Which is the most beautiful train station in the world?

What is the most beautiful railway in the world?

Beauty, like a perfectly brewed cup of Earl Grey, is subjective. But if we’re talking railway beauty, the West Highland Line in Scotland is a strong contender. Think dramatic scenery, not your average commuter train rattling through suburbia. This is a masterpiece!

The Flam Railway in Norway? Cute, but a bit of a showoff, all steep descents and waterfalls. Showy, yes. Sublime? Debatable. Reminds me of a flashy Instagram influencer.

The Bernina Express, Switzerland? Picturesque, undoubtedly. Alpine landscapes? Check. But lacks the raw, untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Too manicured. Like a perfectly sculpted bonsai tree – lovely, but lacking a wild heart.

My top three:

• West Highland Line (Scotland): Wild, untamed, and utterly breathtaking. Glenfinnan Viaduct? Iconic. A cinematic experience, not just a train ride. Seriously. It’s that good.
• Bernina Express (Switzerland): A refined Swiss watch compared to the rugged Highlands. Precise, predictable, and stunning, but lacks a certain je ne sais quoi.
• Flam Railway (Norway): Visually impressive, certainly. But ultimately, a bit too much “look at me!” for my taste. Overcompensating for something, I suspect.

I took my kids, Lily and Tom, to the West Highland Line last summer, 2023. Lily, bless her heart, was obsessed with spotting Highland cows. Tom, meanwhile, nearly fell off his seat trying to capture the Glenfinnan viaduct on video. It’s a family affair! Remember that when choosing your scenic railway adventure.

What is the best station in the world?

Forget “best,” that’s subjective, man! But stunning? Yeah, some stations are straight-up showstoppers. Like, seriously, architectural orgasms.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Mumbai): It’s a gothic masterpiece, a Victorian-era elephant wearing a ridiculously ornate turban. Think Hogwarts, but with way more people trying to sell you chai. It’s nuts. Absolutely nuts.

Kanazawa Station: This thing looks like a futuristic spaceship crashed into a traditional Japanese garden. I’m talking sleek glass, wooden beams, and enough natural light to blind a vampire. My uncle, Frank, saw it last year and called it “bonkers.”

Grand Central Terminal (NYC): Okay, it’s old-school glamour. Think less spaceship, more “Gatsby’s train ride to a ridiculously opulent party”. Except with way more commuters. You’ll get trampled, but hey, you’ll get trampled in style. Seriously.

My personal pick? Tough call. But Kanazawa’s got that “wow” factor. Mumbai’s history? Unbelievable. Grand Central? Pure, unadulterated, slightly-smelly-but-still-grand opulence. All three are winners, basically. If you’re comparing apples and oranges and space shuttles.

• Pro Tip: Pack snacks. Train station food is generally overpriced and questionable. Think mystery meat, but in a slightly more expensive wrapper. My friend Brenda once bought a “sandwich” and it turned out to be a sock. I’m not making this up.
• Extra Tip: Wear comfy shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking. Unless you’re one of those people who just stands around and stares at things. Then, bring a comfy chair.
• Bonus Tip: Don’t forget your camera! Seriously, these places are Instagram gold. I’m thinking of setting up my own “Train Station Tourism” business. Watch out, TripAdvisor.

Are there good trains in Vietnam?

Okay, so trains in Vietnam? Yeah, different vibe for sure.

I took the train from Hanoi to Da Nang last year – felt like ages! Probably was, like, 16 hours, crammed in with families. Ugh.

• Packed like sardines. Seriously.
• Sleeper car…ish.

Honestly? Wasnt exactly luxury. Think, rusty carriages, shaky rides, and surprisingly strong coffee.

But hey, cheap as chips, right?

Saw the coastline, rice paddies whizzing by.

• Vendors selling banh mi and instant noodles at every stop!
• Karaoke blasting from someones phone. Loud!

Booked my ticket online though, easy enough. Baolau.com.

Definitely not high-tech. Rustic, maybe. Chaotic, definitely. Exciting? Yeah, alright, if you’re into that kinda thing. I mean, beats the hell outta another bus ride, I guess. Plus, got some decent pics for Insta.