17 Most Stunning Train Stations in Europe You Need to Visit
European train stations are more than transportation facilities because they showcase architectural wonders, past stories of essential periods, cultural beliefs, and technological advancements. Exploring Europe through rail travel is the most efficient and sustainable method for discovering destinations.
According to the European Commission, in 2023, EU rail passenger transport reached its highest level in years, totaling 429 billion passenger kilometers. The International Union of Railways reported that Europe’s rail network spans over 200,947 kilometers and serves billions of passengers annually, making train stations cornerstones of connectivity. Here are 17 breathtaking train stations worth visiting—even if you’re not catching a train.
Antwerp Central Station, Belgium
Antwerp Central Station is a remarkable piece of railway architecture, which people refer to as the “Railway Cathedral.” The merging of Beaux-Arts design with modern renovations makes Antwerp Central Station a sight to behold, with its majestic dome, elaborate marble floors, and impressive grand staircase.
From 2000 to 2009, the station received major upgrades, using three additional platform levels to manage its growing passenger numbers. About 540 trains transit through Antwerp Central Station each day, and the station functions as a leading station for Thalys and Eurostar high-speed services.
Leipzig Hauptbahnhof, Germany
The City of Leipzig officially recognizes Leipzig Hauptbahnhof as the largest terminus station in Europe. This transportation center occupies 83,640 square meters of space. Beyond its functional transportation role, the station operates as an urban destination because it contains a shopping mall with numerous shops and restaurants.
Construction of this station began in 1915, but it managed to survive World War I destruction and received modern upgrades. Today, this station operates as a vital rail network component because it serves more than 120,000 travelers every day.
Budapest Keleti Station, Hungary
According to Rail Europe, Budapest Keleti Station opened in 1884 and was once considered Europe’s most advanced rail station. Its Renaissance Revival architecture showcases the grandeur of its era. The station has also made its mark in pop culture, with scenes from Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol filmed there.
Serving approximately 400 trains daily, it connects domestic and international routes, including Vienna and Munich.
Madrid Atocha Station, Spain
The tropical garden at Madrid Atocha Station attracts visitors with its 7,000 planted species and peaceful turtle pond as its main attraction. This spacious outdoor space provides calm comfort in the moving city center of Madrid.
Opened in 1851, the site still maintains its historic front despite being incorporated with modern transportation infrastructure. According to Railway Technology, the station provides vital service to Spain while welcoming 108 million passengers every year.
Lisbon Rossio Station, Portugal
The entrance gates of Lisbon Rossio Station stand out because they consist of two famous horseshoe-shaped arches that define Neo-Manueline architecture. The platform tunnels were built underneath a hill through underground excavation, which shows exceptional engineering expertise.
The station processes 20,000 daily commuters who utilize its services to travel between Lisbon and picturesque places, including Sintra, thus establishing itself as an entrance to Portuguese explorations.
York Railway Station, UK
York Railway Station, which opened in 1877, was once the largest in the world. Despite enduring bombings during World War II, the station has retained much of its original character.
Now a Grade II listed building, it remains a popular tourist destination and a testament to British railway history.
Milano Centrale Railway Station, Italy
Milano Centrale Railway Station is a monumental masterpiece featuring stone arches and Fascist-era architectural elements. Initially designed in 1912, it was expanded under Mussolini’s regime, giving it its imposing look.
Today, it is one of Europe’s busiest rail stations and a key transportation hub, blending history with functionality.
Prague Main Railway Station, Czech Republic
Prague’s Main Railway Station is a unique architectural masterpiece, blending Brutalist and Art Nouveau styles. The original Art Nouveau hall has been transformed into a charming café, offering visitors a glimpse into the station’s rich history.
As a significant cultural landmark in Prague, it serves as a gateway to the city’s heritage.
Wrocław Główny, Poland
Wrocław Główny is one of Poland’s best-preserved 19th-century railway buildings. Constructed in the Tudor Gothic style, it required nearly 7 million bricks to complete.
Today, it is one of the busiest stations in Poland, serving over 58,000 passengers daily and more than 26 million annually. This station is a testament to Poland’s dedication to preserving its architectural heritage.
Gare du Nord, Paris, France
As Europe’s busiest train station, Gare du Nord in Paris serves an astounding 700,000 passengers daily. Its exterior features 23 ornate statues, each representing a city serviced by the station, including Amsterdam and London.
As a Eurostar terminal, it connects Paris to over 300 European cities, solidifying its role as a vital transportation hub.
Zurich Hauptbahnhof, Switzerland
Zurich Hauptbahnhof opened in 1847 as the terminus of Switzerland’s first railway line, the Spanish Brötli Bahn. It is one of the busiest train stations globally, accommodating up to 2,915 trains and around 419,600 passengers daily.
The station’s main building, designed by Jakob Friedrich Wanner in 1871, showcases remarkable Neo-Renaissance architecture. Its iconic arches and grand hallways stand as a key landmark in Zurich. Beyond transportation, it offers a variety of shopping and dining options, making it a central hub for travel and leisure in Switzerland.
Bern Railway Station, Switzerland
Situated in the heart of Bern, the Bern Railway Station is one of Switzerland’s oldest major railway stations. It originally opened between 1858 and 1860 and has undergone several reconstructions since, blending modern and historical architecture.
The station features a rooftop terrace accessible via a lift near platforms 12 and 13. It offers stunning views of the city and the Bernese Alps. As a key transportation hub and tourist destination, it combines practicality with scenic charm.
Utrecht Centraal, Netherlands
Utrecht Centraal, a modern marvel with contemporary design, a large glass roof, and state-of-the-art amenities, is one of the busiest and most efficient stations in the Netherlands. Its history dates back to December 1843, when the Dutch Rhine Railway Company opened the first railway station in Utrecht, initially connecting Utrecht to Amsterdam and Arnhem.
Utrecht Centraal is not just a railway station; it also includes two bus stations and two tram stops, making it a comprehensive transport hub. This integrated network facilitates seamless connectivity for passengers, whether commuting locally or traveling to other parts of the Netherlands.
Gare de Lyon, Paris, France
Gare de Lyon is a symbol of French elegance, renowned for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and the iconic Le Train Bleu restaurant. The first station at this location opened in 1847, but the current building was constructed in 1900 for the World Exposition.
Designed by Marius Toudoire in the French’ Belle Époque’ style, this station is a central hub for international trains and a must-visit spot for tourists exploring Paris.
Wien Hauptbahnhof, Vienna, Austria
Wien Hauptbahnhof, fully operational since December 2015, is a state-of-the-art transportation hub in Vienna. It features sleek, modern architecture, a striking glass roof, extensive retail spaces, and a shopping center with over 100 shops and restaurants.
The station handles approximately 268,000 passengers daily, making it Austria’s busiest long-distance railway station. It accommodates over 1,000 trains daily and offers practical amenities such as an underground car park, making it functional and convenient.
Roma Termini, Rome, Italy
Roma Termini is one of the largest train stations in Europe, spanning 225,000 square meters and handling around 850 trains daily. Serving over 150 million passengers each year, its modern design, glass roof, and numerous shopping options make it a key transportation hub and a popular tourist destination.
The original station was built in 1867 but was demolished in 1937 to make way for a new structure. The current building, a blend of modernism and futurism, was completed in 1950 after World War II delayed construction. The station features a famous canopy known as the “Dinosaur” over Piazza dei Cinquecento, which was part of the post-war modernization efforts.
London Bridge Station, UK
The recently revamped London Bridge Station features modern amenities and a striking glass roof. It provides stunning views of the Thames River and the city skyline, making it a key transportation hub and one of London’s busiest stations.
Impressively, London Bridge Station is the oldest railway terminus in London that is still operational. It opened in 1836 as part of the London and Greenwich Railway.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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