Train travel offers one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to explore both iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
But some stations elevate the experience even further, with premium facilities and first-class service.
New research has analysed major train stations globally to reveal the world’s most premium departure points.
The study, from travel insurance specialists at AllClear, has analysed various metrics, including premium waiting lounges, retail density, fine dining options, premium hotels and overall reviews.
Europe dominates the rankings, with more than half of the top 20 most premium train stations situated on the continent.
There’s also a surprising UK spot that’s made it on to the list.
Here’s a full rundown of the winning spots…
1. Zürich Hauptbahnhof, Switzerland
Topping the list, in Switzerland, is Zürich Hauptbahnhof
The title of most premium of all is awarded to Zürich Hauptbahnhof.
Switzerland’s largest, and busiest, railway station was built in 1847 and offers a premium experience from start to finish.
With a first-class lounge for weary passengers to wait, more than 100 shops for those wanting some retail therapy, and 90 per cent of its reviews over four stars, it’s an excellent hub for those travelling by train this summer.
2. Osaka Station City, Japan
In second place is Japan’s Osaka Station City, with its iconic gold clock
Following closely behind, and completing the top three, are two Japanese stations.
Osaka Station City scored 77 out of 100 largely thanks to its extensive shopping complex and large number of high-quality fine dining establishments.
Visitors killing time here can also visit the ‘Farm in the Sky’, a serene oasis found on the 14th floor which also has beautiful sunset views.
3. Kyoto Station, Japan
Kyoto Station is Japan’s second largest train station and has a futuristic appeal
Kyoto Station takes third place, scoring 74 out of 100.
Designed by Hiroshi Hara, this futuristic station has over 90 per cent of reviews boasting at least four stars.
This is, in part, thanks to VIP lounges with luggage storage, and plenty of high-end hotels nearby if people want to get a good night’s sleep before departure.
While waiting, there’s also a sky garden and a Skyway tunnel, a glass walkway that offers panoramic views of surrounding Kyoto.
4. Tokyo Station, Japan
In fourth place is Tokyo Station, which is a beautiful red-brick structure
Tokyo Station is the third Japanese spot in the ranking – and with its striking building, it’s easy to see why.
The hub has many premium lounges as well as highly rated fine-dining options.
One railway passenger who visited wrote on Tripadvisor: ‘I love Tokyo Station – yes, it’s crazy busy, but somehow it all works.
‘This grand hub is the beating heart of the city, a place where you can catch a Shinkansen to anywhere in Japan or hop on a local train to explore Tokyo’s endless neighbourhoods.
‘The station itself is steeped in history.’
=5. Toronto Union Station, Canada
Union Station in Downtown Toronto, Canada, is the next railway hub to join the list
Toronto Union Station ranks fifth with a score of 68 out of a 100 – and is well located in this bustling city.
It has often been hailed for its cleanliness, which is impressive given its central location and busy terminal.
One visitor wrote: ‘Very nice train station and great architecture linking the past and modernity… The CN Tower is within walking distance, as well as the baseball stadium. Nearby there are restaurants and shops. In the station there is also a food court in the basement and several shops. This is really a monument to visit.’
=6. Firenze Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy
Firenze Santa Maria Novella, Florence’s railway hub, comes in joint fifth place
Also in spot number five is Firenze Santa Maria Novella, in Florence – perhaps unsurprising given the Italian city’s reputation for beauty and style.
With a score of 68 out of a 100, this station ranks particularly well for its retail offering, lounge access and dining options.
One passenger passing through its halls commented: ‘Santa Maria Novella is more than just a train station. It serves as a grand gateway to the heart of Florence, bustling with locals and tourists, strategically positioned in the northwest corner of the historical centre.’
=7. Amsterdam Centraal, Netherlands
Amsterdam Centraal is a vibrant, energetic station – with plenty of shops to explore
Amsterdam Centraal is often considered one of Europe’s most magnificent stations – and its imposing structure stands out in the city.
According to the study, it ranks especially highly for review ratings – and the comments from visitors prove it.
One wrote: ‘Amsterdam Centraal Station is a stunning building which is an iconic symbol of the city. This can be a place to visit just to explore and spend some time, even if you’re not catching a service.’
Another chimed in: ‘Amsterdam Centraal Station was one of today’s highlights, standing like a grand gateway in the middle of this charming city.
‘Its historic architecture gives it a museum-like feel, yet it functions as a modern hub that makes slipping in and out of Amsterdam surprisingly effortless. The lively flow of travellers, trams and boats around it creates an energy that makes the whole area feel alive and constantly in motion.’
=8. Grand Central Station, New York, USA
Next up is the famous Grand Central Station in New York, USA
Grand Central Terminal in New York receives 21.6 million visitors each year and has been described as the ‘world’s loveliest station’.
It was co-designed by architectural firms Reed and Stem and Warren and Wetmore and opened in 1913.
The hub comes in joint seventh place in the ranking.
9. Paddington, London, UK
The first UK station to make the cut is London’s famous Paddington – where visitors can see a statue of the beloved bear
Paddington station is perhaps most famous for one thing – the childhood favourite bear named after it.
The station itself has a statue of the beloved character, which many tourists seek out on their travels.
One visitor wrote: ‘Our journey began with this little statue – and honestly, it couldn’t have been a better start. Paddington stands there with his suitcase and red hat, and in that moment London feels less like a busy metropolis and more like a city that welcomes you with kindness.’
10. Roma Termini, Rome, Italy
The central area at Roma Termini station in Rome is filled with shops and cafes
Want a taste of luxury when heading on a train journey? Head no further than Roma Termini.
With a score of 64/100, and highly rated for its lounge access, retail offering and nearby luxury hotels, it’s a premium hub for an already glamorous city.
One visitor remarked: ‘Stazione Termini Roma is unreal! It is definitely an experience, but we loved it. There are plenty of shops, people are everywhere, they come at you from every corner, but we loved the hustle. The food court is incredible.’
11. Gare de Lyon, Paris, France
Gare de Lyon is the first French station on the list – and has magnificent architecture
Best known for its recognisable clock tower, this is the station used for many journeys from the French capital that terminate in Lyon or its nearby towns and cities.
It may be busy, but that comes with the package – it also has many excellent food options.
One passenger said: ‘Beautiful historic station serving the trains going south. Lots of little shops and cafes inside. It’s stunning both inside and outside.
‘There are also a number of great cafes, and an outstanding boulangerie just outside the station.’
=12. St Pancras International, London, UK
Next up is St Pancras International, located in London, UK
The second UK station to join the ranking is London’s St Pancras International.
St Pancras, officially known since 2007 as London St Pancras International, is a major central London railway terminus, based in the London Borough of Camden.
It is the terminus for Eurostar services from Belgium, France, and the Netherlands to London, meaning it welcomes a vast array of travellers every year.
=13. Antwerp Central, Belgium
Antwerp Central is the next station on the list, the first Belgium offering
Antwerp’s Antwerpen-Centraal Station uses 20 different types of marble and stone and a mish-mash of architectural styles.
It has previously been voted as one of the most stunning train stations around the world.
Designed by Louis Delacenserie, it was initially criticised for its extravagance when it opened in 1905 – although clearly this design has grown on people.
=14. Prague Main Station, Czech Republic
Prague Main Station is located in the city centre and is a popular hub
With a score of 61/100, Prague Main Station comes in joint 12th place in the list.
While it might not be high on your list of priorities if visiting the city, it’s certainly worth a look, with one visitor remarking: ‘Beautiful station, love the old school style from the outside and the modern from the inside.’
Another observed: ‘The internal decoration is beautiful too. It’s well worth a visit.’
=15. Gare du Nord, Paris, France
Gare du Nord in Paris is one of the French capital’s busiest – and most high-end – stations
Gare du Nord in Paris is perhaps the station Brits will most likely recognise, as it is the city’s main Eurostar terminal with direct services running to London.
Not only that, but it also has a reputation for premium offerings – even boasting a Pierre Hermé macaron shop.
There are also lots of hotels nearby if you’re planning a quick and easy weekend getaway.
=16. Milano Centrale, Italy
Next up is Milano Centrale, located in Italy’s fashion capital
Also in joint 15th place is Milano Centrale – and with its historic exterior, it’s easy to see why it makes the luxurious ranking.
It was opened in the early 1930s, with the design of the building’s facade intended to highlight the then-Prime Minister Mussolini’s fascist regime.
Shops and restaurants add to the majestic architecture.
=17. Munich Hauptbahnhof, Germany
Munich’s central station is the first of two German hubs on the list
München Hauptbahnhof is Munich’s main station.
The building is a modernist post-war structure, which dates back to the 1950s.
One passenger said: ‘I have visited here a few times and it is a very busy but amazing place. The architecture is fabulous if you love railroad stations.’
Another added: ‘Compared to many other major railway hubs I have experienced, Munich’s main station appeared notably cleaner and generally better maintained.’
=18. Vienna Hauptbahnhof, Austria
Vienna Hauptbahnhof is the only Austrian station that managed to make the cut
In joint 17th place is Vienna Hauptbahnhof, located in the Austrian capital.
It is notably well-organised, with clean facilities and many dining options.
‘This is how modern, efficient infrastructure of a capital city works,’ one visitor said, adding: ‘The connections are excellent, the paths short, the signs exemplary and the announcements not only bilingual, but even understandable: Compliments to the technique!’
=19. Waitemata Train Station, Auckland, New Zealand
Waitemata Train Station in New Zealand’s Auckland is next on the list
Waitematā railway station, formerly known as Britomart Station, is the only station in Auckland’s city centre.
Waitematā station is centred around the Chief Post Office, providing an elegant Edwardian-age structure.
Its interior includes distinctive curved skylights and original building materials, according to Auckland Transport.
=20. Taipei Main Station, Taiwan
One of the few non-European hubs to make the list is Taipei Main Station
This Taiwan hub has many bars, restuarants and shops to peruse while awaiting your train.
Taipei Main Station also boasts a central location, adding to its luxury appeal.
‘A well-designed, modern transport hub that reflects the high standards of Taiwan’s rail system,’ one Tripadvisor review noted.
=21. Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Germany
Rounding out the top 20 is Berlin Hauptbahnhof
Also in joint 20th place is Berlin Hauptbahnhof, a major European hub.
It has a reputation for being clean, efficient and with punctual services.
One Tripadvisor review read: ‘It’s a whole world in itself. Good food choices and easy to navigate. Very clean and well maintained. You need to explore all the levels.’
The top 20 most premium train stations in the world
1. Zürich Hauptbahnhof, Zurich, Switzerland
2. Osaka Station City, Osaka, Japan
3. Kyoto Station, Kyoto, Japan
4. Tokyo Station, Tokyo, Japan
=5. Toronto Union Station, Toronto, Canada
=5. Firenze Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy
=7. Amsterdam Centraal, Amsterdam, Netherlands
=7. Grand Central Station, New York, USA
9. Paddington, London, UK
10. Roma Termini, Rome, Italy
11. Gare de Lyon, Paris, France
=12. St Pancras International, London, UK
=12. Antwerp Central, Antwerp, Belgium
=12. Prague Main Station, Prague, Czech Republic
=15. Gare du Nord, Paris, France
=15. Milano Centrale, Milan, Italy
=17. Munich Hauptbahnhof, Munich, Germany
=17. Vienna Hauptbahnhof, Vienna, Austria
=17. Waitemata Train Station, Auckland, New Zealand
=20. Taipei Main Station, Taipei, Taiwan
=20. Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Berlin, Germany
Letitia Smith, head of communications at AllClear, said: ‘Train travel is a fantastic way to travel for people looking for a slower way to move, explore more scenic views, and find hidden gems that are often missed when flying.
‘Train stations have historically been known to be busy and designed for efficiency rather than comfort, but several stations around the world rival high-end airports, thanks to extensive amenities, curated dining experiences and passenger lounges.
‘Regardless of how you explore the world this year, it’s important to have comprehensive travel insurance in place, so you’re protected ahead of your journey.’
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