The Most Famous Train Station: An Unparalleled Ranking

Voting rules: Choose the station you think is the most famous!

Updated on Sep 20, 2023 12:32

Welcome to StrawPoll's latest and most exhilarating ranking challenge: "Which is the most famous train station?" As a devoted traveler, history buff, or a train enthusiast, you're cordially invited to join thousands of fellow participants in an epic quest to determine the most iconic train station that stands as a symbol of architectural marvel, cultural significance, and fascinating history. From bustling Grand Central Terminal in New York to the awe-inspiring St. Pancras International in London, the contenders are plenty, and the race is on! So, buckle up, and prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through the world's most remarkable train stations. Cast your vote, share your thoughts, and suggest any hidden gems we may have missed. Your opinion matters, and together we'll uncover the ultimate train station that reigns supreme!

Which Is the Most Famous Train Station? (September 2023)

1

48
votes
Grand Central Terminal, New York City

One of the most iconic train stations in the world, known for its stunning architecture and history. It is also the largest station in the world by number of platforms.
Description

Grand Central Terminal, located in the heart of New York City, is one of the most famous train stations in the world. It is a historic transportation hub that serves as a major landmark and a symbol of the vibrant energy of the city. The terminal is renowned for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, grand interiors, and bustling atmosphere.

Location: Manhattan, New York City, United States

Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts

Construction Period: 1903-1913

Main Concourse Size: 22,000 square feet

Number of Platforms: 44
2

35
votes
Colin · CC BY-SA 3.0

St. Pancras International, London

William Barlow

A beautiful Victorian station that was restored and transformed into a modern station, connecting London to Europe through the Eurostar. It is also home to the famous statue of the "Meeting Place".
Description

St. Pancras International is a famous train station located in London, United Kingdom. It is known for its stunning Victorian Gothic architecture and serves as a key transportation hub connecting the city of London with various destinations in Europe. The station is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and amenities for travelers.

Architectural Style: Victorian Gothic

Location: London, United Kingdom

Transportation Hub: Connects London with various destinations in Europe

Shops: Numerous shops within the station

Restaurants: Diverse dining options available
3

12
votes
Velvet · CC BY-SA 3.0

Gare du Nord, Paris

Jacques Ignace Hittorff

One of the busiest train stations in the world, connecting Paris to the rest of France and Europe. It is also known for its stunning architecture and history.
Description

The Gare du Nord is a famous train station located in Paris, France. It serves as a major transportation hub and is known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.

Location: Paris, France

Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts

Year of Construction: 1843-1864

Size: Approximately 3 hectares

Number of Platforms: 36 platforms
4

11
votes
Kakidai · CC BY-SA 4.0

Tokyo Station, Tokyo

Tatsuno Kingo

A historic station that serves as the main terminal for long-distance trains in Japan. It is also known for its beautiful architecture and the iconic Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building.
Description

Tokyo Station is a historic and iconic train station located in the Marunouchi business district of Tokyo, Japan. It serves as a major transportation hub and is known for its exquisite architectural design and rich history.

Location: Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan

Architectural Style: Marunouchi brick design

Construction Period: 1914 - 1917

Total Floor Area: approx. 125,000 square meters

Number of Platforms: 10
5

11
votes
NASA World Wind · Public domain

Union Station, Washington D.C.

Daniel H. Burnham

A historic station that serves as a hub for Amtrak and commuter trains in the D.C. area. It is also known for its beautiful architecture and history.
Description

Union Station, Washington D.C. is a historic train station located in the capital city of the United States. It is widely regarded as one of the most famous and beautiful train stations in the country. Union Station serves as a major transportation hub, connecting various modes of transportation including trains, buses, and the city's metro system. It is also home to shops, restaurants, a food court, and several cultural attractions such as museums and theaters.

Completion Year: 1907

Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts

Materials Used: Stone, Steel, and Concrete

Features: Impressive Main Hall, Large Clock Tower

Main Hall Size: 96 feet by 120 feet
6

16
votes
Central Station, Sydney

A historic station that serves as the main terminal for long-distance trains in Australia. It is also known for its beautiful architecture and the iconic clock tower.
Description

Central Station, Sydney is the largest and busiest railway station in New South Wales, Australia. Located in the heart of Sydney, it serves as a major transportation hub for suburban, regional, and intercity trains.

Year of completion: 1906

Architectural style: Federation Free Classical

Number of platforms: 25

Terminal tracks: 6

Daily train movements: around 1,500
7

14
votes
Ludvig14 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Milano Centrale, Milan

Ulisse Stacchini

A beautiful station that serves as the main terminal for long-distance trains in Italy. It is also known for its stunning architecture and the iconic Hall of the Royal Pavilion.
Description

Milano Centrale, Milan is one of the most famous train stations in Italy. Located in the heart of Milan, it serves as a major transportation hub connecting the city with several domestic and international destinations. The station is renowned for its impressive architecture and bustling atmosphere, making it a popular landmark and meeting point for locals and tourists alike.

Location: Milan, Italy

Architect: Ulisse Stacchini

Year of Construction: 1864-1931

Architectural Style: Art Nouveau

Size: Approximately 250,000 square meters
8

4
votes
Antonio Vera · CC BY-SA 2.0

Antwerpen-Centraal, Antwerp

Louis Delacenserie

A stunning station that serves as the main terminal for trains in Belgium. It is also known for its beautiful architecture and the iconic dome.
Description

Antwerpen-Centraal, also known as Antwerp Central Station, is a historic and majestic train station located in the heart of Antwerp, Belgium. It is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

Style: Eclectic architectural style with a combination of neo-gothic, neo-renaissance, and neo-baroque elements

Construction Period: 1895-1905

Materials: Iron, steel, glass, and stone

Giant Dome: Impressive iron and glass dome spanning over the waiting room

Facade: Elaborate facade adorned with numerous sculptures and decorative elements
9

11
votes
Ansgar Koreng · CC BY 3.0 de

Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Berlin

Architect: Meinhard von Gerkan

A modern station that serves as the main terminal for long-distance trains in Germany. It is also known for its stunning architecture and the iconic glass dome.
Description

Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Berlin is one of the most famous train stations in Europe. It is the main railway station in Berlin, Germany, and is recognized for its impressive architecture and modern facilities.

Location: Berlin, Germany

Year of Construction: 2006-2006

Architectural Style: Contemporary, Modern

Height: 46 meters

Length: 430 meters
10

1
votes
Rangan Datta Wiki · CC BY-SA 4.0

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai

Frederick William Stevens

A historic station that serves as the main terminal for trains in Mumbai. It is also known for its beautiful architecture and the UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
Description

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, also known as CST or Victoria Terminus, is a historic railway station located in Mumbai, India. It is one of the most famous train stations in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The station is known for its unique blend of Victorian Gothic and traditional Indian architectural styles.

Location: Mumbai, India

Architectural Style: Victorian Gothic and traditional Indian

Construction Period: 1878 - 1887

Architect: Frederick William Stevens

Height: 108 feet

Missing your favorite station?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for famous train station

Historical significance

The train station's age, architecture, and role in history can be important factors in its fame.
Location

Some train stations have become famous for their location in a particular city or region, making them a gateway to popular tourist destinations.
Size

Train stations with multiple platforms, amenities, and services can become more famous due to their size.
Passenger traffic

Stations that serve large numbers of passengers may increase their fame simply due to the sheer volume of people passing through.
Cultural significance

Some train stations have become famous due to their portrayal in popular culture, such as being featured in books, movies, or television shows.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous train station. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite station is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.

Statistics

1625 views
163 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each station once every 24 hours. The rank of each station is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous train station

Train stations have always been an important part of our transportation system, connecting people and places across the globe. With their unique architecture and historical significance, some train stations have become iconic landmarks in their own right. But which train station is the most famous of them all? From bustling transport hubs to architectural masterpieces, there are countless contenders for the title. In this article, we'll explore the history and significance of some of the world's most famous train stations, and attempt to answer the age-old question: which one truly deserves to be crowned the most famous?