Not to sound too much like Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory, but: “Oh, I like all kinds of trains: steam, diesel, coal, elevated, bullet. I defy you to name a train that I don’t like.” Nothing can quite describe the first time you experience riding the rails. An added joy is the marvelous sites of magnificent train stations. From the architecture to the overall feel of the traveling hustle and bustle, these are some of the most extraordinary train stations on the planet. Have you seen them?
1. Grand Central, New York
Grand Central Station in New York is over a century old and sees over 267,000 travelers visit its station each day. One of the most gorgeous features of Grand Central Station is the unique mural that’s painted right over the arched ceiling featuring celestial artwork.
2. Napoli Afragola, Naples
Napoli Afragola looks like anything but a train station, in fact, it resembles some type of reptilian creature that’s slithering over rail lines connecting Napoli and Salerno. While visiting this train station, you’ll take in stunning views of its volcanic backdrop, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. The structure has been designed that in the event of an earthquake, the structure will move independently to prevent damage.
3. Union Station, Los Angeles
Union Station in Los Angeles combines Spanish Colonial with contemporary art. Located on its exterior, you’ll see a bell tower, and in the train station’s waiting area you’ll see a wood-painted ceiling and a marble floor. The best time to see Union Station in LA is on a warm sunny day in the rose garden and near its tiled fountain.
4. Gare du Nord, Paris
Gare du Nord is one of the busiest and picturesque train stations in Europe, and features 23 stunning sculptures a variety of destinations represented by the Chemin de Fur du Nord company. If you’re lucky to visit this station at the right time of day, you’ll get to see the light shine through the panels of glass. Don’t worry, if you can’t make your way to Europe, you can see Gare du Nord station featuring in the movie The Bourne Identity.
5. Southern Cross Station, Melbourne
Southern Cross Station was once called Spencer Street Station, but changed its name in 2005 to keep up with modern times. One of the best parts about its structure is its air-filled blanket roof floating on columns throughout the train station. If you want to see more of its colorful details, you can head over to the western end of the station to catch a glimpse of the History of Transport mural.
6. Kanazawa Station, Japan
After its revealing in 2005, many visitors were surprisingly not impressed with its modern entrance because of the way it clashed with its traditional architecture. This train station was spared during the bombings of World War II and has become popular with visitors and photographers with its modern beauty. After you’ve caught a glimpse of its stunning modern entrance, you can stop by its fountain that resembles a digital clock.
7. Atocha Station, Madrid
In 1992, Atocha Station had its new terminal open and converted its old station into a tropical garden filled with palm trees almost as tall as its glass roof. It also serves as a nightclub and café, pretty cool, right?! You can access the new Atocha Station through the old terminal, and purchase your tickets to wait for the train.
8. Sirkeci Station, Istanbul
This attractive station built in 1890 was one of the main forms of transportation, has an abundance of red brick in its entrance, and colorful stained glass windows. Even though its train station no longer uses the entrance, visitors love to stop on the outside to admire its beauty and to view an occasional show by dervishes inside of its hall. If you want to have a ride on this train, you’ll need to book well in advance, as seats sell quickly.
9. St. Pancras, London
Stepping into the scene in 1868, this train station is back in the spotlight after its £800 million makeover. After a thorough cleaning and renovation, over 300,000 pounds of dirt was removed from its bricks and 8,000 glass window panes were restored in the roof. After the cleaning and renovation was complete, St. Pancras, once again, became one of the most beautiful train stations in London.
10. Union Station, Missouri
Union Station in Missouri is one of the busiest train stations in the world, and is known as the gateway to America. The Grand Hall of the station is sophisticated with historic touches, such as its stain glass windows. If you look up to the ceiling, you can catch a 3D light show that operates to music across the vaulted ceiling.
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