Before every train journey, there is a train station. From Grand Central Station in New York to King’s Cross in London, some stations are now destinations in their own right.

Tourists visit for their historical architecture, cultural significance, or to recreate iconic moments from cinema. Others come for the variety of shops, bars and restaurants,

As society has evolved over centuries, these buildings have continually adapted to meet the needs of both trains and passengers.

Train station history

Whilst rail transport existed in some form as early as the 1500s, it wasn’t until the early 1800s that trains began carrying passengers.

Train station designs have evolved over the years. While modern stations embrace contemporary architecture, some still reflect the class aesthetics of the past.

Victorian train stations

In the 19th century, train stations were designed to leave a lasting impression, showcasing both the prestige of the area and the influence of the railway company that owned them.

In Britain, the Gothic Revival and the Industrial Revolution shaped station architecture, combining intricate stonework with new iron-and-glass technology. Local quarries and foundries supplied materials, tying a station’s appearance to its home city and reflecting civic pride.

Elsewhere in Europe, many stations embraced Renaissance Revival or Beaux-Arts designs. Paris’s Gare d’Orsay for instance, combined traditional design with modern steel frameworks, creating a grand yet contemporary look.

Across the Atlantic, American rail companies favoured grand, impressive entrances. Stations like Philadelphia’s 30th Street and Washington, D.C.’s Union Station featuring towering columns and vast halls, reflecting civic ambition and railway ambition.

Beyond aesthetics, these Victorian-era stations were designed for practicality. Many included freight areas to handle goods alongside passengers. As rail traffic grew,  platforms became larger, and canopies sheltered travellers from wind and rain.Footbridges and subways were later introduced to help passengers cross increasingly busy tracks.

These grand designs showcased the power and progress of the railway age while serving the everyday needs of passengers.

Changes during the Victorian era

Victorian society was highly class-conscious, and train stations reflected this. Waiting rooms and facilities were divided by class, with higher-tier passengers enjoying more comfort and luxury.

As rail travel became more common, ticket halls were introduced to help streamline the ticketing process.

Large clock towers were installed in many stations to help passengers to keep track of time. Initially, these clocks were set according to local time zones. However, in the 1840s railway companies adopted Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), decades before it became the UK’s official standard in 1880.

Pre-1960s train stations

By the early 20th century, railway architecture began embracing new styles like Art Deco and Modernism.

In Europe, Art Deco often featured bold geometric shapes with ornamental details, blending modern aesthetics with visual appeal. In the United States, the Streamline Moderne style took a sleek approach with curved lines and smooth surfaces to reflect speed and progress.

Modernist stations focused on functionality with practical layouts and simple forms. Some relied heavily on concrete and steel, while others incorporated regional architectural influences.

The impact of war

During both World Wars, train stations played a crucial role in military logistics, troop movements and civilian evacuations.

In World War I, some stations became the home of military operations, while others fell into neglect. Their strategic importance also made them targets for bombing raids during World War II, leading to significant damage across the UK and mainland Europe. Post-war rebuilding efforts, particularly in Germany, Japan, and Britain prioritised functionality over style. With resources scarce, the focus shifted to practical, cost-effective structures. An example of this is Coventry Station, which was rebuilt in the early 1960s after heavy wartime damage. Its new layout relied on concrete, glass, and clean lines instead of elaborate detailing - marking a clear shift from the grand Victorian style.

Similar trends emerged across Europe as damaged stations were reconstructed to meet immediate travel needs rather than showcase ornate architecture.

Train stations from 1970s to today

Modern train stations are designed with passengers; needs at the forefront, incorporating sustainability, accessibility and technological advancements.

Today, stations accommodate passengers with reduced mobility through step-free access and lifts.

Technology advancements have become integral to station architecture, with USB charging facilities and free WiFi available at most stations.

Around the world, new high-speed rail hubs show how far station design has come. Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station in China spans around 1,300,000 square metres and handles hundreds of thousands of passengers each day. This is achieved through advanced crowd management systems, vast concourses, and integrated connections to airports and metro lines.

Meanwhile, Europe continues to modernise its historic stations. Berlin Hauptbahnhof’s sweeping glass walls, for example, house multiple levels of tracks and show their commitment to energy efficiency.

More than just a place for transport

Passengers sometimes don’t want to rush out of the train station, preferring to relax ahead of their onward journey. With cafes, shops, and even restaurants, it’s now possible to spend hours under one roof. Some will even plan their journey to give themselves enough time to make the most of all a station has to offer.

An example of this is Birmingham New Street. Here, Grand Central’s extensive retail and dining options offer something to suit every style and taste.

Essential features of modern train stations

A successful train station meets the needs of all passengers and enables the trains to run. Essential elements of a train station design include:

• Clear signage and safety information around the station, step-free access, lifts, ramps, paving with raised bumps, and CCTV
• Flowing layouts for easy movement and navigation, and integration with other nearby forms of transport
• Waiting areas, seating, charging points for phones, shops and food outlets, clean facilities
• A well-designed space that reflects the local surroundings and showcases either art or history
• Energy efficiency, strong-wearing materials, and space to grow and expand in the future

How have train station designs changed over time?

Size

Early train stations were small and designed to serve only local needs. Over time, increasing passenger numbers and freight transport demands led to expansion.

Today’s stations, especially big city termini, feature extensive layouts to accommodate high traffic.

Facilities

After WWII stations began the process of transforming into mulit-functional spaces, toilets and cafes were added and seating improved.

By the late 20th century, shops and dining options became standard. Many larger stations now also feature a multi-faith room for prayer and quiet reflection.

Technology

From mechanical signal boxes and gas lamps to today’s digital systems, technology has transformed train stations.

The advent of electricity brought electric signaling, improved lighting, loudspeakers, and telephones. By the late 20th century, automatic ticket machines and electronic timetables were commonplace.

Now, contactless payments, mobile apps, and real-time service updates have made rail travel more convenient than ever.

Explore train stations with Avanti

Start exploring train stations around the UK with Avanti. Whether you admire Victorian grandeur or modern efficiency, every station tells a story.

As society evolves, so will our stations - ensuring that rail travel remains a fascinating and ever-adapting experience.