The Most Beautiful Train Stations in the World
Content and CRM Executive
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.
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
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
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Beijing, China
ENDS AT
Shanghai, China
DURATION
10
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Duoliang Station, Taiwan
This is the smallest station on this list by a distance. In fact we’re not really choosing Duoliang for architectural reasons. This station is all about location, location, location. Surrounded by hilltop greenery on one side and stunning Pacific Ocean vistas on the other, it’s one of the most scenic spots in all of Taiwan. This isn’t even a working station anymore, but the platforms have been adapted into viewing spots, extremely popular with local trainspotters. We’ll be going through Duoliang Station on our Taste of Taiwan trip, as we journey along the stunning East Coast National Scenic Area, which offers several hours of scenic train riding as we journey from Kaohsiung City to Hualien City. Be sure to get your camera ready as we approach the station, since this is one of the most iconic spots on the island.
From US$2029
Next available from 30th Dec 2023
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Taipei, Taiwan
ENDS AT
Taipei, Taiwan
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
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.
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meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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