Listen to a subway train
How loud is a subway train?
A subway train is about 95 dB, with a typical range of 90–110 dB. On the platform as a train arrives.
That is about 11 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 3.16e+03 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 95 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of 48 minutes; at the top of the range (110 dB) it is 1.5 minutes. Wear earplugs or earmuffs, keep your distance and limit time near the source.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as a subway train
At about 15 m.90 dBDog barking
Large breeds barking at close range can exceed 100 dB.90 dBJet hand dryer
A 2019 study measured up to 110 dB at a child's ear height.90 dBLarge waterfall
Standing near the plunge pool of a big fall.95 dBCoquí frog
Puerto Rican coquís call at 90–100 dB at 0.5 m.95 dBMotorcycle
CDC lists motorcycles and dirt bikes at 80–110 dB.95 dBPower drill
At the operator's position.99 dBWater boatman (Micronecta scholtzi)
A 2 mm insect that 'sings' by rubbing its penis on its abdomen – loudest relative to body size.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 89 dBA | 3.2 hours | 9.2 hours |
| 92 dBA | 1.6 hours | 6.1 hours |
| 95 dBA | 48 minutes | 4.0 hours |
| 98 dBA | 24 minutes | 2.6 hours |
| 101 dBA | 12 minutes | 1.7 hours |
NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours with a 3 dB exchange rate; OSHA: 90 dBA for 8 hours with a 5 dB exchange rate. General information, not medical advice – see a hearing professional about ringing ears, muffled hearing or pain.
More recordings elsewhere
- Inside NYC Subway Train 1.WAV by georgisound – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Subway Train Arriving - Pyeongchon Station, Seoul, South Korea.flac by 833-45 – CC BY 3.0 (freesound)
- PATH -> Union Square NYC Subway Train Ride by lifeinchords – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Moscow subway train ride - interior ambience - Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya… by gladkiy – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Moscow subway train ride - interior ambience - Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya… by gladkiy – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is a subway train?
About 95 dB, with a typical range of 90–110 dB.
Is a subway train louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while a subway train is about 95 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.