There’s something special about traveling by train — whether it’s hopping on the subway to get where you need to go in a hurry or slowing down and opting for a railway ride in lieu of air travel. It’s romantic (and somewhat mysterious) to sit and watch the rolling hills and cities pass by from the comfort of your cabin.
And, as it turns out, many train stations themselves are often worth visiting — whether you’re buying a ticket to ride or not. Much like museums and churches, many train stations across the globe have a timeless nature, the ability to tell a story about the city’s past through design and architecture.
We rounded up the most beautiful train stations in the world that all types of commuters will be able to appreciate. From futuristic and cutting-edge transportation centers in Japan to centuries-old works of art in France and Belgium and even stations in the middle of the Swiss Alps, these stunning transportation hubs certainly make a case for traveling by train.