Published on
November 9, 2025
France, Belgium, Australia, China, and Saudi Arabia are leading the charge in redefining global travel with their awe-inspiring train stations that blend cutting-edge design with functional brilliance. These architectural masterpieces not only serve as bustling transport hubs but also stand as symbols of innovation and cultural expression. By setting new standards in design, they elevate the travel experience, offering passengers more than just a place to catch a train—they provide an immersive journey through stunning, forward-thinking spaces. With futuristic features, cultural significance, and a commitment to sustainability, these stations represent the future of transit infrastructure, proving that functionality and beauty can coexist in the most extraordinary ways.
The World’s Most Beautiful Train Stations of 2025: A Journey Through Architectural Masterpieces
Not all train stations are created equal. While many focus on function and efficiency, others stand out as architectural gems. These stations have transformed travel hubs into visual spectacles, blending modern design with cultural significance. The 2025 edition of the Prix Versailles “World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Stations” list shines a spotlight on some of the most striking stations worldwide, places where the journey is just as memorable as the destination.
France Leads with Stunning Designs
Among the top stations on the list, France claims two spots with stations that are both functional and visually captivating. The Saint-Denis Pleyel station in northern Paris is an architectural marvel. Opened in June 2024 as part of the Grand Paris Express project, this massive station is designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The station is set to be one of Europe’s busiest, with the capacity to handle 250,000 passengers a day. Its nine levels and futuristic features are balanced with an elegant sense of space, creating a modern gateway to the French capital. Saint-Denis Pleyel’s design is a seamless fusion of innovation and functionality, making it a true symbol of the future of transportation.
Just south of Paris, the Villejuif–Gustave Roussy station, which opened in January 2025, is another masterpiece of modern architecture. Also part of the Grand Paris Express, this underground station features a cylindrical design with an open-air, multi-layered roof resembling an “upside-down skyscraper.” Known as one of the deepest passenger stations in France, it has garnered praise for its innovative use of space and striking design, earning it a spot on the 2025 list of most beautiful stations. Villejuif–Gustave Roussy’s imaginative structure redefines what a transit station can be, offering a bold new approach to urban design.
International Stars in Architecture
Moving beyond France, several other stations from around the world have earned recognition for their architectural brilliance. Gadigal Station in Sydney, Australia, is named after the Aboriginal people who once inhabited the area. The station’s interior features vibrant tiles in shades of yellow, purple, red, and blue, creating a dynamic and colorful atmosphere. Gadigal Station is not just a transportation hub but a celebration of cultural identity, blending modern design with a deep respect for the land’s history.
Baiyun Station in Guangzhou, China, is another standout. After undergoing a major transformation, Baiyun Station now boasts a range of modern amenities, including an urban park, a variety of shops, and 24 high-speed train lines. This station combines functionality with beauty, making it a crucial node in China’s vast transportation network. Its design showcases the nation’s embrace of contemporary architecture while serving as a vital part of Guangzhou’s urban landscape.
Saudi Arabia’s Architectural Brilliance
Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing urban centers are also making waves in the world of train station design. KAFD Station in Riyadh, designed by the iconic Zaha Hadid Architects, is a bold statement in modern architecture. Spanning nearly 88,000 square feet, the station’s design draws inspiration from the delicate patterns found in desert winds and sand dunes. Opened in December 2024, KAFD Station’s stunning structure reflects the cultural and environmental influences that shape Saudi Arabia’s architectural landscape.
Nearby, Qasr Al Hokm Station, also in Riyadh, stands as a beacon of light and space. The station’s design, which features a glass roof that reflects natural light throughout the interior, creates a bright, airy environment for passengers. Spanning a massive 211,000 square feet, the station includes an indoor garden, further enhancing its connection to nature. The unique design of Qasr Al Hokm has earned it recognition as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.
The Pinnacle of Train Station Design
These stations exemplify the marriage of function and beauty, where each structure serves its practical purpose while elevating the travel experience. From the modern glass structures of Europe and the Middle East to the vibrant tiles and cultural symbolism of Australia, these stations redefine what it means to travel. They transform mundane transit stops into immersive architectural experiences, where every detail tells a story of culture, innovation, and vision.
Whether they are designed to handle millions of passengers daily or simply to serve as landmarks in their own right, these stations prove that transportation hubs can be more than just functional spaces. They can be places of inspiration, beauty, and awe, making the journey itself an unforgettable part of the travel experience.
France, Belgium, Australia, China, and Saudi Arabia are redefining global travel with their stunning and innovative train stations, blending cutting-edge design with functional brilliance. These architectural marvels elevate the travel experience, setting new standards for design and sustainability in transit infrastructure.
2025 World’s Most Beautiful Train Stations List:Saint-Denis Pleyel, Paris, FranceVillejuif–Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, FranceMons Station, Mons, BelgiumGadigal Station, Sydney, AustraliaBaiyun Station, Guangzhou, ChinaKAFD Station, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaQasr Al Hokm Station, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
These exceptional stations showcase the power of architecture to transform ordinary travel into extraordinary experiences. Each station is a testament to the potential for beauty, culture, and functionality to coexist in public spaces, creating lasting impressions for travelers and visitors alike.
