Cushioned seats. LED time displays hanging from the ceiling in stations indicate the number of minutes you need to wait before the next train. Eclectic station artwork... Oyster cards allow you to touch against a subway turnstile and go -- and you can pay as you ride.

The reality of using it every day is quite different of course, but it's nice that even plagued with problems the Tube can still kick the arse of Paris, Moscow, Madrid, Tokyo, Seoul, New York, Montreal, Beijing, Hong Kong and Sao Paulo. But with so many cities around the world having the benefit of much more modern underground systems, we can't help thinking that the tube's iconic reputation has won out over more practical issues. Like getting from A to B without wanting to kill people.

Then again our tube system did show the world how it's done... be sure to check out the story as you're treated to YouTube footage of all the rides.

Unfortunately, one of our fave transit systems didn't make the list; we really miss coasting along underneath Mexico City. Or maybe we just miss being able to travel all week for just a few pence...

Note: The underground pictured above is certainly not London