The invention discloses a subway train energy-saving optimization method based on an improved genetic algorithm, and the method comprises the steps of firstly, building a train energy consumption model according to the conservation of energy consumption, setting the constraint conditions, and solving a train energy-saving operation strategy through the improved genetic algorithm, wherein the operation strategy is concretely solved by the two stages of at the first stage, taking the speed, acceleration, time and the like of each working condition of a train as genes, combining the genes into achromosome, namely a solution, solving the speed and distance of a conversion point of each working condition, and determining an optimal operation curve; and at the second stage, solving the maximumoverlapping time of multi-train operation traction and braking, determining the regeneration energy utilization rate, and obtaining the optimal operation departure strategy of the train. The method isbased on the complex lines and conforms to the actual operation condition of the train, the adopted solving method is fast in speed, high in precision and complementary in length, the global searching capacity and the local searching capacity are fully utilized, and the total operation energy consumption of the subway train is effectively reduced with the Nanning subway line 1 as an example verification.