The World’s 36 Most Stunning Train Stations You Must Visit
You think that waiting for the train is boring and you don’t have anything to do? I kid you not, you couldn’t be more wrong!
What if I tell you that there’re stunning train stations, all around the world, which will make you pray that your train is super late?
These train stations feel more like museums or palaces. Their beautiful architecture and ornate ceilings seem to touch the sky. And you’re going to love every second spent there.
Who knows? You might just find yourself in a delayed train! I don’t blame you, I’ve done it, myself.
1. Antwerpen-Centraal Station – Antwerp, Belgium
Real talk coming your way! Antwerpen-Centraal might just be the most jaw-dropping train station you’ll ever step into.
It’s not just a station; it’s a cathedral of travel. Picture stone arches, intricate ironwork, and a massive glass dome that makes everything feel grand. The locals call it the “Railway Cathedral” for a reason!
Walking through the main hall, you can’t help but look up. Say sorry when you bump into someone! Just don’t spend too long gawking at the architecture. You might miss your train!
2. Grand Central Terminal – New York City, USA
This train station is New York in a nutshell. Huge, chaotic, full of energy, and absolutely gorgeous.
Step inside, and boom! You’re in a Beaux-Arts masterpiece with chandeliers, staircases, and that famous constellation-covered ceiling. Fun fact: the stars are actually painted in reverse. Astronomers noticed, but New Yorkers just went, “Eh, still looks good.”
What about that four-faced opal clock in the center? It’s worth over $10 million. No, you can’t take it home. Even if you’re not catching a train, there’s so much to do. Grab a coffee, test out the Whispering Gallery, or hit the Grand Central Oyster Bar for fresh seafood.
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – Mumbai, India
Imagine a train station that looks like it belongs in a fantasy movie: turrets, domes, intricate carvings, and stained-glass windows. That’s Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus for you.
It’s a wild blend of Victorian Gothic and Indian architecture, built in 1887, and today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also happens to be one of the busiest train stations in the world.
If the station looks familiar, you might’ve seen it in the final dance scene of Slumdog Millionaire. But nothing beats experiencing it in real life! My choice would be early in the morning before rush hour turns it into a beautiful storm of humanity.
4. St Pancras International – London, UK
St Pancras is the kind of place that makes you stop mid-stride and say, “Whoa.” It’s a red-brick Gothic dream! This station was almost demolished in the ’60s. Thankfully, someone had the sense to save it! And now, it’s one of London’s most beloved landmarks.
There’s an actual Champagne Bar, the longest in Europe. And just outside, the giant sculpture The Meeting Place captures the magic of reunions, making it impossible not to get a little sentimental.
Even if you’re not traveling, swing by for a drink at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. The lobby alone will make you feel like a Victorian aristocrat!
5. Gare de Lyon – Paris, France
This station is pure Parisian drama, and I mean that in the best way possible. The moment you step inside, you’ll feel like you’re in a scene from a classic French film.
The real star here? Le Train Bleu, the ridiculously ornate, gold-trimmed restaurant inside the station. Dining there feels like you’ve time-traveled to the Belle Époque, where sipping wine and people-watching is an art form. Not catching a train? No problem! Pop in for a coffee and soak in the ambiance.
For an extra touch of magic, time your visit for sunset. The light hitting the clock tower and spilling through the station’s windows? Chef’s kiss.
6. Kanazawa Station – Kanazawa, Japan
Tired of concrete and steel? Kanazawa greets you with a giant wooden torii gate that looks straight out of an ancient shrine. This architectural wonder sets the tone for what’s inside. And that would be a beautiful blend of tradition and futuristic design.
Inside, everything is sleek, efficient, and impeccably clean. Because, well, Japan. This station is a perfect reflection of Kanazawa itself! A city where tradition and modernity live side by side.
Please, don’t just rush through. Take a moment to admire the details, or better yet, grab a gold leaf ice cream from a nearby shop. Kanazawa is famous for its gold, and yes, you can literally eat it!
7. Liège-Guillemins Station – Liège, Belgium
Walking into a train station or into the future? I wasn’t really sure! It is all about sweeping white curves, open-air spaces, and a glass-and-steel roof that looks like it’s floating. If sci-fi movies had train stations, this would be it.
It’s a stark contrast to Belgium’s medieval charm, but that’s what makes it so cool. There are no walls, just massive beams letting in natural light, making it feel airy and endless. You could probably take a hundred Instagram shots from different angles, and then few more!
Travel tip: Grab a coffee, find a spot to sit, and just watch the trains roll in and out—it’s strangely mesmerizing.
8. Milano Centrale – Milan, Italy
Milano Centrale is big, bold, and a little intimidating, but in that effortlessly stylish, Milanese way. The first time you walk in, you might just stop and stare.
Towering marble columns, grand staircases, massive sculptures! It’s all in one: train station, Roman temple, fashion runway. Just Milan being Milan, what can you do!
Built in the 1930s under Mussolini, the station was meant to impress, and it still does today. The see-through scale of it is breathtaking. But one thing I kept asking myself is: why don’t more train stations try this hard?
9. São Bento Railway Station – Porto, Portugal
Some train stations have fancy architecture, but São Bento? It’s got a full-on art gallery inside. The main hall is covered in over 20,000 blue and white azulejo tiles, each one hand-painted, depicting scenes from Portugal’s history.
The contrast between the classical tilework and modern train platforms somehow makes it feel even more special. It’s like stepping into a living piece of history.. one that also happens to run on time.
Before you leave Porto, be sure to hop on the Douro Valley train from here. Winding through vineyards and rolling hills, it’s the kind of journey that’ll make you want to put your phone down and just soak it all in.
10. Helsinki Central Station – Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki Central Station is what happens when Art Nouveau meets Nordic practicality. It’s got stone giants flanking the entrance, a massive clock tower, and an overall vibe that feels both elegant and a little bit like a Viking stronghold.
It’s a stunning piece of architecture that beautifully combines historic grandeur with modern functionality. In fact, it’s often considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Once you see it, you’ll understand why.
If you’re passing through, grab a Korvapuusti, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the Finnish President. There’s a private platform just for them!
11. Union Station – Los Angeles, USA
LA’s Union Station is pure Golden Age Hollywood glam. It’s a dreamy mix of Spanish Colonial, Art Deco, and Mission Revival styles. In a way, you half expect a 1940s movie star to stroll by in a trench coat.
Despite being one of the busiest train hubs on the West Coast, the vibe here is shockingly chill. The outdoor courtyards are filled with palm trees and fountains, making it the kind of place where you actually want to hang out before catching your train.
And if you’re a fan of old-school train travel, just picture the history! This station has been the backdrop for everything from Blade Runner to The Dark Knight Rises.
12. Hua Hin Railway Station – Hua Hin, Thailand
Hua Hin’s train station is straight-up storybook charming. Bright red-and-gold wooden pavilions and Thai detailing make it look more like a royal palace than a train stop. And that’s fitting, because this place was built to welcome Thai royalty escaping Bangkok’s heat for a seaside retreat.
The whole place feels alive, vibrant, and just a little bit mysterious. And then you see it, the Royal Waiting Room. It’s grand and unmistakably regal, built for Thai kings back in the 1920s.
Stand there for a moment, and you can almost feel the echoes of royal footsteps, the excitement of grand arrivals. It’s surreal, like you’ve stumbled into a forgotten piece of history.
13. Estación de Madrid Atocha – Madrid, Spain
Would you like to step into a train station and find yourself in a full-blown tropical garden? Then, Madrid Atocha is for you! Inside this historic station, there’s an actual botanical oasis! Palm trees, ferns, and even a pond filled with turtles just casually chilling under the glass roof.
Originally built in 1851, Atocha was later redesigned by Alberto de Palacio (a buddy of Gustave Eiffel, so you know it’s got style). The old part of the station has been transformed into this sunlit greenhouse, while the modern platforms whisk passengers off to every corner of Spain.
Before you hop on a high-speed train to Barcelona, take a moment to enjoy a café con leche here. It somehow tastes better in the middle of a jungle!
14. Berlin Hauptbahnhof – Berlin, Germany
This train station feels like a futuristic glass cathedral. Berlin Hauptbahnhof is massive, sleek, and multi-leveled, with steel beams and glass walls making it look more like an airport than a typical train station.
This is the largest railway station in Europe, and it’s engineered to perfection. Multiple train lines crisscross at different levels, moving thousands of passengers effortlessly every hour. If you’re a fan of people-watching, this place is a goldmine!
Backpackers, business people, and locals all rush in different directions, yet somehow, it all works seamlessly.
15. Gare du Nord – Paris, France
Gare du Nord is a statement. Stone columns, massive sculptures representing cities across Europe, and a sense of old-world elegance that makes you feel fancy just standing there.
I know, I know—it’s just a train station, right? Wrong. This place is so much more. It’s a gateway to adventure, a masterpiece of architecture, and a hub of Parisian life all rolled into one.
It’s the busiest train station in Europe, connecting Paris to London, Brussels, Amsterdam, and beyond. The sheer energy here is electric! Commuters are dashing for their trains, tourists figuring out their metro routes, and plenty of Parisians looking effortlessly chic while doing both.
16. Toledo Metro Station – Naples, Italy
Calling Toledo Metro Station just a train stop is like calling the Sistine Chapel a nice ceiling.
This underground masterpiece looks more like a portal to another dimension, with blue mosaics that make you feel like you’re diving into the Mediterranean rather than waiting for the next metro.
The walls shimmer in deep blues and silvers, leading to the breathtaking Crater de Luz, a skylight installation that pours natural light down through a cosmic tunnel. It’s surreal, hypnotic, and possibly the most Instagrammable metro station in the world.
17. Rotterdam Central Station – Rotterdam, Netherlands
If a spaceship and a modern art museum had a baby, it would look like Rotterdam Central Station. This striking, angular structure, with its massive, metallic roof pointing toward the sky, is as much a symbol of Rotterdam’s futuristic spirit as it is a place to catch a train.
It’s a space that feels both cutting-edge and welcoming. The entrance is pure drama, a metal overhang that seems to stretch endlessly over the square. When you step inside, you’ll find a sunlit, airy space that makes even Monday morning commutes feel stylish.
Bonus: The station is home to a great selection of cafés and even a rooftop garden, so whether you’re arriving or departing, take a moment to soak in the atmosphere.
18. Napoli Afragola Station – Naples, Italy
Naples doesn’t do boring train stations, and Napoli Afragola proves it. Nicknamed the “Gateway to the South,” this futuristic marvel looks like a massive, twisting white snake slithering across the landscape.
Designed by the late, great Zaha Hadid, it’s all about smooth lines, dramatic curves, and a roof that lets natural light flood every corner.
It’s not just about looks, though! This rail hub connects southern Italy to Rome, Milan, and beyond, making it a crucial part of Italy’s transit system. But honestly, half the fun is just wandering through the station, marveling at how Hadid’s signature fluidity makes concrete and glass feel alive.
19. Dunedin Railway Station – Dunedin, New Zealand
You already know this one’s stunning because it made it to the list! With its storybook turrets, fine tilework, and grand archways, Dunedin Railway Station looks like something out of a Victorian fairy tale.
The floors alone contain over 750,000 porcelain tiles, while the stained-glass windows and deep blue ceiling turn the interior into a work of art. Once one of New Zealand’s busiest stations, today it mainly serves scenic train routes and doubles as a venue for events, art galleries, and even fashion shows.
A must-do? Snap a photo from the beautiful gardens outside. Because honestly, this station deserves to be on a postcard!
20. Kuala Lumpur Railway Station – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I didn’t expect to be blown away by a train station, but this place? It’s like stepping into a dream. It’s a stunning blend of history, architecture, and adventure all wrapped up in one magical spot.
Built in 1910, this station is a beautiful mix of Moorish, Mughal, and Gothic architecture, and it’s nothing short of breathtaking.
Even though modern transport has shifted most long-distance trains to the nearby KL Sentral, this station still stands as a gorgeous relic of the past. Walk through the cavernous halls, admire the decorative archways, and imagine what train travel was like over a century ago.
21. Flinders Street Station – Melbourne, Australia
Ask any Melburnian for a meeting spot, and chances are they’ll say, “Meet me under the clocks.” That’s because Flinders Street Station, with its yellow facade and green copper dome, is the beating heart of the city.
This is Australia’s busiest railway station, and yet it retains an old-school charm that makes it feel like more than just a transit hub. Inside, you’ll find archways, historic wooden escalators, and an abandoned ballroom that sits hidden above the platforms. A source of endless urban myths.
If you’re visiting, stroll over to Federation Square or grab a coffee at Degraves Street, a nearby laneway packed with some of the best cafes in town. Melbourne takes its coffee very seriously.
22. Kazansky Railway Station – Moscow, Russia
If Moscow’s train stations were in a beauty pageant, Kazansky Railway Station would be the one draped in royal velvet and wearing a crown. This palatial masterpiece looks more like a tsar’s summer retreat than a transportation hub.
Designed by the legendary architect Alexey Shchusev, Kazansky is stunning, yes. But, it’s also massive. This is where trains depart for far-flung destinations like Siberia, Central Asia, and even Beijing.
Or even the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway that stretches all the way to Vladivostok. Just standing on the platform, you’ll feel the pull of the unknown, the excitement of a journey waiting to happen.
23. Jungfraujoch Station – Bernese Alps, Switzerland
Welcome to the highest railway station in Europe! It is elevated to an eye-watering 11,332 feet above sea level. Getting to Jungfraujoch Station is more than just a trip! It’s an experience of a lifetime.
The train journey to the top, via the Jungfrau Railway, is nothing short of spectacular. Once you arrive, brace yourself, because you’re literally standing on the “Top of Europe”.
What’s next? Visit the Ice Palace, sip hot chocolate while soaking in the breathtaking views, or just step outside and breathe in some of the freshest air on the planet. Just don’t forget your sunglasses. The snow glare is real!
24. Union Station – Washington, D.C., USA
I know it sounds crazy to get excited about a train station, but this place? It’s a masterpiece. It’s not just a hub for commuters. It’s a grand, historic, breathtaking experience that you’ll remember long after you leave.
Union Station is a monument to American ambition, with its columns, gilded ceilings, and a main hall so grand it feels like stepping into an ancient Roman palace. This place has been around since 1907, and you can feel the history in every corner.
You’ll be standing there, taking it all in, and you’ll catch yourself thinking: Wow, how many people have passed through here? It gives you chills.
25. Maputo Railway Station – Maputo, Mozambique
If you didn’t know better, you’d think Maputo Railway Station was a colonial-era palace, with its mint-green walls, roof, and wrought-iron detailing. In fact, some say it’s so beautiful that people come here just to take pictures, without ever catching a train.
This station is a beautiful mix of Beaux-Arts elegance and tropical charm. The sweeping verandas and archways give it a timeless feel, while the exhibits inside showcase vintage locomotives and railway history, which adds a layer of nostalgia.
Want to experience it in full? Come on a Friday or Saturday night, when live jazz performances transform the station into one of the coolest hangout spots in Maputo. Music, history, and architecture? Now that’s a train station with soul.
26. Hungerburg Station – Innsbruck, Austria
If train stations could belong in an art gallery, Hungerburg Station would be in the modern wing. Designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, this futuristic station looks like a giant frozen wave, with sleek, undulating curves that seem to float above the ground.
Picture this: you’re standing at the base of the Nordkette mountain range, surrounded by Alpine views, and then you see it! This futuristic, flowing structure that looks like it’s been carved by the wind. It’s so surreal, you almost have to blink to believe it’s real.
It’s got this modern, otherworldly vibe! You’ll be standing there, soaking in the design, and then you’ll look up and realize you’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountain views you’ve ever seen. It’s wild.
27. Wemyss Bay Station – Wemyss Bay, Scotland
If you’re a fan of vintage train travel, Wemyss Bay Station will steal your heart. This Victorian-era gem isn’t just a train station, it’s a masterpiece of curved ironwork, polished wood, and warm, golden light.
Built in 1903, this station was designed to be a seamless connection between trains and ferry services to the Isle of Bute. The result? A stunning concourse with an almost hypnotic spiral effect, leading passengers gently toward the sea.
It’s one of those places where every angle is photogenic, especially when the Scottish mist rolls in.
28. Schafbergbahn Station – St. Wolfgang, Austria
Trust me, the train ride from Schafbergbahn Station is not just a train ride. It’s basically a ticket to the top of the world.
One moment you’re in this adorable little Alpine village that looks like it was pulled straight out of a postcard. And then, in another you see it! A vintage steam train that looks like it belongs in a storybook. It’s so cute you’re already reaching for your camera before you even get on board.
The best time to go? Summer, when the landscapes are bursting with color. But winter rides have their own magic, too. Something like snowy peaks and a cozy train ride with the warmth of old-world charm.
29. Stockholm Central Station – Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden’s largest and busiest train station is so much more than just a transit hub! It’s a unique experience. Opened in 1871, Stockholm Central Station seamlessly blends historic Scandinavian elegance with modern design, making it one of the most impressive stations in Northern Europe.
Here is something you didn’t expect! It’s also home to one of the world’s largest underground art galleries. The connected T-Centralen metro station features cave-like walls painted in deep blues and whites, creating a mesmerizing, otherworldly effect.
Travel tip? If you have time, check out the station’s eco-friendly “living room” area, which uses body heat from passengers to help warm nearby offices. Stockholm: where sustainability meets style.
30. Gare de Metz-Ville – Metz, France
Gare de Metz-Ville is a full-blown work of art. Designed by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1908, this neo-Romanesque masterpiece looks more like a cathedral than a railway terminal, complete with stone carvings, intricate stained glass, and big archways.
Nicknamed “The Imperial Station,” it was originally built to impress during the German occupation of Lorraine. Today, it serves as a beloved landmark. Even if you’re not catching a train, take a stroll around the station’s clock tower and admire its fairytale-like details.
And here’s a fun fact: The station is so beautiful that it’s frequently ranked among France’s top train stations, often stealing the spotlight from even Parisian terminals. Très magnifique!
31. Luz Station – São Paulo, Brazil
If Luz Station had a personality, it would be that stylish friend who looks good in any era. This neo-Classical railway station was designed to resemble London’s old Victorian stations, complete with ironwork, high arched ceilings, and a sense of old-world elegance.
The station also houses the Museum of the Portuguese Language, a unique space dedicated to Brazil’s linguistic heritage. And despite the urban crowd outside, there’s a peaceful charm inside, making it one of the most unexpectedly beautiful spots in São Paulo.
If you visit, take a moment to admire the clock tower, which feels like a little slice of Europe in the heart of Brazil. Just be sure to keep an eye on your belongings. It’s a beauty, but like any big city station, it’s always good to stay alert!
32. Hoboken Terminal – New Jersey, USA
Hoboken Terminal might not get as much attention as Grand Central, but trust me, it should! This Beaux-Arts beauty on the banks of the Hudson River is a time capsule of early 20th-century elegance, complete with Tiffany stained-glass windows, a stunning vaulted ceiling.
It remains one of the last great American railway terminals still standing. Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve walked straight into a classic noir film, the kind where travelers in fedoras and trench coats rush to catch their steam trains.
Best part? The ferry terminal right outside offers beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline. Grab a coffee, step outside, and soak in the view before heading into NYC. It’s one of those places where the journey is just as beautiful as the destination.
33. Utrecht Centraal – Utrecht, Netherlands
Meet the busiest train station in the Netherlands, where design, efficiency, and Dutch ingenuity come together in perfect harmony. Utrecht Centraal is a state-of-the-art transport hub, recently revamped to feature wave-like glass ceilings, platforms, and an open feel that makes train travel a breeze.
The attached Hoog Catharijne shopping center makes layovers a delight, and the seamless integration of trains, buses, and bikes makes it one of Europe’s most efficient travel hubs.
Oh, let’s not forget a bicycle parking facility that holds over 12,500 bikes—because, well, this is the Netherlands.
34. Hakodate Station – Hakodate, Japan
Hakodate Station is your gateway to some of Japan’s most breathtaking winter landscapes. While the station itself is modern and unassuming, it’s the surroundings that make it special! Think mountains, coastline, and some of Japan’s freshest seafood markets just steps away.
Hakodate is famous for its night views from Mount Hakodate, which are considered among the most beautiful cityscapes in the world. And let’s talk about food. Don’t leave without trying a bowl of kaisen-don at the nearby Morning Market.
For a real adventure, hop on the Hokuto Limited Express, which offers stunning ocean views on its way to Sapporo. Trust me, you won’t want to sleep through this ride.
35. Røros Station – Røros, Norway
If fairy tales had train stations, Røros Station would be right at home. This cozy wooden station looks like it belongs in a winter postcard. This is the kind of place that makes you want to grab a cup of hot cocoa and never leave.
The journey here is just as magical as the destination, winding through forests, frozen lakes, and Nordic landscapes. And once you arrive? You’re stepping into a UNESCO-listed mining town, famous for its well-preserved 17th-century wooden houses and lively Christmas markets.
A must-do? Visit in winter for the legendary Rørosmartnan, where horse-drawn sleighs, traditional music, and fires transform the town into a scene straight out of a Norwegian storybook.
36. Tanggula Mountain Railway Station
At a jaw-dropping 16,627 feet above sea level, Tanggula Mountain Railway Station holds the record as the highest railway station in the world. Just breathing here feels like an achievement. Less oxygen here, so take it easy!
Located in the heart of the Tibetan Plateau, this station is part of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, an engineering wonder that cuts through mountains, grasslands, and breathtaking glaciers. There are no shops, no ticket counters, and no permanent staff, just a lonely platform surrounded by an endless, otherworldly landscape.
The only visitors? Passengers on the high-altitude train between Xining and Lhasa, stopping briefly to take in the surreal view.