Abstract: Disclosed herein is a variable length packet switching system. The variable length packet switching system includes at least two switching means, a plurality of multiplexing units and a plurality of demultiplexing units. The switching means switch ATM cells or variable length packet data in parallel. The multiplexing means are arranged upstream of the switching means for multiplexing data inputted from a line card to the switching means in packet units and dividing a packet into packets of a number corresponding to the number of the switching means. The demultiplexing means are arranged downstream of the switching means for combining packets inputted after being switched in parallel by the at least two switching means and outputting the combined packet converted into a format adequate to the line card.