These are the 7 most beautiful train stations in the world

Train stations, dull and utilitarian? Hardly. Each year, the Prix Versailles proves that transport infrastructure can be a work of art. This international award, presented under the patronage of UNESCO and the International Chamber of Commerce, honors outstanding architecture in the areas of travel, culture, shopping, and gastronomy – including the world's most beautiful airports (Travelnews reported).

The seven most beautiful train stations in the world for 2025 have now been selected: masterpieces that prove functionality and beauty are not mutually exclusive. From the futuristic metro temple in Sydney to airy glass galleries in Belgium and the impressive transport hubs of Saudi Arabia.

Gadigal Station, Sydney (Australia)

In the heart of Sydney lies the ultramodern Gadigal Station, named after the Gadigal people, the original inhabitants of the region. Located 25 meters underground, the structure embodies futuristic lightness and an ecological vision. Artworks made of vibrant ceramic tiles adorn the entrances, symbolizing movement and dynamism. The clean lines and flowing forms reflect the city's geology. Gadigal Station is a statement for sustainable mobility – a metro project that unites architecture and environmental awareness.

Mons Station, Mons (Belgium)

Star architect Santiago Calatrava has created a new landmark in Mons, about 70 kilometers southwest of Brussels. The snow-white, delicate structure with its 165-meter-long roof connects the historic old town with the modern Grands Prés district. The station resembles a cathedral of steel and glass – bright, airy, and elegant. Sophisticated ventilation systems ensure a comfortable climate year-round. Mons Station represents the transformation of an entire city, seamlessly blending mobility and culture into a harmonious whole.

Baiyun Station, Guangzhou (China)

Baiyun Station in Guangzhou demonstrates how modern transportation architecture is redefining urban planning. Where once there were unused spaces, a light-filled center has emerged, featuring shops, offices, and green pedestrian walkways. A circular promenade around the 24 high-speed train lines connects platforms, parks, and workspaces, creating a vibrant microcosm. The interplay of glass, light, and nature creates an urban oasis – monumental yet human.

Saint-Denis – Pleyel, Paris (France)

Rising at the intersection of three municipalities north of Paris, this 35-meter-high structure combines strength and warmth. Its interiors, entirely clad in wood, exude a natural elegance — a deliberate contrast to the otherwise cool, reinforced concrete aesthetic. Daylight penetrates down to the 28-meter-deep platforms, and over a hundred sculptures, inspired by prehistoric art, adorn the atrium. This creates a connection between past, present, and future. Saint-Denis-Pleyel is an architectural symbol of unity in an urban transition zone.

Gustave Roussy Station, Villejuif (France)

Dominique Perrault, known for his poetic metal constructions, created a station in Villejuif that redefines light and space. A glass pavilion rises above a wide plaza, featuring a spectacular 70-meter-diameter cylinder that channels air and light 50 meters deep into the ground. Stainless steel in a variety of textures creates a captivating interplay of reflections. The design dissolves boundaries – between inside and outside, movement and stillness, city and transit.

KAFD Station, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)

The KAFD station is the futuristic centerpiece of the new metro network in the Saudi Arabian capital. Its curved form is reminiscent of wind ripples in the desert sand – an homage to nature and a symbol of technological progress. The design is based on digital traffic flow models that simulate the movement patterns of people, cars, and trains. The result: an organic structure that is both a work of art and an engineering marvel. With a 176-kilometer network, Riyadh now ranks among the most modern metropolises in the world.

Qasr Al Hokm Station, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)

A second gem from Riyadh. This striking landmark captivates with its funnel-shaped roof, which, like a mirror, reflects the life of the square above. Daylight streams through the glass structure down to the platforms, where a green oasis awaits underground. The warm, clay-colored walls evoke traditional Najdi architecture and blend high-tech with regional identity. Qasr Al Hokm demonstrates how modern design and cultural heritage can coexist in perfect balance.