Architectural Wonders: The 10 Best-Designed Railway Stations on Earth

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), formerly known as Victoria Terminus. It is one of the most important railway stations in India. It is situated in the busiest center of Mumbai. CSMT is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), an architectural masterpiece, and an essential transportation hub. However, Mumbai is a prosperous city with a dynamic culture, which is demonstrated by the fusion of traditional Indian architecture with the Victorian Gothic Revival style. A historic railway station terminus in India 

London St Pancras

This train station in London is regarded as one of the oldest. Construction took two decades. Upon its completion in 1868, it was the largest enclosed space structure in the world at that time. St Pancras station still features red marble exteriors that showcase the Victorian architectural style of the era. Throughout World War II, numerous passengers departed from London to avoid bombings, and soldiers frequented the station for covert meetings.

Antwerpen Centraal

Antwerpen Centraal is in Belgium, famous for its precious designs and luxury. King Leopold built this railway station in the 20th Century. Leopold had left no stone unturned in creating this station. Also, the roof of the station is made of logs and glass. The interior is made of expensive, luxurious marble, shining completely when sunlight hits. A big anti-clock has been installed at the entrance of the building, which adds beauty. This railway station had suffered a lot of damage during World War 2. Hence, it was renovated in 1986

Grand Central

Grand Central is in New York, United States. If you love Hollywood movies, you must have seen their classics, like North by Northwest and The Avengers. This railway station is considered one of the famous stations due to its art and architecture. The station is beautifully decorated with splendid artwork and paintings. Also, the roof of the station is made of green marble and rocks, which gives a very luxurious look. You can also find a bar, a grocery store, a restaurant, etc. This station handles around 67 million passengers every year.

Napoli Afragola

A unique railway station structure is located in Afragola, Italy. Napoli Afragola is famous all over the world for its structure. The railway station looks like a creature when it is seen from above. Also, the total height of the station is 82 feet. The total number of railway tracks is four, and the total length is 220000 square feet. The shop at the Afragola railway station has been beautifully and thoughtfully built. This is the railway station that runs on natural ventilation and also saves electricity.

Kanazawa Station

Kanazawa Station is a city in Japan with famous architecture and unique artifacts. According to the NCN design, a big wooden plank is built at the entry. The roof of the Kanazawa Railway Station is shaped like a drum. The station is made of glass and steel. People reacted similarly when they saw this railway station for the first time in 2005.

Southern Cross Railway Station

This station is situated in Melbourne, Australia, and is renowned for its creative and stunning design. The shape of its roof resembles dunes, which serve as the focal point of conversation. Australia's well-known designer, Greenso, crafted the roof of this railway station in 2006. Southern Cross Railway Station was constructed in 1859 but has undergone recent renovations. It covers 6000 square meters. The design of its roof has been developed with natural ventilation in mind to ensure that the station's environment can remain cool through exhaust.

Gare Strasbourg

It is regarded as a wonderful and large railway station in France. Its structure is recognized for its stunning architecture and historical significance. This railway station stands as one of the oldest in France. Gare Strasbourg station underwent renovation in 2007 by architect Jean Marie Salt, which included the construction of a dam-shaped wall in front of the building using glass and steel to safeguard the structure from pollution and individuals.

Gare do Oriente

This train station in Portugal is regarded as very popular due to its distinctive architecture. Its construction has been accomplished with the incorporation of steel and glass. The two-directional train station has been designed as a large pavilion and appears stunning.

This train station was opened in 1998. At that time, it was the biggest train station in Portugal. Furthermore, on 7 October 1998, this station was also awarded the title of largest construction project. This is not a typical train station but a multi-modal train station. It also comprises additional facilities such as bus stations, shopping centers, dining establishments, and a police station.

Hua Hin Train Station

The century-old station in the Hua Hin subdistrict is a class one railway station in Thailand. It is one of the oldest stations in the country and has classic Thai architecture. King Rama encouraged the building of the Royal Waiting Room, which is also the best feature of the station, in 1911 during his reign.

However, Prince Purachatra Jayakara ordered the rebuilding of the station in the Victorian architectural style in 1926. The station once again changed the former railway minister of Thailand, Colonel Saeng Chulacharit, in 1967, when he coordinated the relocation of the Sanam Chandra Palace Railway pavilion to Hua Hin railway station, which became another main attraction.