Europe’s 5 most beautiful train stations

Train travel is not only fast and efficient, it also gives you the opportunity to admire some of the world’s most stunning architecture. Let’s take a look at the five most iconic train stations in Europe.

Psst, Europe still has a lot of other (lesser known) beautiful station buildings. Check out our article with 5 unique European train stations

Liège-Guillemins train station

1. Liège-Guillemins, Belgium

Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the strikingly modern station of Liège-Guillemins consists mainly of glass, steel and white concrete. With light pouring in through the many skylights and windows, this astonishing piece of architecture draws in not only train travellers, but architecture buffs as well.

Milano Centrale train station

2. Milano Centrale, Italy

What was originally a simple building design became more and more complex as former Prime Minister Mussolini wanted Milan’s Central Station to reflect the nation’s powerful regime. The result is a gorgeous blend of architectural styles, including Art Deco and Art Nouveau.

London St Pancras International train station

3. London St Pancras International, Great Britain

The red brick Gothic façade of the St Pancras train station is a fine example of England’s great Victorian architecture. The station, which took 20 years to build, features immense halls and many shops, restaurants and bars.

Antwerpen-Centraal train station

4. Antwerpen-Centraal, Belgium

The neo-baroque central station of Antwerp boasts a massive dome over the waiting room hall and features over 20 kinds of marble and stone. No expense was spared in building this opulent building, which is regarded as the finest example of railway architecture in Belgium.

Madrid Atocha train station

5. Madrid Atocha, Spain

The largest train station in Spain is not only a transportation hub, it also houses an indoor botanical garden and turtle sanctuary! There are about 7,000 plants in the garden, which also features small ponds with fish and turtles. On the outside, the Atocha station boasts an impressive wrought iron style.