10 Most Beautiful Train Stations in America (From Grand Central to Hidden Gems)
Train stations are architectural landmarks with distinct designs and rich histories. Each station reflects its city and offers a glimpse into the past while embracing the present. These spaces capture the essence of movement, culture, and time. Let’s explore some of the most beautiful train stations in America, where form and function come together in striking ways.
Grand Central Terminal, New York City, New York
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Grand Central Terminal is a New York City icon, known for its 44 platforms, the most of any station in the world. It was opened in 1913, and the two-level underground track system remains a feat of engineering. The celestial dome above the main concourse, along with the signature four-faced Tiffany clock, draws admiration, and the whispering gallery surprises visitors with its unique acoustic effect.
Cincinnati Union Terminal, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Cincinnati Union Terminal stands as a truly stunning Art Deco masterpiece. It showcases smooth curves and elegantly flowing entryways. Its ten-story semi-dome is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. This historic structure, opened in 1933, now proudly hosts the diverse Cincinnati Museum Center.
Los Angeles Union Station, Los Angeles, California
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John and Donald Parkinson designed this station in a unique “Mission Moderne” style. Beautiful courtyards and intricate tilework adorn the space. It is Los Angeles’s last grand intercity rail terminal and features a prominent 125-foot clock tower.
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, Illinois
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Chicago Union Station was completed in 1925 and has stood as a symbol of the city’s grandeur ever since. The Beaux-Arts design, with its striking Corinthian columns, commands attention in the Great Hall. Once built at a cost of $70 million, it remains the third-busiest rail hub in the country.
Washington Union Station, Washington, D.C.
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Since 1908, Washington Union Station has served as a central Amtrak hub. Its Main Hall features spectacular gold-leaf barrel-vaulted ceilings, which were elaborately designed based on ancient Roman baths. Daniel Burnham designed the 760-foot concourse, which is long enough for the Washington Monument to be laid flat.
30th Street Station, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, completed in 1933, features striking Art Deco architecture. Its 115-foot exterior, framed by Corinthian columns, makes a bold statement. Inside, the 95-foot coffered ceiling adds to the station’s impressive size. It was designed with input from Julian Abele, and it continues to serve as a central Amtrak hub.
Denver Union Station, Denver, Colorado
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Denver Union Station is often called “Denver’s Living Room.” This 1914 Beaux-Arts station was once a major rail hub. The detailed plasterwork and carved Colorado granite, including 2,300 columbine blossoms, highlight its craftsmanship. After a $500 million renovation, the station has regained its place as a central gathering spot.
Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, California
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This beautiful San Diego landmark exemplifies Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Designers created it for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Its white stucco exterior, red tile roof, and gold-domed bell towers strongly evoke a classic Spanish home.
King Street Station, Seattle, Washington
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A $55 million restoration around 2008 beautifully revitalized Seattle’s King Street Station. It was built in 1906, and its 242-foot tower directly mirrors Venice’s Campanile di San Marco. This iconic structure stood as Seattle’s tallest building upon its impressive original opening.
Main Street Station, Richmond, Virginia
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Richmond’s Main Street Station opened in 1901, built with Pompeiian brick and detailed stonework. Its 110-foot tower reflects the Second Renaissance Revival style. After years of neglect, including fire and flood damage, the station reopened in 2003 and now functions again as a working transit hub.
St. Louis Union Station, St. Louis, Missouri
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A first look at St. Louis Union Station usually starts in the Grand Hall, 65 feet high, arched, and lined with stained glass. But that’s just part of it. When it opened in 1894, the station held the world’s largest train shed. Its Romanesque design is heavy and detailed. Today, the structure is quieter, but the scale tells you what it used to be.
Michigan Central Station, Detroit, Michigan
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Detroit’s Beaux-Arts Michigan Central Station, opened in 1913, tragically stood vacant for nearly 30 years. Ford purchased the building in 2018, initiating a massive renovation project. It will soon transform into an innovation campus, powerfully symbolizing Detroit’s significant revitalization efforts.
Nashville Union Station, Nashville, Tennessee
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Nashville’s Union Station, completed in 1900, is a prime example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Its 106-foot clock tower and bold arches are key features that make it stand out. After a thorough restoration, it now operates as a luxury hotel, maintaining its historical importance while offering modern amenities.
Lackawanna Station, Scranton, Pennsylvania
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Scranton’s Lackawanna Station, a captivating example of French Renaissance Revival style, opened its doors in 1908. It features a stunning mosaic tile floor and elegant Siena marble walls. A 75-foot clock tower once famously guided travelers. Today, the station proudly serves as a luxury hotel.
Syracuse Train Station (William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center), Syracuse, New York
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The Syracuse Train Station, now the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center, features an Art Deco design with clean, smooth lines. Built in 1936, it remains a bustling Amtrak hub. The station was renamed in honor of William F. Walsh, who played a pivotal role in its construction.