The first version of what we now call escalators wasn’t built to help people get around – it was actually made to be a fun ride! A man named Jesse Reno from Massachusetts created it and called it the “Inclined Elevator.” He got his patent for the invention on March 15th, 1892, and built the first working one in 1895. This early escalator was powered by steam and was basically a moving staircase made of steel. It wasn’t very tall – only about 6 feet high – and it moved at a speed that would get you up those stairs in just a few seconds.
These days, escalators are way more impressive. Some of the longest ones in the world stretch to nearly 440 feet!
15. MyZeil Shopping Mall, Frankfurt, Germany
MyZeil Shopping Mall features escalators that extend 151 feet (46 meters) through its distinctive architectural design. The mall incorporates these escalators into a flowing, organic structure that creates a unique shopping experience. You can observe the innovative integration of vertical transportation with modern retail architecture, demonstrating how escalator systems enhance commercial spaces while maintaining efficient people movement.
14. Angel Station, London, England
Angel Station contains escalators that descend 270 feet (82.2 meters) into London’s Underground system. The station demonstrates the engineering ingenuity required to expand transportation infrastructure beneath one of the world’s oldest metropolitan areas. These escalators operate with exceptional reliability while maintaining high safety standards through advanced monitoring systems.
13. Varberg Station, Stockholm, Sweden
Vårberg Station incorporates escalators that extend 274 feet (83.5 meters) through Stockholm’s efficient metro network. The station exemplifies Swedish engineering precision in public transportation infrastructure. Its sophisticated systems enable these escalators to operate reliably in Nordic weather conditions while serving the diverse needs of Stockholm’s commuting population.
12. Wheaton Station, Washington, D.C.
Wheaton Station features escalators that stretch 280 feet (85.5 meters) through the Washington Metro system. These escalators rank as the longest in the Western Hemisphere, serving thousands of daily commuters. You will experience the impressive engineering that allows these escalators to operate consistently despite varying weather conditions and high usage patterns.
11. Namesti Miru Station, Prague, Czech Republic
Náměstí Míru Station contains escalators that extend 285 feet (87 meters) below Prague’s historic district. The station demonstrates the careful balance between preserving historical architecture and implementing modern transportation infrastructure. You can observe the engineering solutions that allow these escalators to operate efficiently while maintaining the structural integrity of the surrounding buildings.
10. Katai Metro Station, Baku, Azerbaijan
Katai Metro Station incorporates escalators that descend 378 feet (115 meters) beneath Baku’s streets. The station showcases Azerbaijan’s modern infrastructure development while respecting the geological constraints of the region. You will find these escalators equipped with advanced safety features and monitoring systems that ensure reliable operation throughout their extensive vertical span.
9. Hungan Escalator, Chongqing, China
The Hungan Escalator system extends 384 feet (117 meters) through Chongqing’s mountainous urban landscape. This outdoor escalator system helps residents navigate the city’s steep terrain while providing panoramic views of the surrounding area. You can experience this engineering marvel that accommodates Chongqing’s unique topographical challenges while promoting efficient urban mobility.
8. Rustavi Metro Station, Tbilisi, Georgia
Rustavi Metro Station features escalators that stretch 390 feet (119 meters) below ground. The station demonstrates Georgia’s commitment to providing accessible public transportation through complex terrain. You will find these escalators equipped with energy-efficient systems that reduce operational costs while maintaining consistent service for thousands of daily commuters.
7. Cevizlibag Metro Station, Istanbul, Turkey
Cevizlibağ Metro Station incorporates escalators that extend 394 feet (120 meters) through Istanbul’s complex underground terrain. The station connects multiple transportation lines while accommodating the city’s unique topography. You can observe the modern engineering solutions that allow these escalators to operate efficiently despite the challenging geological conditions beneath Istanbul’s historic districts.
6. Park Pobedy Metro Station, Moscow, Russia
Park Pobedy Metro Station contains escalators that descend 413 feet (126 meters) into Moscow’s underground. The station exemplifies the sophisticated engineering required for deep metro construction in urban environments. You will experience one of the longest continuous escalator rides in Moscow’s metro system, which takes approximately three minutes to complete. These escalators demonstrate exceptional reliability through their advanced drive systems and safety mechanisms.
5. Khreshchatyk Metro Station, Kyiv, Ukraine
Khreshchatyk Metro Station features escalators that extend 425 feet (129.5 meters) below Kyiv’s main street. The station serves as a crucial transportation hub in Ukraine’s capital, connecting multiple metro lines. You can witness the impressive Soviet-era engineering that allows these escalators to operate efficiently while maintaining the structural integrity of the surrounding historical district.
4. Admiralteyskaya Metro Station, St. Petersburg, Russia
Admiralteyskaya Metro Station contains escalators that descend 427 feet (130 meters) beneath the city streets. You will find this station among the deepest in Russia’s extensive metro system, requiring sophisticated ventilation and emergency systems. The station opened in 2011 after overcoming numerous engineering challenges related to the preservation of historic buildings above ground and the management of underground water pressure.
3. Chershyeva Metro Station, St. Petersburg, Russia
At Chershyeva Metro Station, the escalators extend 443 feet (135 meters) below ground level. The station demonstrates the engineering prowess required to build transportation infrastructure in St. Petersburg’s challenging soil conditions. You can experience the longest continuous ride on these escalators, which take approximately three minutes to traverse their full length. The station maintains consistent operation through advanced safety systems and regular maintenance protocols. While the escalator is one of the most sophisticated kinds of infrastructure around, it doesn’t quite make it to our list of 14 colossal creations you have to see to believe.
2. Ploshchad Lenina Metro Station, St. Petersburg, Russia
The Ploshchad Lenina Metro Station features escalators that stretch an impressive 446 feet (136 meters) into St. Petersburg’s underground network. You will descend through three parallel escalators that transport thousands of commuters daily through the deep tunnel system. The station’s depth stems from the unique geology of St. Petersburg, where engineers had to dig deep below the city’s soft soil and underground water channels to create stable tunnels.
1. Central Mid-Levels Escalator, Hong Kong
The Central Mid-Levels Escalator system in Hong Kong stands as the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system. You can travel 2,600 feet (800 meters) through this remarkable transportation network that connects the Central and Western districts of Hong Kong Island. The system serves over 85,000 people daily, operating downhill from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and uphill from 10:00 AM to midnight. This innovative solution helps you navigate Hong Kong’s steep terrain while reducing traffic congestion in the dense urban environment.
