The No 1 train station in the US and No 7 globally

WHETHER it’s the influx of glamorous luxury train journeys filling our Instagram feeds or the consistent rise of fuel costs for air travel and road trips alike, travelling by train has never looked like a better option than it does right now. 

And travellers are taking note: Amtrak broke ridership records in 2025, and industry-wide demand is increasing by double digits year-over-year. 

While the magic of train travel is in both the journey and the destination, travellers shouldn’t overlook the role that the point of departure can play. Beginning your trip from a gorgeous and well-equipped train station can enhance everything that follows — which is why, in April, the travel insurance experts at AllClear released their analysis of the world's most premium train stations. 

The AllClear team created their report by researching everything from the availability of premium waiting lounges and retail density to fine dining options, proximity to upscale hotels, and overall review sentiment for 40 train stations worldwide. And while Europe and Asia dominated the final list, one special place in the U.S. also made the cut: Grand Central Station, which earned the No. 7 spot. 

"Located in the heart of New York City, Grand Central Terminal is one of the world’s most popular landmarks, featuring in famous movies including 'Men in Black II' and the popular American drama series Gossip Girl,” the team wrote.

“The station is renowned for its striking Beaux-Arts architecture and grand ambience. Despite being the only station in our study that doesn’t have at least one premium or first-class waiting lounge, the station offers travellers access to a wide range of high-quality dining options, including the iconic Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant, serving delicious seafood, alongside a strong selection of nearby four- and five-star hotels."

While Grand Central is undeniably worth a visit, it was outranked on the AllClear list by Zürich's Hauptbahnhof station, taking the No. 1 position. 

"Switzerland’s largest and busiest railway station, which was built in 1847, offers a premium experience from start to finish," the team wrote. "With a first-class lounge for weary passengers to wait, over 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 this summer." 

Making an impressive showing in the list’s top five is Japan, with not one, not two, but three celebrated stations.

In second place, there's Osaka Station, which scored highly thanks to its "extensive shopping complex and large number of high-quality fine dining establishments," along with its "Farm in the Sky, a serene oasis found on the 14th floor, which also has beautiful sunset views."

Then there's Kyoto Station in third, a "futuristic station that has over 90 per cent of reviews boasting over four stars, VIP lounges with luggage storage, and plenty of high-end hotels nearby if people want to get a good night’s sleep before departure."

Tokyo Station, "known for its striking red-brick exterior and rich history,” rounds out the bunch. “Inside, travellers are greeted by an array of premium lounges as well as highly rated fine-dining options."