15 Visually Stunning Train Stations to Visit in Europe
Looking for some train stations to pass through during your next European trip? In this article, European travel enthusiast Emma Braby shares some of her favorite train stations that are visually stunning!
Last updated: April 11, 2024
10 min read
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Visiting a train station might not be on your traveling bucket list, but if you’re in Europe, some of these train stations could be the highlight of your tour! Some railway stations resemble palaces, on par with the Palace of Versailles. Some might not look like much from the outside, but step through the entrance and get ready to be wowed!
Many of these train stations are gems of the golden era of train travel and are some of the best examples of periodical architectural wonder. There are so many to explore, from classic red-brick stations such as St. Pancras in London to futuristically modern terminals like Strasbourg Ville in France.
Others, such as Sirkeci Gare in Istanbul, transport you back to gone-by eras of the Orient Express. Meanwhile, the Stockholm Metro System delights travelers with the world’s longest art gallery. So, even if you aren’t planning to travel by train, you must check out these awe-inspiring terminals. Let’s take a look at 15 must-visit train stations in Europe.
St. Pancras, London
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Despite officially leaving the European Union in 2020, many still consider Britain part of Europe, considering its locality and cultural similarity. Plus, many tourists traveling to Europe hop across to the United Kingdom as part of their travels.
So, despite Brexit, I want to include St. Pancras in London as one of my top train stations in Europe. And despite using St. Pancras as my main London station, its intricate beauty, both inside and out, never ceases to amaze me.
St. Pancras is one of the main railway terminals in London and is home to the Eurostar Terminal, which connects the UK to Europe via Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. It took 20 years to build St. Pancras station and finally opened its doors in 1868.
The stunning Victorian Gothic architecture and vibrant red brick make it one of the most striking stations in Europe. It is a Grade I listed building and is commonly called the “cathedral of the railways” thanks to its grandeur.
If you’re looking for somewhere fancy to stay, look no further than the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel. This luxury hotel also has a spa, several restaurants, and exclusive chambers. A trendy all-weather rooftop bar is also an excellent spot for dinner and drinks. St. Pancras isn’t just a railway station. It’s a fine resort.
And it’s also good to know that, before Brexit, the Consumer Choice Center also ranked it as the best European station in terms of passenger experience. So, not only is it beautiful, it’s a reliable station too, which is always good to know for travelers.
Milano Centrale, Milan, Italy
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Travel Enthusiasts, Architecture Admirers, History Buffs, Cultural Explorers, Train Aficionados
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Milano Centrale is Italy’s second largest and busiest train station, behind the Roma Termini in Rome. Originally, architects wanted it to be a humble building, but Mussolini, the then-dictator of Italy, overruled the simplistic design and turned it into a grand and highly decorative terminal. The remarkable baths in imperial Rome inspired the design, and it boasts an incredibly over-the-top vibe.
Milano Centrale opened in 1931 and has a blend of architectural styles, including Art Deco and Art Nouveau. From the outside, it looks more like an opera house than a train station. The station is surrounded by green squares where many locals picnic. And in the spring, the bright pink magnolia trees create a romantic setting.
Inside, it features marble and mosaic flooring and stained glass roofs throughout, and it is stunning no matter where you are in the building. The steel arched and glass roof makes for some incredible photographs, especially when the sun illuminates the colored glass. There are plenty of sculptures and art pieces to enjoy, too.
Antwerpen Centraal, Belgium
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Travel Enthusiasts, Architecture Admirers, History Buffs, Cultural Explorers, Railway Enthusiasts
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Antwerpen Central Station is the main terminal in Antwerp. King Leopold II, the then King of Belgium, requested the architects to take inspiration from the Pantheon in Rome and Luzern station in Switzerland. It opened in 1905, and the result is an eclectic mix of styles coming together to create a lavish and spectacular building.
The arched glass windows, decorative golden stone, and marble columns make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a magnificent theatre. The imposing bell tower covering the grand staircase returns you to a bygone era. This train station is worth visiting even if you’re not hopping onto a train.
Antwerp Centraal has been named one of the most beautiful train stations in the world many times, even claiming the top spot on many occasions. Sadly, I had to rush through this place as I nearly missed my train to Bruges, but I wish I had the time to explore it. So please leave plenty of time to enjoy it if you’ve got a train to catch.
Edinburgh Waverley, Scotland
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Train Enthusiasts, History Lovers, Urban Explorers, Transportation Aficionados, Cultural Explorers
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This is the main railway that serves the capital city of Scotland and one of the prettiest places to visit in the U.K. The station is nestled in a steep valley, with the medieval Old Town to one side and the fancy New Town to the other. It was built in the late 19th century and was once the largest rail station in the U.K.
The station’s exterior isn’t as opulent as the others on this list, but it’s inside where the real beauty is. The star of the station show is the 13-acre glass ceiling, and in the center is the Victorian glass dome built in 1897. It is breathtaking, and I was lucky enough to enjoy the roof on a sunny day, where the sun shone through, highlighting the intricate decoration.
Estacion Del Norte, Valencia, Spain
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Train Enthusiasts, History Lovers, Urban Explorers, Transportation Aficionados, Cultural Explorers
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This architectural masterpiece is a prime example if you like the Art Noveau style. It was opened in 1917 and is one of Valencia’s most iconic buildings. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was a palace or government building on first impressions. The exterior is painted yellow and laced with intricate ironwork. However, for me, the beauty is inside.
The main hall has a vaulted ceiling smothered in vibrant mosaics and beautiful stained glass windows. The station proudly showcases what Valencia is known for, and that’s oranges. Everywhere you look, there is a reference to oranges, whether temporary décor or statues.
That’s right! Statues of oranges! The ticket office retains its Art Nouveau charm thanks to the intricately carved wood, with the mosaiced “buen viaje” sign telling you to have a good trip.
You’ll also discover beautiful blue ceramic tiles from the nearby town of Manises. I loved it so much that when I renovated my kitchen, I used Manises tiles! This is one of the prettiest and charming stations I’ve ever seen. It’s so beautiful that it is regularly used for exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events.
Sirkeci Gar, Istanbul
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History Buffs, Train Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Architecture Admirers, Photography Lovers
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Turkey has territory in Europe and Asia, but this train station is in Istanbul, the most populous European city. Sirkeci was built to cope with the increasing demand of European travelers wishing to explore the East. Because of its position, it enjoys a blend of European and Asian architectural styles. It was once the last stop on the famous Orient Express.
When you enter, it feels like you are walking into a sacred place of worship. The stained glass windows let light seep through, highlighting the intricate stonework carving. There is also a museum inside the station showcasing memorabilia from the Orient Express.
Occasionally, the Mevlevi Order performs their whirling dervish “Sema” ceremony in the reception halls, which is supposed to be an incredible show!
Sao Bento Train Station, Porto, Portugal
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Train Enthusiasts, History Lovers, Architectural Admirers, Photography Aficionados
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Sao Bento Train Station sits in Porto’s Unesco World Heritage Site and is a National Monument of Portugal. The grand exterior is reminiscent of Renaissance palaces and welcomes visitors from far and wide. The station opened in 1916 and took several years to complete. Inside, you can admire the floor-to-ceiling frescoes, making it an art museum in itself.
What’s more, the 20,000 azulejo tiles inside the building took 11 years to complete, and you can understand why when you see them with your own eyes. The murals represent important Portuguese historical moments, and the white tiles’ blue scenes are stunning. The blue pops, especially when the sun shines through the yellow-framed glass windows.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay for the night, “The Passenger Hostel” can be found on the lateral façade of the station. It’s a trendy and highly rated spot right inside the train station. You can choose mixed dorms or private rooms and meet like-minded travelers.
Madrid Puerta de Atocha, Madrid, Spain
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Travel Enthusiasts, Train Commuters, History Lovers, Architecture Admirers, Cultural Explorers
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The Atocha Railway Station is the main terminal in Spain’s capital city of Madrid. It was built in 1851, but shortly after, it was almost entirely destroyed by a fire. It was reopened in 1892 with a new design. Now, the wrought iron arches and glass roof make it one of Europe’s most impressive train stations.
In 1992, the main concourse was taken out of service and transformed into a huge tropical garden. Here, you can enjoy palm trees, exotic flowers, and a pond filled with fish and turtles. It is also home to several species of tropical birds. Walking into this station feels like you’ve just stepped into a jungle.
It was designed partly by Gustave Eiffel, the famous engineer who designed the Parisian Eiffel Tower, which tells you it’s a spectacular building. With many cafes, restaurants, and shops to enjoy, make sure you don’t miss your train.
Helsinki Central, Finland
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Helsinki Central in Finland was built in 1919, but it gives off a futuristic vibe. The traditional red-brick station, complete with an imposing clock tower, is guarded by two pairs of towering granite statues. Situated on either side of the entrance, each figure carries a lamp orb, and they are called the Lantern Bearers.
This train station can get very busy and is passed by around 400,00 commuters daily, making it the most visited building in Finland. Only in 2000 was a roof added to the building, protecting visitors from the elements. Now, you can rest and warm up at one of the many cafes, feeling safe knowing that the Lantern Bearers are keeping watch.
Rossio Railway Station, Lisbon, Portugal
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This is the second Portuguese railway station on my list, this time in Lisbon, the second oldest city in Europe. It’s just under a four-hour train ride from Porto. Rossio Railway Station opened its doors in 1891 and is named after one of the most important squares in Lisbon. It was here that the fourth president of Portugal was assassinated in 1918.
Despite its melancholy past, the beautiful station is one of the finest examples of Neo-Manueline architecture, reviving the exuberant Portuguese Gothic style. The intertwined horseshoe entranceways are unique and romantic, and there is also a tiny turret containing a clock for travelers to keep their time.
Throughout the station, several tiled artworks depict religious scenes and some of the best views of Lisbon. Between the platforms is a beautiful mosaiced floor with a criss-cross design, and when the sunlight through the glass ceiling hits it right, it’s incredibly beautiful. Many of the old trains are smothered in graffiti, so it’s an art lover’s dream here.
Strasbourg Ville, Strasbourg, France
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Strasbourg Ville is where the old meets the new, and it is one of the busiest train stations in France. The original train station was completed in 1883, but it was in 2007 when this station became one of the most unique stations in Europe. It was enclosed in a glass balloon to protect the stately building, transforming it into a real-life time capsule.
From afar, it looks like a modern art museum, but get closer, and you can feel the hustle and bustle of the commuters rushing around. But take a moment to enjoy the contrast of the old-word Rennaisance style building encased in a modern glass structure.
Gare do Oriente, Lisbon, Portugal
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Here is the third train station in Portugal and the second in Lisbon. So, if you are in Lisbon, be sure to check them both out. Unlike Rossio Railway Station, with its classically revived Portuguese style, this station is so modern that it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. Gare do Oriente was built in 1998 and is the newest train station on my list.
Gare do Oriente is the central station in Lisbon with international links. This modern marvel is spectacular both day and night. The bright blue Mediteranean sky shines through the glasswork, highlighting the beautiful white metal structure. And by night, it is lit to showcase its sheer impressiveness.
And that’s not all. You can spot huge art murals created by international artists throughout the metro station. One of the most striking panels is a cartoon-like world created by Icelandic artist Erro, depicting mythical creatures and more. Look out for other remarkable tile panels created by renowned artists Antonio Segui and Yayoi Kusama.
Jungfraujoch Railway Station, Switzerland
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Train journeys don’t get much better than those in Switzerland or the surrounding Alpine areas. The incredible scenery alone makes the station worth visiting. One of the most breathtaking terminals in the Swiss Alps is Jungfraujoch Railway Station.
It is the highest railway terminal in Europe, sitting 3,454 meters above sea level. The first journey was completed in 1912 and has been running ever since. The station itself is underground, but it leads you to breathtaking views.
From Jungfraujoch station, head to one of the world’s highest observatory towers, The Sphinx Observatory. The station is also connected via a tunnel to The Top Of Europe, where you can discover the incredible Ice Palace. Sure, this is one of the most expensive railway stations to visit, but you are welcomed with some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see on your travels.
Gare de Nice Ville, France
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Gare de Nice Ville is the main train station in Nice, and it was opened in 1864. It remains relatively unchanged since it opened, demonstrating the luxury of the French Riveria. With the richly decorated balconies throughout, the ornate stonework, and the grand clock tower, you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time to the roaring twenties.
The wonderfully preserved glass canopy over the platforms gives this station its wow factor. Stand on the platforms and look up and admire the ironwork, showing off the 19th-century construction. From there, board a train and explore the beautiful Cote d’Azur at your leisure.
Stockholm Metro Stations, Sweden
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Art Enthusiasts, Urban Explorers, Photography Aficionados, Cultural Seekers, Commuters
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I’ve chosen something a little different from the rest of my top European railway stations. This entry consists of over 100 stations, and together, they make the world’s longest art exhibition, spanning over 110 kilometers. Each station features unique artwork, and it is a vibrant collection created by over 150 artists.
Stadion, one of Stockholm’s oldest cave stations, is one of the most striking terminals. The rainbow mural sweeps over the blue tunnel, bringing the beautiful sky deep underground. Possibly the most iconic is T-Centralen, with its blue flower motifs on a dazzling white background. Visiting these stations is more of a day out than a short visit, and the Stockholm Metro System deserves an article all to itself.
Final Thoughts
Train stations in Europe are more than traveling hubs; they showcase local artisanal work in architecturally striking spaces. Although many change and expand throughout the years to meet modern needs, they retain their everlasting charm. These majestic jewels should be a part of your travel itinerary. As you admire their beauty, be sure not to miss your train. But in these train stations, it’s easy to see they might be worth missing your train for.
