As someone from the Midwest used to utilitarian yet unpretentious Amtrak stations, I was unaware that a train station could impress me until I saw the Estación de Atocha.
Madrid
Impressed by the sunlight streaming in through the arched glass ceiling and the towering tropical plants, which were even taller than my childhood home, I decided that during each trip to Europe, I would make sure to allocate time for visiting these magnificent stations.
European railway hubs like the iconic red-brick St. Pancras in
London
or the blend of old meets ultra-modern Strasbourg-Ville in France – offers more than
transit stops
They represent the gems from the golden age of railway travel, stunning pieces of architecture, and social centers where both residents and tourists can browse shops, enjoy meals, and experience live music and art shows.
Milano Centrale
Milan, Italy
Milano Centrale
is extensive, featuring 24 platforms that cater
approximately 320,000 passengers daily
And with its grandiose sculptures and varied assortment of architectural styles (such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco), the outside appearance resembles more of a regal opera house or palace. Constructed from 1912 to 1931, the station’s initially straightforward design underwent transformation.
elaborately decorated at Mussolini’s request
to praise the fascist government.
Strasbourg-Ville
Strasbourg, France
In 2007, the elegant 19th-century
Gare de Strasbourg-Ville
And its early 20th-century extension was enclosed within a sleek glass pod; this time capsule-style design keeps the historic structure intact yet safeguarded from environmental factors. This approach also facilitated considerable growth at what is currently the
second biggest railway center in France.
(It served
nearly 24 million passengers
in 2023.)
St. Pancras International
London, England
The majestic redbrick exterior of
St. Pancras International
stands out vividly, even amid the hustle and bustle of downtown.
London
In classic Victorian Gothic style, a dominating clock tower vies for prominence alongside tiers of arched windows at this rejuvenated 19th-century railway station.
2007 extension
, St. Pancras features 15 railway platforms along with more than 50 eateries and retail stores,
a five-star hotel
,
public pianos
, and benches crafted from the
2012 London Olympic rings
.
Antwerpen-Centraal
Antwerp, Belgium
Despite the stream of busy commuters,
Antwerpen-Centraal
The primary hall exudes an aura of sanctity thanks to its impressive staircase, intricate iron-and-glass windows, polished marble flooring, and a domed ceiling reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome. It’s little surprise that this station has earned itself a local moniker as well.
Spoorwegkathedraal
It means “cathedral of railroads.” The station first opened in 1905 and underwent renovations and expansions from 2000 to 2009 to support high-speed trains. It features 14 platforms across three levels.
Helsinki Central Station
Helsinki, Finland
This early 20th-century Art Nouveau railway hub serves around 250,000 travelers each day, rendering it
Finland’s most-visited building
It was conceived by architect Eliel Saarinen, who is also the father of Eero, renowned among Americans for designing the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Although the building’s reddish-brown Finnish granite facade is impressive, the true highlight consists of the two sets of large statues holding lanterns that frame the primary entryway, referred to as the
Lyhdynkantajat
, or “torch carriers.” A glass and steel ceiling
designed by Esa Piiroinen
To shield passengers from adverse weather conditions, an addition was made over the central platforms in 2001.
Madrid Atocha
Madrid, Spain
The
Spanish capital
‘s eclectic
Atocha
The station commenced operations in 1892 following the destruction of a previous facility due to a fire incident. The distinctive curved steel-and-glass canopy might reflect the architectural partnership between Alberto Palacio and Gustave Eiffel. As passenger volume increased beyond the capacity of the initial structure during the 1980s, an extension featuring 25 additional platforms was constructed. Consequently, the former platform space was transformed into an expansive atrium.
several thousand tropical plants
from around the world.
São Bento Station
Porto, Portugal
Constructed on the location where a previous Benedictine monastery stood and inaugurated in 1916, this railway station is among Porto’s top draws due to the extensive tiled murals adorning the main hall. The artwork was created by painter
Jorge Colaço
Used approximately 20,000 blue-and-white azulejo tiles to depict idyllic landscapes, the evolution of transportation in Portugal, a royal marriage ceremony, and the country’s capture of Ceuta along North Africa’s northern shore.
Amsterdam Centraal Station
Amsterdam, Netherlands
From the brilliant mind of Pierre Cuypers, the architect responsible for the Rijksmuseum, arises this majestic railway station. It was inaugurated in 1889.
Amsterdam Centraal
blends English, Flemish, French, and Dutch influences into a distinctive style that incorporates Gothic and Renaissance revival features, featuring towers and a roof extending 131 feet. However, the structure’s foundation might be even more remarkable: it rests on 8,687 wooden pilings driven into three man-made islands, raising it above the IJ River.
Wemyss Bay
Wemyss Bay, Scotland
Although not as impressive as some other listings here, this 1903 Queen Anne-style railway station located one hour west of Glasgow exudes charm. Despite its towering 60-foot clock tower, it has a cozy, cottage feel to it.
last remaining station
constructed by the previous Caledonian Railway Company. This station used to be famous for its hanging baskets and potted plants displayed in the glass-covered waiting rooms, however, it deteriorated during the 1970s and ’80s.
group of locals
took over the station from ScotRail in 2009 and inaugurated a charitable bookstore on the premises to generate funds for decorating both the interior and exterior of the station using floral displays.
Gare de Lyon
Paris, France
One of the seven primary train stations
Paris
The present version of the Gare de Lyon was constructed in 1900, just in time to dazzle visitors during the Paris Exposition. This terminal in the 12th arrondissement stands out as a magnificent example from the Belle Époque era, featuring a clock tower reminiscent of Big Ben and stunning murals painted by Jean-Baptiste Olive which portray various Mediterranean destinations accessible via this station. Should your travel plans not require you to pass through here, consider dropping by simply for an exquisite dining experience within what may be one of the city’s most lavish restaurants.
Le Train Bleu
, adorned with gold accents and chandeliers, famous for serving dishes such as roasted leg of lamb sliced at a side-table cart.
Liège-Guillemins
Liège, Belgium
In today’s architectural landscape, few designers possess a signature style as distinct as that of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, renowned for his iconic white, lattice-like structures. While he has designed numerous railway stations throughout Europe, one stands out as particularly exceptional.
Belgian beauty
It was introduced in 2009. The design created by Calatrava bridges sections of the city that were formerly divided by railway lines. It emphasizes an atmosphere of lightness and spaciousness as there are no lateral walls; instead, only a curved glass and steel roof covers the area for protection.
The article was initially released in 2019 and has been revised as of November 13, 2024, to include the latest data. Additional insights were provided by Nicholas DeRenzo.