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

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

�鶹�� Bitesize takes a look at some of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. All aboard…

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, India

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai, India is one of the world’s 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’s Golden Jubilee. The station was originally known as Victoria Terminus and is still known as VT by local residents.

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 Estación 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 station and line was originally built to serve the prison in the city of Ushuaia – itself the world’s 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 – 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 – 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’s oldest railway stations, but it is better known for its royal waiting room.

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’s unique appearance ensures it remains one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations.

Estacion de Atocha, Spain

The biggest railway station in Spain is also Madrid’s oldest – 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.

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 – 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.

As traffic on the line reduced, the southbound line and platform were taken out of service – 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 – with the instruction from Noel Gallagher to represent the song’s lyrics in the image.

Cannon had the idea to base it at a disused railway station to reflect the line ‘Standing at the station, in need of education in the rain’ 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’s first ever number one single.

This article was published in November 2023