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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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$4119

Next available from 28th Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

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$2849

Next available from 24th Feb 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Beijing, China

ENDS AT

Shanghai, China

DURATION

10

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.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

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