All aboard! Europe's best rail stations revealed as train travel overtakes buses for first time in a decade

Published: 14:19 BST, 24 September 2026 | Updated: 14:21 BST, 24 September 2026

Train travel has overtaken bus travel across Europe for the first time in a decade, it has emerged.

Eurostat data released last week, based on figures collected in 2024, shows railway travel accounted for 7.5 per cent of all journeys, in comparison to coach to or bus journeys, at 7.3 per cent.

The figures suggest train travel is as popular as ever, and it's well timed, given the release of the 2026 European Railway Station Index this month, a comparison of major European rail hubs from the perspective of passenger convenience.

Issued by the Consumer Choice Center, the new ranking evaluates 60 of Europe’s busiest railway stations, looking at the percentage of services which are delayed and the average wait time.

Retaining its 2025 crown is a Swiss station that certainly doesn't compromise on punctuality or efficiency, with many other European beauties making the top 10.

The title of Europe's very best railway station is awarded, once again, to Zürich Hauptbahnhof.

Switzerland’s largest station was built in 1847, and offers passengers a premium experience from start to finish.

With a first-class lounge for weary travellers, more than 100 shops for those wanting some retail therapy and 90 per cent of its reviews over four stars, it’s an excellent hub for those travelling by train.

In second place, scooping up the silver medal, is Gare du Nord in Paris

Gare du Nord in Paris is perhaps the station Brits will most likely recognise, as it is the city's main Eurostar terminal, with direct services running to London .

Not only that, but it also has a reputation for premium offerings, even boasting a Pierre Hermé macaron shop.

There are also lots of hotels nearby if you're planning a quick and easy weekend getaway.

Taking the bronze medal in third place is Amsterdam Centraal

Amsterdam Centraal has long been considered one of Europe's most magnificent stations, and its imposing structure stands out in the pretty city.

It's impressively efficient too: it earns a score of 98.5 in the study, with only 7.5 per cent of trains delayed.

One visitor wrote: 'Amsterdam Centraal Station is a stunning building which is an iconic symbol of the city. This can be a place to visit just to explore and spend some time, even if you’re not catching a service.'

Another chimed in: 'Amsterdam Centraal Station was one of today’s highlights, standing like a grand gateway in the middle of this charming city.

'Its historic architecture gives it a museum-like feel, yet it functions as a modern hub that makes slipping in and out of Amsterdam surprisingly effortless.

'The lively flow of travellers, trams and boats around it creates an energy that makes the whole area feel alive and constantly in motion.'

Wroclaw Główny, Poland , takes fourth place in the ranking, with a score of 96.5.

The city in southwestern Poland has earned the title of the 'Venice of Eastern Europe' as it is built across 12 islands which are separated by canals.

It's a popular choice among city-breakers seeking a getaway on a budget, and is also known for its gorgeous Christmas market in winter.

Bern station in Switzerland comes next, in joint fifth place, ranking highly for punctuality with only 1.8 per cent of trains delayed.

Functioning as the city’s main meeting point and public transport hub, the station's shopping centre is home to more than 70 shops, as well as regular pop-ups from retail brands and food and drink companies.

Also in joint fifth place is Gare Montparnasse, Paris, France

The Paris station is located in the 15th arrondissement in the city centre, and serves the west and south-west of France, with destinations such as Tours, Bordeaux, Rennes and Nantes.

It's known for being particularly busy, but passengers passing through its halls have commented on the 'many shops and cafes' to choose from and 'gigantic' interiors.

Another Parisian station to join the list - and perhaps the prettiest - is Gare Saint-Lazare

Perhaps less well-known among Britons than other Parisian stations, Gare Saint-Lazare, in seventh place, certainly takes the crown when it comes to beauty.

It was the first railway station built in the French capital, back in 1837, and is nowadays mainly used by commuters into the city.

'An impressive, well-equipped transit center that truly showcases the scale and efficiency of Paris's transportation network,' one passenger commented.

Another added: 'Gare Saint-Lazare is a busy but convenient station. It’s well connected and easy to find shops or food while waiting for your train. It can get quite crowded at times, but overall it works well and gets you where you need to go.'

The first UK station to make the cut is London Bridge Station

London Bridge station in the UK capital has stood since 1836, although it has expanded rapidly since then, from a simple building with two platforms to the large metropolitan hub it is today.

It has since been revamped, with a five-year, £1billion redevelopment, completed in 2018, creating the bustling station Britons who have visited will recognise.

While some have described it as a 'maze', others have sung its praises, with one writing on Google reviews: 'What a fabulous job they have done with what used to be a dire and messy station. Love the architecture and the efficiency of the layout.'

Krakow's central station is up next, a major hub located just a 10-15 minute walk from the Old Town, which lures in hordes of tourists, especially during the Christmas season.

You can take direct routes to other Polish cities, such as Warsaw, Lodz, Zakopane and Gdansk.

'Modern transit hub with great vibes!' is how one passenger described it, adding: 'Kraków Główny is impressively organized and easy to navigate. Love the mix of historic architecture and modern infrastructure.'