Train stations are more than just transit hubs—they are grand architectural landmarks, steeped in history, and vibrant with cultural significance. Across the world, these stations captivate travellers with their stunning facades, intricate interiors, and storied pasts. Here are some of the most iconic train stations that are worth visiting.
St. Pancras International – London, England
Address: Euston Rd, London N1C 4QP, United Kingdom
St. Pancras International is a Victorian Gothic masterpiece, known for its striking red-brick facade and soaring iron-and-glass roof. Built in 1868, this station survived wartime destruction and near-demolition in the 1960s before undergoing a grand restoration. Today, it’s the terminus for the Eurostar, connecting London to Paris and beyond.
Tips:
- Visit the elegant St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel inside the station.
- Admire the 9-metre ‘The Meeting Place’ statue at the concourse.
- Enjoy a drink at the world’s longest champagne bar at Searcys.
São Bento Railway Station – Porto, Portugal
Address: Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal
Located in the heart of Porto, São Bento Railway Station is famous for its breathtaking azulejo tile panels, depicting historical events in Portugal. Opened in 1916, its neoclassical exterior gives way to an interior lined with over 20,000 blue-and-white tiles painted by artist Jorge Colaço.
Tips:
- Visit early in the morning to admire the tile murals without large crowds.
- Explore Porto’s historic centre (a UNESCO World Heritage site) just steps away.
- Entry to the station is free, making it a must-see even if you’re not travelling by train.
Flinders Street Station – Melbourne, Australia
Address: Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
A Melbourne icon, Flinders Street Station was completed in 1910 in the Edwardian Baroque style. Its green copper dome and yellow façade make it one of the most photographed buildings in Australia. Once the busiest train station in the world, it remains a cultural landmark and a favourite meeting point for locals under its famous clocks.
Tips:
- Visit at night when the station is beautifully illuminated.
- Federation Square and St. Paul’s Cathedral are just across the street.
- Step inside to admire the historic booking hall and arched interiors.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus – Mumbai, India
Address: DN Road, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 1887-built station is a stunning example of Victorian Gothic and Indian architectural styles. Its elaborate sandstone exterior features carved domes, spires, and gargoyles, while inside, Italian marble staircases and ironwork showcase its grandeur. Over three million passengers pass through it daily, making it one of the world’s busiest stations.
Tips:
- Join a guided tour to explore its historic waiting halls and intricate interiors.
- Visit in the early morning or late evening to avoid rush-hour crowds.
- At night, the station’s ornate façade is beautifully illuminated.
Kanazawa Station – Kanazawa, Japan
Address: 1-1 Kinoshinbomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0858, Japan
Kanazawa Station seamlessly blends futuristic architecture with Japanese tradition. Its most famous feature is the Tsuzumi-mon Gate, designed to resemble a torii shrine gate. Behind it lies the Motenashi Dome, a massive glass canopy that shelters visitors from the elements. The station is a gateway to Kanazawa’s historic districts and Kenroku-en Garden.
Tips:
- Visit at night when the Tsuzumi-mon Gate is dramatically lit.
- Take a photo under the Motenashi Dome, a symbol of Kanazawa’s hospitality.
- The station’s fountain even displays the time—don’t miss it!
Kuala Lumpur Railway Station – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Address: Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Designed by British architect A.B. Hubback in 1910, this station is an architectural marvel blending Indo-Saracenic, Mughal, and European elements. Its white-washed exterior, scalloped archways, and minarets make it look like a palace rather than a railway station. Though no longer the city’s main transport hub, it remains a heritage gem.
Tips:
- Walk across the street to see the grand Railway Administration Building.
- Visit in the late afternoon for the best lighting for photos.
- The station is close to Kuala Lumpur’s National Mosque and Merdeka Square.
Haydarpaşa Terminal – Istanbul, Turkey
Address: Kadıköy, 34716 Istanbul, Turkey
Situated on the shores of the Bosphorus, Haydarpaşa Terminal is a striking Beaux-Arts railway station built in 1908. Originally a key stop on the Istanbul–Baghdad and Hejaz Railways, the station features a grand stone façade and twin towers. While train services are currently halted for restoration, the station’s exterior remains a must-see.
Tips:
- The best views are from a Bosphorus ferry at sunset.
- Explore nearby Kadıköy, a lively district with restaurants and markets.
- The station is expected to reopen with cultural and commercial spaces.
Helsinki Central Station – Helsinki, Finland
Address: Kaivokatu 1, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Designed by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen and completed in 1919, Helsinki Central Station is a National Romantic masterpiece. Its grand clock tower and two pairs of colossal stone figures—known as the Lantern Bearers—are among the city’s most recognized symbols. Inside, the station features polished granite walls, vaulted ceilings, and Jugendstil light fixtures.
Tips:
- Visit in the evening when the Lantern Bearers’ lamps glow warmly.
- Take a moment to appreciate the intricate ironwork above the entrance.
- The station is a central hub, making it easy to explore Helsinki’s landmarks.
Maputo Central Station – Maputo, Mozambique
Address: Praça dos Trabalhadores, Maputo, Mozambique
Built between 1908 and 1916, Maputo Central Station is one of Africa’s most beautiful train stations. Its grand colonial façade, mint-green dome, and classical columns evoke a bygone era. Designed by associates of Gustave Eiffel, the station remains a vibrant cultural venue, hosting live jazz nights and art exhibitions.
Tips:
- Check for special events held in the station’s atrium.
- Visit during daylight to admire its intricate details and green dome.
- The railway museum inside offers insights into Mozambique’s rail history.
Estación Central – Santiago, Chile
Address: Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 3170, Estación Central, Santiago, Chile
Santiago’s Estación Central is a historic train station featuring a stunning iron and glass train shed designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1897. Its grand arches and intricate metalwork make it a remarkable feat of 19th-century engineering. The station continues to serve as a hub for Chile’s railway network.
Tips:
- Visit off-peak hours to admire the station’s elegant symmetry.
- Stop by the nearby markets and cafés for a taste of Santiago’s culture.
- The station’s exterior is especially beautiful in soft evening light.
These train stations are not just transport hubs—they are living pieces of history, blending past and present with stunning design and cultural significance. Whether you’re catching a train or simply exploring, these stations are worth the journey. All aboard!
Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and travelling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet.
Safe and mindful travels!