Seven Stunning Train Stations Recognized for Architectural Brilliance

The prestigious Prix Versailles has unveiled its 2025 edition of the “World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Stations List,” showcasing seven train stations that blend architectural beauty with functional design. This recognition highlights the significance of aesthetics in public transportation, elevating stations beyond their primary role of moving passengers.

The list features a mix of contemporary and historical designs, with a notable emphasis on European locations. Among the winners, two remarkable stations in France stand out. The **Saint-Denis Pleyel** station, located in the northern suburbs of Paris, opened on **June 24, 2024**. Built as part of the Grand Paris Express project, it serves as the terminus for Line 14 and is expected to accommodate up to **250,000 passengers daily**. Designed by renowned architect **Kengo Kuma**, the station spans nine levels and aims to become one of the busiest transit points in the city.

Just south of Paris, the **Villejuif–Gustave Roussy** station opened on **January 18, 2025**. This underground station, which serves Lines 14 and 15 of the Paris Métro, features a striking cylindrical design with a multi-layered, open-air roof. Architectural firm **Dominique Perrault Architecture** crafted this unique structure, which has been praised as a “masterpiece” by visitors.

Belgium’s **Mons railway station** also made the list, showcasing a modern transformation that pays homage to the Galerie de la Reine shopping arcade in Brussels. Originally inaugurated in **1841**, the station underwent a significant refurbishment this year. The judging panel commended its streamlined design, which features a dazzling white canopy that creates a cathedral-like atmosphere for travelers.

Across the globe, **Gadigal Station** in Sydney, Australia, recognizes the area’s Aboriginal heritage. The station boasts vibrant, colorful tiles and has become a landmark in its own right. Another notable winner is **Baiyun Station** in Guangzhou, China. This station, which serves as a hub for **24 high-speed train lines**, six subway lines, and three bus terminals, has recently undergone extensive renovations that include shopping areas and an urban park.

Saudi Arabia also claimed two spots on the list, both located in the capital, Riyadh. The **KAFD Station**, designed by **Zaha Hadid Architects**, covers nearly **88,000 square feet** and draws inspiration from traditional mashrabiya screens as well as the organic shapes formed by desert winds. It opened to the public in **December 2024**. The final entry, **Qasr Al Hokm Station**, is characterized by its unique glass roof that resembles a “periscope,” reflecting light throughout the space. Covering an impressive **211,000 square feet**, this station even features an indoor garden.

These stations exemplify how modern architecture can enhance public spaces, making them not only functional but also visually captivating. As urban centers continue to expand, the integration of beauty and practicality in transit design is increasingly becoming a priority for cities worldwide.