Walter (Denzel Washington) is a New York subway dispatcher who controls the deployment and operation of various lines. One day, a group of terrorists hijacked the subway line 123. The bandit leader Red (John Travolta) is a former American mercenary who claims to provide a ransom of 10 million before releasing the hostages. Coincidentally, this amount is the upper limit for insurance, commercial loans, etc. Subway Line 123 is speeding in the tunnel, many police officers are killed, the driver is held hostage, and all passengers are in danger. Walter was transferred due to dereliction of duty, and was forced to participate in the negotiations because of Red's name. Facing the question of corruption, his frankness saved the life of a young passenger. Faced with the high ransom and harsh conditions proposed by the robbers, the mayor of New York was on pins and needles. Just as he was about to cut the money to calm the incident, the crazy robber suddenly changed his mind. As an important member of the High Speed Transportation Administration, Walter decided to replace the hostage with himself and started a thrilling life-and-death struggle with the robbers...