The Most Beautiful Train Stations in the World

Since the early throws of rail travel’s rapid expansions, countries and cities have used the creation of train stations as a chance to create unique, imposing architectural landmarks. Embrace the majesty of the railway station on our Rail Trips, which include visits to this collection of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

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Estación de Atocha in Madrid

The grand, wrought-iron facade of Madrid’s main railway station has stood strong since 1892. It was designed by Alberto de Palacio Elissagne, in collaboration with Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Mr Eiffel), although today the main building mainly acts as a concourse. Modern extensions were designed by Rafael Moneo, while many commuter platforms are now situated underground. The original train shed, now populated with various shops and cafes, was transformed into a stunning tropical garden. The building’s enormous central nave acts as a greenhouse, perfect conditions for 7,000-odd plants from all over the world. The uniquely beautiful combination of late-nineteenth century European architecture and vibrant, oxygenating greenery is a joy to behold, and adds a real freshness to the whole station. Join our Madrid to Marrakech Rail Trip to see the station for yourself, as we travel from the Spanish capital to the ancient city of Cordoba.

From US$2635

Next available from 5th Nov 2023

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STARTS AT

Madrid, Spain

ENDS AT

Marrakech, Morocco

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Exterior of Marunouchi Station Building, a railway station in the Marunouchi business district of Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building

The regal facade and wide-open entrance plaza on the Marunouchi side of Tokyo’s main train station would look more at home in Amsterdam or Paris. Kingo Tatsuno’s classical European design required 8m red bricks and 740,000 workers to complete over six years, finally opening in 1914. The station has received several facelifts since the Second World War, most recently in 2012. It’s one of the biggest and busiest train stations in the world, with a daily average of around 4,000 trains and 500,000 passengers. Our Japan by Train itinerary utilises the country’s famous Bullet Train network to go from Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto to Tokyo, where we’ll spend three nights. Whether you’re a passenger or not, this is certainly a landmark worth visiting during your time in the capital.

From US$2774

Next available from 12th Oct 2023

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STARTS AT

Osaka, Japan

ENDS AT

Tokyo, Japan

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Beijing West Railway Station

This spectacular station in the capital of China was conceptualised as early as 1959 but, having been put on hold for various political and economic reasons, didn’t come to fruition until 1996. It was the largest station in Asia at the time, although Shanghai’s Hongqiao Station has since surpassed it. The station revolutionised rail efficiency in Beijing, and to this day serves two of the most important high-speed lines in the country. The station itself has a unique architectural style, with the main body of the building having quite a functional Stalinist look, but the rooftop is adorned with three stunning Chinese pagodas, with the central one standing atop a giant archway. You’ll get to see the station first hand on our Icons of China by Train trip, which includes a high-speed train ride from Beijing to Pingyao, departing from Beijing West.

From US$2137

Next available from 9th Dec 2023

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STARTS AT

Beijing, China

ENDS AT

Shanghai, China

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Keleti railway station in Budapest. One of the big junctions of Budapest. International and domestic trains does arrival and departure from here.

Budapest Keleti Station

Central Europe has a string of stunning railway stations, including Antwerp, Rotterdam and Liege, but our underrated favourite is Budapest Keleti, the primary station in Hungary’s capital. The station was built in the 1880s, designed eclectically by Gyula Rochlitz and János Feketeházy. The grand glass-clock facade is flanked either side by two statues, funnily enough depicting James Watt and George Stephenson, two giants of Industrial-era British rail engineering. The yellowish tint on much of the building, however, is very Budapest. You’ll arrive at Keleti as the final destination of our extensive Central Europe by Train trip (which starts in Berlin’s ultramodern Hauptbahnhof Station) and there’s no better introduction to this stunning city’s majestic architecture.

From US$2473

Next available from 13th Apr 2024

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STARTS AT

Berlin, Germany

ENDS AT

Budapest, Hungary

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

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Train approaching the Duoliang Station in Taitung, on the east coast of Taiwan

Duoliang Station, Taiwan

This is the smallest station on this list by a distance. In fact we’re not really choosing Duoliang for architectural reasons. This station is all about location, location, location. Surrounded by hilltop greenery on one side and stunning Pacific Ocean vistas on the other, it’s one of the most scenic spots in all of Taiwan. This isn’t even a working station anymore, but the platforms have been adapted into viewing spots, extremely popular with local trainspotters. We’ll be going through Duoliang Station on our Taste of Taiwan trip, as we journey along the stunning East Coast National Scenic Area, which offers several hours of scenic train riding as we journey from Kaohsiung City to Hualien City. Be sure to get your camera ready as we approach the station, since this is one of the most iconic spots on the island.

From US$1522

Next available from 30th Dec 2023

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Taipei, Taiwan

ENDS AT

Taipei, Taiwan

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

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Stazione Milano Centrale in Milan, Rome & Florence

Milan’s central train station looks pretty much exactly as you’d imagine it. There are a blend of styles at play here, from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, but the entire building is imbued with a classic sense of Roman monumentality. The imposing facade, 200m (656ft) wide, is guarded by two intricately sculpted pegasus statues, while interiors are equally inspiring, as grand stone walls curve into the station’s glass ceilings. In classic Milanese fashion, there’s plenty of high-end shops within the station too, so you can grab a pair of Armani jeans or a Swarovski watch before boarding your train. Our nine-day Classic Northern Italy by Train trip features a number of iconic train stations, including Rome Termini and Florence Santa Maria Novella, before reaching our final destination of Milan at Stazione Centrale.

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