25 Most Awe-Inspiring Train Stations Around the World

May 14, 2023




25 Most Awe-Inspiring Train Stations Around the World

Train stations are often overlooked as just a means of transportation. However, some train stations around the world are stunning architectural masterpieces that are worth a visit, even if you're not catching a train. From historic train stations to ultra-modern designs, here are 25 of the most awe-inspiring train stations around the world.

1. Grand Central Terminal – New York City, USA

Grand Central Terminal is not only a train station, but it's an iconic New York City landmark. Its Beaux-Arts architecture is grand and impressive, with a soaring ceiling that features a painting of the constellations. You can also enjoy shops, restaurants, and events in this bustling hub of transportation.

2. St. Pancras International Station – London, UK

St. Pancras International Station is a magnificent Victorian building with a Gothic Revival façade. Its interior features stunning arches and vast open spaces. The station also boasts Europe's longest champagne bar and is a destination in its own right.

3. Kanazawa Station – Kanazawa, Japan

Kanazawa Station is an ultra-modern station that blends in with the city's traditional Japanese architecture. Its curved canopy is made up of over 3,000 glass panels that flood the station with natural light. The station also has a beautiful garden and a large shopping mall.

4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – Mumbai, India

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, previously known as Victoria Terminus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture in India. Its towers and turrets are adorned with beautiful carvings and its stained glass windows are breathtaking.

5. Antwerp Central Station – Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp Central Station is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture. Its grand dome and marble staircases are impressive features of this stunning train station. The station also boasts a diamond gallery and a chocolate shop, among other amenities.

6. Liège-Guillemins Station – Liège, Belgium

Liège-Guillemins Station is a modern station that features a huge vaulted glass and steel roof that spans over six football fields in length. It's a true feat of engineering and the natural light that floods the station makes it a beautiful place to catch a train.

7. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is a beautiful example of Moorish Revival architecture. Its domes and spires are reminiscent of a fairy tale castle. The station also has a beautiful garden and is a popular spot for wedding photoshoots.

8. Grand Central – Brussels, Belgium

Grand Central is a beautiful Art Deco building that houses the city's central station. Its spacious interior is flooded with natural light through skylights and the grand hall features a large clock face. The building also has a stunning rooftop terrace with views over the city.

9. Atocha Station – Madrid, Spain

Atocha Station is a beautiful historic building that has been updated with a modern tropical garden. The garden is home to many species of plants and even has a pond with turtles. The station also has shops, restaurants, and a high-speed train service to Barcelona.

10. Gare du Nord – Paris, France

Gare du Nord is one of Paris' busiest train stations and is also a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture. Its façade features sculptures and reliefs that depict France's industrial and agricultural heritage. The station also has a range of shops and restaurants.

11. Union Station – Los Angeles, USA

Union Station in Los Angeles is a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture. Its grand hall features towering palms and a large clock that is still running after 70 years. The station also has a range of shops, restaurants, and an outdoor courtyard for events and concerts.

12. Abraj Al Bait – Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Abraj Al Bait is not only a train station, but it's also a massive hotel and shopping complex. Its clock tower is the tallest in the world and dominates the skyline of Mecca. The train station is part of the Haramain High-Speed Railway and connects Mecca with Medina.

13. Kanazawa Umimirai Library – Kanazawa, Japan

Kanazawa Umimirai Library is more than just a train station – it's also a library and community center. Its modern design features a glass façade and an interior that is flooded with natural light. The station also has space for events and exhibits.

14. Zurich Hauptbahnhof – Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich Hauptbahnhof is the largest train station in Switzerland and is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture. Its grand hall is decorated with murals and its clock tower is a beloved landmark in the city. The station also has shops, restaurants, and a range of train services.

15. Southern Cross Station – Melbourne, Australia

Southern Cross Station in Melbourne is a striking contemporary design with a wave-shaped roof. The station's interior is spacious and bright, with a large central atrium that provides plenty of natural light. The station also has shops, restaurants, and a range of train and bus services.

16. St. Louis Union Station – St. Louis, USA

St. Louis Union Station is a beautiful Romanesque Revival building that has been converted into a hotel, shopping, and entertainment complex. Its grand hall features a beautiful barrel-vaulted ceiling and a large chandelier. The station also has a range of restaurants and shops.

17. Gare de Lyon – Paris, France

Gare de Lyon is another beautiful train station in Paris that features Art Deco architecture. Its clock tower and sculptures are impressive features of this historic station. The station also boasts a range of shops and restaurants.

18. Gare do Oriente – Lisbon, Portugal

Gare do Oriente is a modern train station that was designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. Its impressive roof is made up of steel and glass and provides plenty of natural light. The station also has a range of shops and restaurants.

19. Central Railway Station – Helsinki, Finland

Central Railway Station in Helsinki is a beautiful example of Finnish Art Nouveau architecture. Its grand hall features a stained glass window that depicts Finnish folktales and the station also has a range of shops and restaurants.

20. Stazione Di Santa Maria Novella – Florence, Italy

Stazione Di Santa Maria Novella is a beautiful example of Italian Rationalism design. Its clean lines and simple curves are impressive features of this historic station. The station also has shops, restaurants, and a range of train services.

21. Hamburg Hauptbahnhof – Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg Hauptbahnhof is one of the busiest train stations in Europe and is a beautiful example of German architecture. Its grand hall features a stunning glass ceiling and the station also has a range of shops, restaurants, and train services.

22. Sirkeci Station – Istanbul, Turkey

Sirkeci Station is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture and was the terminus of the Orient Express. Its grand hall features chandeliers and intricate tile work. The station also has a museum that tells the story of the Orient Express.

23. Sirkeci Halkali Marmaray – Istanbul, Turkey

Sirkeci Halkali Marmaray is a modern train station that is part of Istanbul's Marmaray commuter rail network. Its design features a wave-like roof that provides plenty of natural light and a spacious interior. The station also has a range of train services.

24. Estação do Oriente – Lisbon, Portugal

Estação do Oriente is another modern train station that was designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its impressive roof is made up of steel and glass and provides plenty of natural light. The station also has a range of shops and restaurants.

25. Milano Centrale – Milan, Italy

Milano Centrale is a stunning example of Italian architecture. Its grand hall features a beautiful marble floor and a massive domed ceiling that is adorned with frescoes. The station also has a range of shops, restaurants, and train services.

Conclusion

Train stations can be more than just a way to get from point A to point B. Some of the most beautiful and impressive buildings in the world are train stations. From historic buildings to modern designs, these 25 train stations are definitely worth a visit.


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Justin

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I enjoy designing and curating experiences both virtually and in 3-dimensional reality. I have a Bachelor of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology and currently practice professionally, but I also manage a few other ventures.
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