Europe is investing in a new generation of railway stations designed to do more than move passengers from one train to another. From vast transport hubs to carefully restored historic buildings, these projects are reshaping rail travel while creating new public spaces in cities across the continent.
Vienna Hauptbahnhof, which opened in 2014, is one of the clearest examples of this transformation. The Austrian capital’s main railway hub brings together domestic and international services in a modern transport complex. In Madrid, Atocha station combines its role as a major rail interchange with an indoor tropical garden, offering passengers a distinctive environment in the heart of the city. Reading station in England has also undergone a major redevelopment, improving connections and easing congestion on one of the country’s busiest rail networks.
Berlin Hauptbahnhof, opened in 2006, stands out for its multi-level design, which allows trains to operate on different levels within a single central hub. Belgium has also invested heavily in station architecture. Antwerp Central is renowned for its monumental historic interior, while Liège-Guillemins, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, features a striking glass-and-steel roof. Mons station, which entered service in early 2025, adds another contemporary landmark to the country’s railway network.
In Birmingham, station redevelopment reflects the city’s changing transport needs. Moor Street retains much of its historic character, while New Street underwent a major modernisation that transformed its passenger facilities. The planned Curzon Street station is expected to play a central role in the city’s future role as a hub for the HS2 high-speed rail network.
Lisbon’s Gare do Oriente, designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in 1998, remains one of Europe’s most recognisable modern stations. Its sweeping steel-and-glass structure connects rail services with metro, bus and other transport links. In Scotland, Glasgow Queen Street station was redeveloped between 2017 and 2021, improving capacity and passenger facilities while maintaining its position as a key gateway to the city and the surrounding region.
The next phase of railway development is already taking shape. The Rail Baltica project is expected to bring new stations and high-speed connections to cities including Riga and Tallinn, strengthening links between the Baltic states and the wider European rail network. Major station projects and upgrades are also planned or under way in Stuttgart, Munich, Barcelona and Budapest.
Railway stations are also becoming important parts of urban life beyond the platforms. In Stockholm and Copenhagen, metro stations are known for their distinctive architecture and design, showing how transport infrastructure can contribute to a city’s identity.
Together, these projects reflect a broader shift in how European cities approach rail travel. Modern stations are increasingly designed as accessible public spaces that combine transport, architecture and urban development, making the railway journey an integral part of the travel experience rather than simply a means of reaching a destination.
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