Learn how to list all Docker networks with docker network ls.

Let’s talk about one tiny, mighty command that makes Docker networks feel a lot less mysterious: listing what’s out there. If you’ve ever spun up a dozen containers and wondered which networks they’re attached to, this is your go-to brains-up, the little beacon in the console fog: docker network ls.

Why a simple list matters

Imagine you’re managing a cluster of containers, each one a tiny worker in a bigger system. Networks are the roads they travel on. Some roads are fast highways (overlay networks), some are the friendly neighborhood lanes (bridge networks), and a few are specialized routes you only use for specific tasks. When things get hairy—containers can’t talk to each other, or you’re trying to troubleshoot why one service can’t reach another—you need to see the full map quickly. That’s when docker network ls becomes your first move.

What you actually see when you run it

Run the command and you’ll get a tidy table with several columns. The essentials are pretty human-friendly:

• NETWORK ID: a short, unique fingerprint for each network.

• NAME: what you call the network. Clear names help in conversations with teammates.

• DRIVER: the mechanism that powers the network (bridge, host, overlay, macvlan, and more).

• SCOPE: where the network is usable (local or global, depending on the driver).

You don’t need to be a network guru to read it. It’s a quick snapshot, not a blueprint for every edge case. Think of it as your airport board showing flight numbers, gates, and statuses—you get the gist at a glance, then dive into details if needed.

How docker network ls fits with other commands

You’ve got a toolbox. Here’s how listing networks sits in the bigger picture:

• docker info: this gives you a broad view of the Docker daemon, the engine under the hood, like the weather report for the whole system. It doesn’t enumerate networks, though; it tells you about the terrain.

• docker ps: shows you what containers are running, and their statuses. Great for a live fetch, but it doesn’t describe how containers connect to networks.

• docker network inspect : this is your magnifying glass. It reveals the nitty-gritty of a single network—endpoints, connected containers, IP allocations. You use this after you’ve spotted a network in docker network ls and want deeper context.

• docker network create --driver : sometimes you don’t have a network yet. Creating one gives you a dedicated lane for your containers to share.

A quick, practical mini-guide

If you want to see networks and then poke around a bit, here’s a simple flow you can try (on a machine with Docker installed, obviously):

• List networks

docker network ls

You’ll see something like: bridge, host, none, maybe your own networks if you’ve created any.

• Create a new network (hands-on, quick and easy)

docker network create my-frontend

This uses the default bridge driver, a familiar neighborhood lane for single-host setups.

• List again to confirm

docker network ls

Your new network should appear with a name you gave it, a DRIVER of bridge, and a local scope.

• Run a container attached to that network

docker run --rm --network my-frontend --name my-nginx nginx:alpine

This container is now part of the my-frontend network. It’s connected to the road you just created.

• Inspect the network to see the details

docker network inspect my-frontend

Here you’ll see the connected containers, their IPs, and how Docker routes traffic between them.

• Move a container onto a different network

docker network connect another-network my-nginx

Handy if you’re testing cross-network connectivity or segmenting traffic.

• Remove the network when you’re done

docker network rm my-frontend

(Note: you can’t remove a network that still has connected containers. Detach first with docker network disconnect if needed.)

Real-world flavor: networks map to how services talk

In microservices, clean communication is gold. Networks aren’t just mechanics; they shape reliability and performance. When you list networks, you’re not just checking a box—you’re verifying the lanes your services rely on. If a service expects to reach a database through a certain network path, a quick network ls and a glance at the DRIVER and SCOPE can save you hours of guesswork.

A few nuances you’ll likely bump into

• The default networks matter. bridge is the classic neighbor network for single-host setups. host turns your container into essentially the same network stack as the host, which is specialized and rare for general use. none is a placeholder, a no-network option that can be useful in some edge cases.

• Driver differences aren’t just trivia. Overlay networks (used in multi-host setups) enable containers on different hosts to communicate as if they’re on the same big fabric. It’s a different ball game from the simple bridge networks you see by default.

• Scope isn’t abstract fluff. Local vs. global scoping tells you if a network is meant to stay inside the machine or spread across a swarm or cluster. If you’re coordinating services across several hosts, you’ll want overlays and a clear sense of scope.

Common missteps (and how listing helps prevent them)

• Assuming every container is on the same network. If you don’t explicitly connect containers to a network, they might end up on the default bridge. Listing networks and then inspecting them makes it obvious where each container is actually hanging out.

• Forgetting about the default networks. Sometimes troubleshooting reveals a quiet, built-in network that you didn’t create, but containers are using by default. A quick docker network ls helps you see the lay of the land before you start digging.

• Jumping straight to “inspect” on a guess. If you don’t know which network to inspect, you can waste time. Start with docker network ls to pick the right target, then zoom in with docker network inspect.

A small metaphor to keep it relatable

Think of Docker networks as different social circles at a tech conference. There’s a general mingle space (bridge), a more private lounge (overlay for cross-host talk), and even a “no one talks to anyone” zone (none). Listing networks is like glancing at the conference map: which circles exist, who’s in them, and who has a pass to join? Once you know that, you can set up conversations—or in container terms, routes—without stepping on anyone’s toes.

Let me explain the bigger picture

If you’re exploring Docker, you’ll encounter a lot of little knobs and gears. Networks are one of the most practical elements because they directly influence how containers collaborate. Listing networks is the tipping point between “I have no idea where things connect” and “I can map, connect, and rewire flows with confidence.” It’s not flashy, but it’s foundational—the kind of skill you reach for when you need clarity fast.

A few takeaways to keep in mind

• docker network ls is your first stop to see what exists. It’s fast, it’s informative, it sets the stage for deeper dives.

• Use docker network inspect when you need a precise transcript of a network’s configuration and who’s connected to it.

• When you’re creating or changing networks, remember the driver and the scope. They’re not just labels—they determine how traffic travels and across what boundaries.

• Don’t forget the simple pairing: docker network ls to discover, docker network inspect to understand, docker network create and docker network rm to manage lifecycle.

A final nudge

Next time you’re spinning up containers, pause for a moment with the network list. It’s surprising how often a quick check reveals the missing piece, the wrong lane, or the right place to attach a service. It’s like checking a map before you start wandering—you save time, you keep the conversation clear, and you build a more reliable system.

If you’re curious to explore further, you can experiment with a couple of tiny scenarios: create a second network, connect a second container to it, and ping between the two containers across networks to see how routing behaves. The gentle, hands-on exploration makes the theory click, and before you know it, those network layouts become second nature—no heavy lifting needed, just a few practical moves and a clearer mental map.

In short: docker network ls is the doorway to understanding your Docker world. It’s straightforward, it’s informative, and it’s a small command with a big payoff. Happy exploring, and may your containers always find the fastest, clearest path to talk to each other.