大象传媒

There鈥檚 a famous old saying that it鈥檚 not the destination, it鈥檚 the journey.

Ralph Waldo Emerson鈥檚 quote was more about self-reflection than actual travel 鈥 but he may have wanted to correct himself if he鈥檇 visited some of the world鈥檚 most incredible railway stations.

大象传媒 Bitesize takes a look at some of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. All aboard鈥

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, India

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai, India is one of the world鈥檚 busiest railway stations, serving more than 3 million passengers every day.

The building was designed by Frederick Stevens and was completed in 1887 after a decade of construction. The station was opened as part of the celebrations in India - a member of the British Empire at the time - for Queen Victoria鈥檚 Golden Jubilee. The station was originally known as Victoria Terminus and is still known as VT by local residents.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai India. There is a road of busy traffic in front of the building, which is also surrounded by several trees. The sky is bright blue.
Image caption,
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus took around 10 years to build before being completed in 1887.

Housing 18 platforms, the station mixes Victorian, Hindu and Islamic styles with dog-faced gargoyles and peacock-filled windows among the highlights. The station is considered so recognisable in India, that it is frequently used in film and television to establish that a scene is set in Mumbai.

Cascada de la Macarena station, Argentina

Also known as Estaci贸n del Fin del Mundo, or the End of the World Station, Cascada de la Macarena in Argentina is the southernmost functioning railway station in the world.

The Estacion del Fin del Mundo main building in Ushuaia, set against a backdrop of green hills.
Image caption,
The Estacion del Fin del Mundo - or the End of the World Station - is the southernmost train station in the world.

The station and line was originally built to serve the prison in the city of Ushuaia 鈥 itself the world鈥檚 southernmost city. The train ran from the prison to Susana Mountain in an area that is now a national park, and was used to transport timber to serve the prison.

The station and line originally opened in 1909, but closed in 1952 鈥 five years after the prison itself closed. The station reopened as a tourist attraction in 1994 - with staff in fake prisoner uniforms - allowing visitors to experience the historical 7km (4.3 miles) journey through the national park.

Hua Hin Train Station, Thailand

Hua Hin Railway Station opened in 1911 in the district of Hua Hin, in southern Thailand 鈥 before the main station building was rebuilt in 1926 in a Victorian style.

The station building features red and white carved wooden pillars and trim, and is one of Thailand鈥檚 oldest railway stations, but it is better known for its royal waiting room.

The royal pavilion of the Hua Hin Railway Station is in the foreground on the left side with the main station building in the background. The train tracks are to the right. The pavilion is red and yellow in colour and surrounded by a small metal fence.
Image caption,
While the main station building was rebuilt in 1926, it wasn't until 1974 that the royal pavilion was moved to Hua Hin

The pavilion was originally built for King Rama VI at Sanam Chandra Palace, around 100 miles north of Hua Hin, before being moved to the station after his death in 1974.

While the main station is currently undergoing an upgrade process, the pavilion鈥檚 unique appearance ensures it remains one of the region鈥檚 most popular tourist destinations.

Estacion de Atocha, Spain

The biggest railway station in Spain is also Madrid鈥檚 oldest 鈥 and is made up of three stations and a 4,000 sq m (43,056 sq ft) tropical garden.

Estacion de Atocha was originally opened in 1851 but added adjoining high speed and commuter stations in the late 20th Century.

A view of Madrid's Estacion de Atocha from the upper concourse. The view leads down to the vast tropcial garden, with a series of stairwells to either side. Above the garden, the glass section of the roof allows sunlight into the building.
Image caption,
There are more than 500 different plant species in Estacion de Atocha's tropical garden.

The tropical garden sits under an iron and glass-topped roof, built in 1892, and features more than 500 different species of plants.

The station was also known for its turtle pond 鈥 but in more recent years, this was removed as large numbers of local residents started dumping unwanted turtles and fishes. The animals were then taken to a new home at a wildlife centre outside of the city.

Cromford Railway Station, UK

While there are beautiful railway stations all around the world, there are plenty of picturesque stations closer to home.

And one Derbyshire station, opened more than 170 years ago, is actually familiar to millions.

Cromford Railway Station opened in 1849 and is on the Derwent Valley Line connecting Derby and Matlock.

The original station building was designed by G.H. Stokes and features a large spire above the central door. Over time, it became a waiting room and was given Grade II listed status.

A view of Cromford Railway Station on a bright day. To the left is platform one, which is still in use today. To the right is the waiting room of the disused platform two, which served as the backdrop to the artwork for Oasis' Some Might Say single.
Image caption,
Standing at the station, in need of education in the rain

As traffic on the line reduced, the southbound line and platform were taken out of service 鈥 which led to a moment of music history.

Graphic designer Brian Cannon had worked with the band Oasis since their first release and was asked to concept artwork ideas for their 1995 single Some Might Say 鈥 with the instruction from Noel Gallagher to represent the song鈥檚 lyrics in the image.

Cannon had the idea to base it at a disused railway station to reflect the line 鈥楽tanding at the station, in need of education in the rain鈥 and had Cromford station recommended to him. His idea was, that if you were stood at a disused station, you needed educating. The track went on to become the band鈥檚 first ever number one single.

This article was published in November 2023

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