Step back in time with a visit to these magnificent train stations that continue to operate — or welcome visitors — as a testament to the golden age of rail travel. From ornate architecture to cultural significance, these 13 train stations around the world offer a journey through history before your train even departs.
1. Grand Central Terminal, New York City, USA
Opened in 1913, Grand Central Terminal is one of the most iconic transportation hubs in the world. With its celestial ceiling, Beaux-Arts design, and opal-faced clock, it’s more than just a train station — it’s a landmark of New York City.
2. St. Pancras International, London, England
This Gothic Revival masterpiece opened in 1868 and now serves as the London terminal for the Eurostar. Its soaring arches and red-brick façade make it one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world.
3. Gare du Nord, Paris, France
Originally opened in 1846 and rebuilt in the 1860s, Gare du Nord is a bustling hub that links Paris to Northern Europe. Classical statues, ironwork, and glass panels blend functionality with artistry.
4. Tokyo Station, Tokyo, Japan
Opened in 1914, Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi façade is a preserved red-brick structure that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding modern cityscape. It’s a central hub for bullet trains and a heritage site that honors Japan’s rail history.
5. Estación de Atocha, Madrid, Spain
Madrid’s Atocha station, built in 1851 and redesigned in the 1890s, features an incredible indoor tropical garden within its old train shed. While the new terminal handles high-speed trains, the original building is a serene space of glass and steel.
6. São Bento Station, Porto, Portugal
Completed in 1916, São Bento is known for its stunning azulejo tile panels that depict scenes from Portuguese history. This small but visually impressive station is still in use and sits in the heart of Porto.
7. Union Station, Los Angeles, USA
Blending Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, and Art Deco styles, Union Station opened in 1939 and remains a vibrant gateway to Southern California. Its waiting room and garden patios capture the elegance of early 20th-century travel.
8. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai, India
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, opened in 1887, is a prime example of Victorian Gothic architecture in India. With domes, turrets, and intricate stonework, it’s both a functioning train station and an architectural marvel.
9. Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, Australia
Flinders Street Station, completed in 1910, is one of Melbourne’s most recognizable landmarks. Its distinctive yellow façade and green dome have made it a cultural icon and meeting point for generations of Australians.
10. Dunedin Railway Station, Dunedin, New Zealand
This opulent station, opened in 1906, is often called the most photographed building in New Zealand. Its Flemish Renaissance design, mosaic floors, and stained glass windows are preserved even as it serves mainly tourist routes today.
11. Antwerpen-Centraal, Antwerp, Belgium
Built between 1895 and 1905, this station is known as the “railway cathedral” for its monumental dome and elaborate interior. Antwerpen-Centraal seamlessly blends historic architecture with a modern, multi-level transit hub.
12. Helsinki Central Station, Helsinki, Finland
Opened in 1919 and designed by Eliel Saarinen, Helsinki Central Station is a national romantic structure known for its granite façade and iconic clock tower. It’s still the heart of Finnish rail travel today.
13. Hua Lamphong Station, Bangkok, Thailand
Opened in 1916 and inspired by early 20th-century European train stations, Hua Lamphong served Bangkok for over a century. Though its main functions are being relocated, the building remains a cultural and architectural gem.
These stations are more than transit points — they’re symbols of history, architecture, and the enduring romance of train travel. Whether you’re riding the rails or simply passing through, each of these iconic stations offers a glimpse into the past and a reason to pause and admire the journey itself.