Inaugurated in 1846, Gare du Nord in Paris is Europe's busiest railway station. Mid-19th century flourishes like the ornate Restaurant Le Train Bleu (pictured) can still be admired.
Istanbul's historic Haydarpasa Terminal has been closed since 2013. But there are plans to reopen this late 19th-century gem. Meanwhile, archaeologists have unearthed a Byzantine-era fountain, among other exciting artifacts discovered during digs near the building.
Inaugurated in 1910, this station is noted for its fusion of Eastern and Western architectural signatures. The Heritage Station Hotel is housed within.
Its granite cladding lends Helsinki's landmark station a formidable aspect, a look heightened by the sturdy clock tower and two pairs of statues that dominate the facade.
Contemporary meets traditional in the shape of a vast glass balloon that encloses the late 19th-century historical facade.
Architect Ulisse Stacchini (1871–1947) drew inspiration from the Art Deco style of Union Station in Washington, D.C. for Milan's main railway hub. The building is decorated with mythological sculptures, neoclassical columns, and grand staircases.
Chicago's neoclassical Union Station is the fourth-busiest rail terminal in the United States. Opened in 1925, it's one of the city's most iconic structures.
The grandest of any British railway station, this Gothic masterpiece dates back to 1868 and is a London landmark.
The interior of this Porto railway station is adorned with around 20,000 blue and white tiles (azulejos) that variously depict historic battles, religious processions, knights, monarchs, and noblemen, among other subjects.
Built to accommodate Lisbon's Expo 98 World Exposition, the Orient Station was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
How many times have you actually paused to admire a railway station? A few at best, probably. And yet there are some stations out there that truly deserve to be explored. In fact, they are worth missing your train for.
Browse this gallery and get on the right track with these incredible railway stations from around the world.
Where to admire the world's most beautiful train stations
Some of these railway stations are rare cultural heritage sites
TRAVEL Architecture
How many times have you actually paused to admire a railway station? A few at best, probably. And yet there are some stations out there that truly deserve to be explored. In fact, they are worth missing your train for.
Browse this gallery and get on the right track with these incredible railway stations from around the world.