10 photogenic train stations from around the world
These striking train stations are more than just a point of transit.
Antwerpen-Centraal Station
Where: Antwerp, Belgium
Image: @hwarawa/ Instagram
Completed in 1905, this train station is oft referred to as the “Railway cathedral”. Its historic domed building is so richly embellished with features such as large lion statues and decorative details made with over 20 types of marble and stone. After the recent restoration work in 2007, the train station now fuses a mix of the old and new; its historic dome building still faces the Astrid Square while a modern atrium leads out to its second entrance at Kievit Square.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Where: Mumbai, India
Image: @mallu_bwoy/ Instagram
It’s one of the busiest train stations in India that’s also a must-see while you’re in Mumbai, whether in the day or at night. Formerly known as the Victoria Terminus, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is built in the distinct Victorian-Gothic style and was modelled after the late medieval buildings in Italy. What makes it so unique: the elements of traditional Mughal architecture which include turrets, pointed arches and a stone dome.
Dunedin Train Station
Where: Dunedin, New Zealand
Image: @bellswithoutborders/ Instagram
This grand train station is quite a striking sight whether you’re viewing from the street. The station’s Flemish Baroque-inspired architecture features Gothic spires, matched with the colourful contrast of white Oamaru limestone against the dark basalt. Wander in and you’ll find the interiors to be as photogenic. The extensive ornamentation includes porcelain tiles, ironwork as well as mosaic flooring and stained glass windows that feature locomotive motifs.
Estacao de Sao Bento
Where: Porto, Portugal
Image: @super_porto_/ Instagram
Done in the beaux arts architectural style, this elegant train station’s most famous sight lies within its front hall. Here, you’ll find 20,000 magnificent ceramic tiles (azulejos) that depict landscapes, battles and other scenes from Portugal’s history. Just be sure to avoid visiting during the peak hours, to get a full view of these floor to ceiling scenes.
Estacion de Madrid Atocha
Where: Madrid, Spain
Image: @oree_/ Instagram
Imagine a jungle-like foliage within a train station; some of its tallest trees even seem to come close to its domed ceiling. That’s exactly what you’ll see at the concourse of Madrid’s largest station. Go for a stroll around its 4,000 square metres tropical garden, which was added to the station in 1992, along with cafes, shops and a nightclub.
Grand Central Terminal
Where: New York, United States
Image: @grandcentralnyc/ Instagram
You’ve seen this train station in movies, on television shows and it’s become that quintessential part of any first trip to New York. Look upwards at the famed main concourse to view the astronomical ceiling, wander around the dining concourse in search of a quick bite and explore the passageways to view the concourse in all its ornate glory. A tip: join the daily guided tours or put your headsets on for the audio tour, to find out more about this historic terminal.
Komsomolskaya
Where: Moscow, Russia
Image: @kiwicom247/ Instagram
The grandeur of some subway stations in Moscow sometimes reach even palatial proportions. Extravagant details such as marble walls, stained glass, mosaics and chandeliers were added, in praise of Soviet life. The Komsomolskaya Metro station is among one of the must-sees while you’re in the city; it stands out for its baroque-style ceiling that’s in a striking yellow hue.
Kungsträdgården
Where: Stockholm, Sweden
Image: @lanabanana307/ Instagram
Over 90 of the 100 subway stations of Stockholm have been decked with colourful artworks by artists since the 1950s. At 110 km long, it’s no wonder the subway system has been dubbed as the world’s largest underground art gallery. Photographers in the know flock to these stations like bees to honey. The Kungsträdgården station in particular, stands out with its eclectic mix of colourful lines and relics from the old Makalös palace which once stood at the same location.
Westfriedhof Station
Where: Munich, Germany
Image: @alanlangus/ Instagram
You’ve seen the stations with chandeliers and stone lions; now meet their modern antithesis, which are functional and sleek. Just take a look at the Westfriedhof subway station, which is part of Munich’s U-Bahn system. A line of huge 3.8 m wide lamps line the platform, covering sections of it in red, blue and yellow lights. The concrete walls and ceiling on the other hand, are bathed in blue light, adding to the station’s mysterious and cave-like atmosphere.
Metro Toledo
Where: Naples, Italy
Image: @chinnova/ Instagram
In 10 years, the city of Naples has been transforming section by section of its subway into “Metro art stations”. One of its most mesmerising finds is Metro Toledo, which opened in 2012. Yet it has its quiet beauty too. Themed around water and light, the station’s ceiling and walls are decked in a spectrum of blue and white mosaic tiles, which are laid densely to create this ethereal sight.
