The European Railway Station Index, compiled by the Consumer Choice Center, has ranked the 50 largest railway stations in Europe based on passenger numbers.
Zurich, Vienna, and Berlin main stations emerge as the top choices, aligning with the well-established reputation of Switzerland and Germany and its neighboring countries for railway excellence.
While the internet is flooded with lists of varying value, this ranking stands out due to its thorough assessment metrics, awarding points out of a maximum of 123 for each station.
Railway Index metrics and trends
The European Railway Station Index meticulously assesses factors such as opening hours, ticket options, waiting times, connections, delayed services, free wifi, and accessibility for individuals with limited mobility.
Key factors like convenient access and local/international connections also influenced the rankings, providing valuable insights for travelers planning their journeys.
The trends highlighted by the index pointed to a prevalence of high-performing major stations north of the Alps, with longer-distance service hubs offering superior conditions compared to short-stretch commuter-dominated stations.
Europe’s Best Train Stations of 2023
Topping the list in 2023 is Zurich Main Station in Switzerland, securing the coveted position of the best-ranked railway station. Known for its efficiency and excellent passenger services, Zurich Main Station reflects Switzerland’s commitment to providing a seamless travel experience for its residents and visitors alike.
Following closely in second place is Vienna Main Station in Austria. Renowned for its modern facilities and well-maintained infrastructure, Vienna Main Station stands as a testament to Austria’s dedication to maintaining high standards in railway transportation.
Germany claims the third spot on the list with Berlin Main Station. As a major hub connecting various national and international routes, Berlin Main Station continues to be a key player in the European railway network, offering convenience and accessibility to its passengers.
Switzerland secures another position in the top five with Berne Station, ranking fourth in the European Railway Station Index. Berne Station’s recognition underscores the country’s commitment to providing efficient and reliable railway services.
Utrecht Central Station in the Netherlands made it to the top five. As a vital transportation hub, Utrecht Central Station plays a crucial role in facilitating smooth travel experiences for both domestic and international commuters.
| Rank | Railway Station | Country | Points (out of (123) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zurich Hauptbahnhof | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 102 |
| 2 | Vienna Hauptbahnhof | 🇦🇹 Austria | 94 |
| 3 | Berlin | 🇩🇪 Germany | 90 |
| 3 | Bern | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 90 |
| 5 | Utrecht Centraal | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 89.5 |
| 6 | Frankfurt HBf | 🇩🇪 Germany | 87 |
| 7 | Napoli Centrale | 🇮🇹 Italy | 86 |
| 8 | Amsterdam Centraal | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 84.5 |
| 9 | Gare du Lyon | 🇫🇷 France | 82 |
| 10 | Oslo central station | 🇳🇴 Norway | 81 |
| 10 | Vienna Meidling | 🇦🇹 Austria | 81 |
The index suggested that design can enhance service, showcasing examples like Berlin’s cross-shaped central station and Zurich’s main station. These stations, with accessible designs, provide a seamless travel experience, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful architecture.
Vienna’s main station, at second position, earned special accolades for escalators, information availability, wheelchair accessibility, shops, smartphone app, and local/international connections.
Europe’s Worst Railway Stations of 2023
In contrast to the top-performing railway stations, the bottom tier of the 2023 European Railway Station Index are exclusively occupied by German stations. This unveils a notable discrepancy in the overall performance of major European railway hubs.
The stations comprising the lower tier include Berlin Ostkreuz, Berlin Gesundbrunnen, Berlin Zoologischer Garten, Munich Pasing, and Bremen Hauptbahnhof, all situated in Germany. This disparity sheds light on diverse challenges and areas for improvement within the German railway network.
The findings emphasized that good architecture does not always guarantee good service, as exemplified by Helsinki’s grand central station ranking 10th from the bottom. However, the main station in Bremen, Germany, claimed the unfortunate title of the worst station, housed in a vaulted Victorian palace adorned with 1950s murals.
| Rank | Railway Station | Country | Points (out of (123) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | Helsinki Central | 🇫🇮 Finland | 57.5 |
| 42 | Paris Haussmann Saint Lazare | 🇫🇷 France | 57 |
| 43 | Paris Châtelet–Les Halles | 🇫🇷 France | 56 |
| 43 | Birmingham New Street | 🇬🇧 UK | 56 |
| 45 | Essen Hauptbahnhof | 🇩🇪 Germany | 55 |
| 46 | Berlin Ostkreuz | 🇩🇪 Germany | 54 |
| 46 | Berlin Gesundbrunnen | 🇩🇪 Germany | 54 |
| 46 | Berlin Zoologischer Garten | 🇩🇪 Germany | 54 |
| 49 | Munich Pasing | 🇩🇪 Germany | 52 |
| 50 | Bremen Hauptbahnhof | 🇩🇪 Germany | 39 |
While the UK’s London Bridge station ranks 16th and is praised for its pleasant design post-2018 redesign, Birmingham New Street, holding the title of Britain’s worst major station at rank 43, is compared to New York City’s Penn Station in urban legend. A clear trend emerges among lower performers, primarily sprawling commuter hubs rather than international connectors, reflecting potential limitations in services and design attention.
As travelers weigh the index findings for their next rail journey, questions arise about the role of design, functionality, and maintenance in shaping the future of Europe’s railway network. Germany faces a pressing need to address reliability issues, emphasizing the importance of effective maintenance and planning for a seamless rail experience.
