Abstract: The previous studies on the seismic performance of underground structures are mainly against the cast-in-place (CIP) structures. However, the precast concrete (PC) structures are assembled by prefabricated components, which are fundamentally different from the CIP structures. Whether the seismic behavior of PC stations would follow the existing understandings is unclear, which restrains the promotion and application of the PC station in the high seismic intensity regions. In the study, 3-D non-linear finite element time-history analyses of the PC and corresponding CIP subway station structures were conducted, based on the real engineering projects. The structural deformation, internal force and damage responses under the precautionary, rare and extremely rare earthquake motions at the 8-degree seismic region were compared and analyzed. The results show that the overall deformation differences of the PC and CIP stations were small, but the mortise-tenon joints of the flexible PC station could have opening deformation. Under the precautionary and rare seismic motions, the openings of joints could mitigate the seismic responses, and the damage of the PC station was smaller. However, under the extremely rare earthquake motions, the openings of joints increased, and the strain concentrated at some regions of mortises, tenons and components’ edges, and the seismic responses between the PC and CIP stations were distinct. However, because the peak value of the strain was limited and the damage area was small, the overall damage of the PC and CIP station structures was comparable in general.