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.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, India - This historic rail terminus in Mumbai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 1888, it was originally known as the Victoria Terminus.
Estacion de Madrid Atocha, Spain - Atocha's vast plaza resembles a tropical forest, with plants, flowers, and even rare turtles greeting commuters: it's one of the most originally conceived green spaces in the city!
Grand Central Terminal, USA - One of New York City's great cultural landmarks and an iconic American building, Grand Central has a staggering 44 platforms, more than any other station in the world.
Caminho de Ferro de Moçambique, Mozambique - Maputo's Beaux-Arts style railway station is regularly ranked as one of the world's most beautiful. Dating back to 1916, it's still in use today and remains a cultural focus of the city's old quarter.
Dunedin railway station, New Zealand - Nicknamed the "Gingerbread House" by locals for its orange-red facade, Dunedin's Renaissance-style station, located on South Island, is, in fact, built using white limestone and black basalt rock.
Antwerpen-Centraal railway station, Belgium - Often cited as one of the greatest railway stations in the world, Antwerpen-Centraal is dubbed the "Railway Cathedral" due to its monumental proportions. The luxurious marble and stone interior is dazzling.
Kanazawa Station, Japan - Kanazawa Station in the country's Ishikawa province is dominated by the monumental Tsuzumi Gate. Inside, the platforms are complemented by a modern shopping mall.
Hua Hin railway station, Thailand - Hua Hin serves the country's western Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The decorative Royal Waiting Room lends the station—one of the oldest in Thailand—an exotic appearance.
Yaroslavsky Station, Russia - Inaugurated in 1862, but rebuilt a number of times, this is one of nine railway station in Moscow and is arguably the most picturesque. It's notable as the western terminus of the world's longest railway line, the Trans-Siberian.
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.
Sirkeci railway station, Turkey - Istanbul's Sirkeci station once served as the eastern terminus of the world-famous Orient Express. Although no longer used, the beautiful French Art Nouveau building has been carefully preserved and houses a railway museum.
Inaugurated in 1910, this station is noted for its fusion of Eastern and Western architectural signatures. The Heritage Station Hotel is housed within.
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.