TRAVELLING has never looked so painful.

Incredible images have revealed the living hell passengers endure on Tokyo's sardine-can trains.

Frowns, vacant stares and looks of despair are plastered across the passengers' faces in the photographs taken by German-born artist Michael Wolf for the third volume of his portfolio Tokyo Compression. The images have also been published in a book by Peperoni Books and Asia One Books.

Wood has been capturing the cramped conditions of Japan's transport network for 15 years, snapping away from the platform as the train doors shut.

"The images create a sense of discomfort as his victims attempt to squirm out of the view or simply close their eyes, wishing the photographer to go away," the description on Wolf's website reads.

More than 11 million people cram into the sweaty, claustrophobic carriages every day, creating nightmare conditions.

So if you're planning a trip to Tokyo soon, you've been warned!

media_camera Tokyo Compression. Picture: Michael Wolf

media_camera Tokyo Compression. Picture: Michael Wolf

media_camera Tokyo Compression. Picture: Michael Wolf

Originally published as Is this the worst way to travel ever?