Subways in City Skylines II provide an efficient way to reduce road congestion and improve public transportation. While setting up a subway system in this version is slightly more complex than in the original game, the benefits make it a worthwhile investment. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about creating and managing a functional subway network in your city.

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1. When to Build a Subway System

Unlike City Skylines I, where subways could be built early, City Skylines II treats them as a mid-to-late game addition. You need a densely populated city to make them viable, as they require significant investment. While the exact population threshold is debated, a high-density core will ensure they are used efficiently.

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2. Setting Up Your Subway System

Step 1: Placing a Subway Yard

Every subway system starts with a Subway Yard, where the trains originate. Without this, no trains will run.

• Find the subway yard in the transportation menu (Subway → Subway Yard).
• Choose a location with road access – It must be connected to the city’s road network.
• Consider noise pollution – It produces medium noise, so avoid placing it near residential zones.
• Tip: Placing it at one end of your planned subway line can make track connections easier.

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Step 2: Planning Your Subway Route

Before placing stations, outline the key destinations your subway should serve:

• Workplaces and Business Hubs – Ensure easy commuting for workers.
• High-Density Residential Areas – More people, more passengers.
• Transport Hubs – Connect to bus, tram, and train networks.
• Entertainment and Commercial Zones – Allow citizens to travel without using roads.

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Step 3: Placing Subway Stations

There are two types of subway stations in City Skylines II:

1. Underground Stations – Placed beneath city blocks, requiring careful alignment.
2. Overground Stations – Function like train stations, ideal for suburbs or expansion areas.

• Select a station from the subway menu and place it near key destinations.
• Underground stations may require demolishing a few buildings—don’t worry, they’ll regenerate.
• Overground stations function similarly to regular train stations.

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Step 4: Laying Subway Tracks

Laying tracks connects the subway yard to stations and forms your network.

• Select the subway track tool (double track or one-way).
• Connect the subway yard to the first station.
• Continue laying tracks from station to station.
• Adjust elevation to move from overground to underground when necessary.

Pro Tip: Plan smooth curves instead of sharp angles to keep subway traffic flowing efficiently.

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Step 5: Creating a Subway Line

Once the stations and tracks are set up, create the subway line:

• Open Transportation → Subway → Subway Line Tool.
• Click on the first station, then click on the next until the entire route is connected.
• Complete the loop by returning to the starting station.

You should now see a “Complete Route” message, indicating the subway is ready.

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3. Managing and Optimizing Your Subway System

Adjusting Your Subway Line

If you need to modify an existing route:

• Add a stop by placing a new station and connecting it to the network.
• Remove a stop by selecting the station and deleting it from the route.

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Monitoring Subway Performance

To track subway effectiveness:

• Open the Transportation Overview Menu → Click Subway Tab.
• View key stats like passenger numbers and train frequency.
• Use the magnifying glass icon to inspect the entire route.

Adjustments you can make:

• Increase ticket prices to generate more revenue.
• Assign more subway trains to high-demand routes.
• Change line colors for better route distinction.

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4. Maximizing Subway Efficiency

• Place stations in high-traffic areas – Busy locations will guarantee passenger flow.
• Integrate with other transport modes – Position stations near bus stops and train hubs.
• Give time for demand to grow – Citizens take time to adjust to new transit options.
• Avoid too many overlapping lines – Overcrowding and confusion can occur.

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5. The Future of Your Subway System

Once the basic network is operational, expand it across the city:

• Connect new districts as your city grows.
• Extend lines to underserved areas.
• Upgrade and maintain efficiency by tracking usage statistics.

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Final Thoughts

Building a subway system in City Skylines II requires careful planning but provides massive benefits in reducing congestion and improving travel efficiency. By starting small, integrating with existing transport, and optimizing routes, you’ll create a highly effective subway network that keeps your citizens moving.