in the World for Train, Metro (2024)

List of the Longest Rail Tunnels in the World

According to Railway Technology, the top 10 longest rail tunnels in the world highlight incredible engineering achievements that have transformed modern transportation. The list includes:

Source: Railway Technology

1. Gotthard Base Tunnel, Switzerland (57.1km)

The Gotthard Base Tunnel is the longest railway tunnel in the world, measuring 57.1 kilometres (35.5 miles) and located beneath the Saint-Gotthard Massif in Switzerland. 

Opened in June 2016, it serves as a crucial transportation link between northern and southern Europe, facilitating high-speed rail travel and heavy freight transport. 

The tunnel consists of two parallel single-track tubes that connect Erstfeld in Uri canton to Bodio in Ticino canton. 

It was constructed as part of the New Railway Link through the Alps (NRLA) project, aimed at improving rail capacity and shifting freight from road to rail to reduce environmental impact. 

The maximum depth of the tunnel reaches 2,450 meters (8,040 feet), making it not only the longest but also the deepest railway tunnel globally. 

The construction lasted 17 years and involved the removal of 28.2 million tonnes of rock, showcasing significant advancements in tunnelling technology.

2. Seikan Tunnel, Japan (53.9km)

The Seikan Tunnel, located in Japan, is the second-longest railway tunnel in the world, stretching 53.85 kilometers (33.5 miles) beneath the Tsugaru Strait. It is one of the longest and deepest rail tunnel in Asia.

Completed in 1988, this engineering marvel connects the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido, allowing for uninterrupted rail service even during severe weather conditions. 

The tunnel's construction was driven by the need to ensure safe transportation across a region prone to typhoons and heavy snowfall. 

It features a maximum depth of 240 meters (790 feet) below sea level, making it one of the deepest tunnels globally. The Seikan Tunnel accommodates both passenger and freight trains, significantly reducing travel time between the two islands. 

Its construction took over 17 years and involved extensive geological studies due to challenging underwater conditions. The tunnel also includes a ventilation shaft that allows for air circulation and emergency access. It also include two stations located inside the tunnel which are Tappi Kaitei and Yoshioka Kaitei. 

3. Channel Tunnel, France/UK (50.5km)

The Channel Tunnel, often referred to as "Chunnel," is a remarkable feat of engineering that connects England and France beneath the English Channel. 

Spanning 50.45 kilometres (31.4 miles), it opened in 1994 and serves as a vital transport link for passengers and freight between the two countries. The tunnel comprises three parallel tunnels: two for rail traffic and one for service and emergency use. 

It allows Eurostar passenger trains to travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour (99 mph), significantly reducing journey times between London and Paris or Brussels. 

The Channel Tunnel was constructed using advanced tunnelling techniques, including boring machines that excavated through chalk marl undersea. 

Its completion has transformed cross-Channel travel, providing an efficient alternative to ferries or flights while enhancing economic ties between the UK and mainland Europe.

4. Yulhyeon Tunnel, South Korea (50.3km)

The Yulhyeon Tunnel is a notable underground structure located in South Korea, primarily used for research purposes related to geological studies and seismic safety assessments. 

This tunnel stretches approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) and serves as a testing ground for various engineering projects focused on improving infrastructure resilience against natural disasters such as earthquakes. 

Opened in 2016, it represents a significant investment in understanding geological phenomena affecting urban areas in South Korea. 

The Yulhyeon Tunnel is equipped with advanced monitoring systems that collect data on ground movements, vibrations, and environmental changes, contributing valuable insights into geotechnical engineering practices. 

Researchers utilise this facility to develop better construction techniques that can withstand seismic activity, ultimately enhancing public safety in densely populated regions.

5. Songshan Lake Tunnel, China (38.8km)

The Songshan Lake Tunnel is an impressive railway tunnel located in China, measuring approximately 38 kilometres (23.6 miles) in length. 

Opened in 2017, this tunnel plays a crucial role in connecting various regions within Guangdong province, facilitating efficient transportation for both passengers and freight services. It is part of an extensive network aimed at improving rail connectivity across southern China. 

The Songshan Lake Tunnel features modern engineering designs that enhance safety and operational efficiency while minimising environmental impact during construction and operation phases. 

Its strategic location not only reduces travel time but also supports economic development by linking major urban centres with industrial zones, thereby promoting regional growth.

For You| [Updated] Top 10 Largest Cities in the World By Population 2024

6. Lötschberg Base Tunnel, Switzerland (34.6km)

The Lötschberg Base Tunnel is a significant railway tunnel located in Switzerland, measuring approximately 34.6 kilometres (21.5 miles). 

Opened in 2007, it forms part of the New Railway Link through the Alps (NRLA) project alongside the Gotthard Base Tunnel. 

This tunnel connects Frutigen in the Bernese Oberland with Raron in Valais, providing a flat route through the Alps that enhances rail transport efficiency between northern and southern Europe. 

The Lötschberg Base Tunnel features two single-track tubes designed to accommodate high-speed passenger trains as well as heavy freight traffic, significantly reducing travel times across mountainous terrain. 

Its construction involved advanced tunnelling techniques and required careful consideration of geological conditions to ensure safety and stability throughout its length.

7. New Guanjiao Tunnel, China (32.7km)

The New Guanjiao Tunnel is a prominent railway tunnel located in China, stretching approximately 29 kilometres (18 miles). 

Opened recently as part of China’s efforts to enhance its railway infrastructure, this tunnel significantly improves connectivity within key regions by facilitating faster train services across challenging mountainous terrain. 

The New Guanjiao Tunnel incorporates modern engineering practices designed to optimise safety and operational efficiency while minimising environmental impact during its construction phase. 

This infrastructure project reflects China's commitment to developing an extensive high-speed rail network that supports economic growth by linking major cities with rural areas effectively.

8. Guadarrama Tunnel, Spain (28.4km)

The Guadarrama Tunnel, located in Spain, measures approximately 28 kilometres (17 miles) long and plays a vital role in connecting Madrid with other major cities via high-speed rail services. 

Opened in 2007 as part of Spain's AVE network, it traverses the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range while ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding ecosystems during its construction phase. 

This engineering marvel features advanced tunnelling technologies that enhance safety protocols for both passengers and freight trains travelling through it at high speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour (186 mph). 

The Guadarrama Tunnel significantly reduces travel times between Madrid and other key destinations while promoting regional economic development through improved accessibility. The tunnel also have an emergency room located in the middle, that can accommodate up to 1,200 people.

9. West Qinling Tunnel, China (28.2km)

The West Qinling Tunnel is an essential railway tunnel located in China that spans approximately 28 kilometres (17 miles). 

Opened recently as part of China's extensive railway network expansion efforts, this tunnel enhances connectivity across mountainous regions by facilitating efficient passenger and freight transport services between key cities within Shaanxi province and beyond. 

Its construction utilised state-of-the-art tunnelling technologies designed to ensure safety while minimising environmental impacts throughout its development phase. 

The West Qinling Tunnel represents China's commitment to modernising its transportation infrastructure while promoting economic growth through improved access to remote areas.

10. Taihang Tunnel, China (27.8km)

The Taihang Tunnel, situated within China’s vast railway system, measures around 27 kilometres (16 miles) long and serves as a critical link connecting various regions across challenging terrains characterised by steep mountainsides. 

Completed recently as part of ongoing infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing national connectivity through high-speed rail services, this tunnel facilitates faster transit times for both passengers and freight traffic travelling through it at competitive speeds exceeding 200 kilometres per hour (124 mph). 

The Taihang Tunnel employs advanced engineering techniques designed to optimise operational efficiency while ensuring safety standards are maintained throughout its length during both construction phases and daily operations.

What's Next| List of Top 10 Longest Tunnels in India