Follow
Subscription Form

world’s 10 most beautiful train stations

Train stations are primarily built for functionality—they help you travel from one place to another. However, many train…
World’s 10 Most Beautiful Train Stations

Train stations are primarily built for functionality—they help you travel from one place to another. However, many train stations are much more than just transport hubs. Over the past 200 years, some have become iconic pieces of civic design, ranging from modern art masterpieces to grand palaces.

Across different eras, styles, movements, and continents, the world’s greatest train stations show that practical infrastructure can also be visually stunning. Here are 15 of the most beautiful train stations in the world.


1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai

World’s 10 Most Beautiful Train Stations

Still commonly referred to as ‘VT’ from its original name, Victoria Terminus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is far more impressive than Britain’s famous Victorian railway station, St Pancras. It features a grand design with many domes and spires, crowned by a four-meter-high marble statue symbolizing ‘Progress.’ This iconic Mumbai landmark has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.


2. Kanazawa Station

World’s 10 Most Beautiful Train Stations

Still commonly referred to as ‘VT’ from its original name, Victoria Terminus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is far more impressive than Britain’s famous Victorian railway station, St Pancras. It features a grand design with many domes and spires, crowned by a four-meter-high marble statue symbolizing ‘Progress.’ This iconic Mumbai landmark has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.


3. Grand Central, New York

World’s 10 Most Beautiful Train Stations

Grand Central Station in New York is probably the most famous train station in the world. Even if you’ve never visited, you’ve likely seen it in movies like ‘North by Northwest’ and ‘The Avengers.’ The station is also renowned for its art, featuring a massive star chart mural on the ceiling of the main concourse, along with many well-known murals, sculptures, and paintings both inside and outside the building.


4. Liège-Guillemins, Liège

World’s 10 Most Beautiful Train Stations

Grand Central Station in New York is probably the most famous train station in the world. Even if you’ve never visited, you’ve likely seen it in movies like ‘North by Northwest’ and ‘The Avengers.’ The station is also renowned for its art, featuring a massive star chart mural on the ceiling of the main concourse, along with many well-known murals, sculptures, and paintings both inside and outside the building.


5. Napoli Afragola, Naples

World’s 10 Most Beautiful Train Stations

Afragola Station, located on the high-speed rail line between Naples and Salerno, looks more like a bio-mechanical creature than a train station. It stands out even against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Vesuvius, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. The station is designed so parts of the structure can move independently to stay intact if an earthquake occurs.


6. São Bento, Porto

World’s 10 Most Beautiful Train Stations

Built in the early twentieth century on the site of an old convent, São Bento Station has a grand granite exterior. Inside, the station is stunning, with over 20,000 tiles showing important moments in Portuguese history. These blue-and-white ‘azulejo’ tiles were painted by Jorge Colaço. Visiting São Bento is a must on any trip to Porto.


7. Flinders Street Station, Melbourne

World’s 10 Most Beautiful Train Stations

Flinders Street Station in Melbourne opened in 1854 and was once the busiest passenger station globally. The station’s current design, selected through an 1899 competition, features a complex dome structure that caused long construction delays. Despite significant deterioration and several planned demolitions, the station still stands. The phrase “under the clocks” refers to the popular meeting spot at the stairs leading to the dome, a favorite among Melburnians.


8. Gare do Oriente, Lisbon

World’s 10 Most Beautiful Train Stations

Lisbon’s Gare do Oriente, a Gothic-inspired pavilion made of metal and glass, opened just in time for Expo ’98 and drew millions of visitors. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, it maximizes natural light during the day and resembles an illuminated forest at night. The station includes an underground shopping center and police station, symbolizing its concrete ‘roots.’


9. Central Railway Station, Maputo

World’s 10 Most Beautiful Train Stations

The Maputo central station underwent a major transformation starting in 1908, evolving from a basic wooden structure to its current grandeur with a massive copper dome and elegant Beaux-Arts front. It’s renowned as one of Africa’s most stunning buildings and not only serves as a railway hub but houses a railway museum and hosts significant cultural events.


10. Gare de Metz-Ville, Metz

World’s 10 Most Beautiful Train Stations

At first glance, Metz’s main station might resemble a converted church, but its origins are tied to imperial history rather than religion. This station, the fourth to occupy the site, was constructed in 1908 under Kaiser Wilhelm II to assert German control. It features a notable stained-glass window portraying Charlemagne, and what was once the Kaiser’s private apartments now serve as the headquarters for the French state-owned rail company SNCF.


Conclusion

these ten train stations stand out not only for their functional role in transportation but also for their architectural splendor and historical significance. Each station reflects unique cultural influences and is a testament to human creativity and engineering prowess. Whether adorned with intricate stained glass, majestic domes, or Beaux-Arts facades, these stations are more than mere stops—they are landmarks that enrich travelers’ journeys worldwide.


FAQs

Q1: What makes a train station beautiful?

Ans: Beautiful train stations often feature impressive architecture, historical significance, unique design elements like domes or stained glass, and cultural importance.

Q2: Which train station is considered the most beautiful in the world?

Ans: The title of the most beautiful train station is subjective, but notable contenders include Grand Central Terminal in New York, St. Pancras International in London, and Kanazawa Station in Japan.

Q3: Are these beautiful train stations functional for travelers?

Ans: Yes, all these stations are fully functional and serve as important transportation hubs. They also offer amenities like shops, restaurants, and sometimes museums.

Q4: What are some common architectural styles seen in beautiful train stations?

Ans: Common architectural styles include Beaux-Arts, Gothic Revival, Art Nouveau, and modern designs that blend historical elements with contemporary aesthetics.

Q5: Are beautiful train stations tourist attractions?

Ans: Yes, many beautiful train stations have become tourist attractions due to their architectural significance and cultural heritage.

Q6: How can I visit these beautiful train stations?

Ans: You can visit these stations by traveling to the cities where they are located. They are accessible to the public and offer guided tours or self-guided explorations.

Q7: Are there any Asian train stations on the world’s most beautiful list? Inside these beautiful train stations?

Ans: Yes, examples include Kanazawa Station in Japan, Kuala Lumpur Railway Station in Malaysia, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, India.

Q8: Can I take photos inside these beautiful train stations?

Ans: Photography is usually allowed inside these stations, but it’s always a good idea to check local rules and regulations, especially in sensitive areas like platforms.

Q9: Do these stations host cultural events or exhibitions?

Ans: Some of these stations, like Antwerp Central Station in Belgium and Maputo Central Station in Mozambique, host cultural events, exhibitions, or even house museums within their premises.

Q10: How do these beautiful train stations contribute to local culture and heritage?

Ans: They serve as iconic landmarks that contribute to the local culture and heritage by preserving historical architecture, showcasing local craftsmanship, and acting as gathering places for travelers and locals alike.

Total
0
Shares
Related Posts
Total
0
Share