Top European Railway Stations of Comfort, Convenience, and Challenges
Not all the train stations are created equal. The latest European Railway Station Index for 2023, compiled by Emil Panzaru and Amjad Aun, offers a fascinating glimpse into the best - and most challenging - railway hubs across the continent. At Virail, we're diving deep into this data to help you navigate your next European train journey with ease.
The Top Performers: Where Comfort Meets Efficiency
Topping the chart once again is Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) in Switzerland. With a jaw-dropping score of 102, this station is the gold standard for outstanding service and seamless travel experiences. Its prime location and top-notch facilities make it a no-brainer for both local and international travelers.
But keep an eye on Vienna Hbf, the new kid on the block. It's debuting at number two with an impressive 94 points, thanks to its state-of-the-art amenities and unbeatable connectivity. Watch out, Zurich – you've got competition!
Germany's Berlin Hbf and Switzerland's Bern station are neck and neck for third place, both scoring 90 points for their accessibility, services, and efficiency. And rounding out the top five is Utrecht Centraal in the Netherlands, where you'll find excellent transport links and convenient facilities.
Here's a look at the top 15 stations according to the index:
| Rank | Railway Station | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zurich Hbf | 102 |
| 2 | Vienna Hbf | 94 |
| 3 | Berlin Hbf | 90 |
| 3 | Bern | 90 |
| 5 | Utrecht Centraal | 89.5 |
| 6 | Frankfurt HBf | 87 |
| 7 | Napoli Centrale | 86 |
| 8 | Amsterdam Centraal | 84.5 |
| 9 | Gare du Lyon | 82 |
| 10 | Oslo central station | 81 |
| 10 | Vienna Meidling | 81 |
| 12 | Madrid Puerta de | 80.5 |
| 13 | Gare du Nord | 80 |
| 13 | Leipzig Hbf | 80 |
| 15 | Gare Saint-Lazare | 79 |
Behind the numbers
So, what exactly goes into these rankings? The index looks at a whole host of factors, from the operating hours of ticket offices and the range of ticket options (bonus points for student, senior, and military discounts!) to waiting times, delay handling, accessibility features like elevators and escalators, and in-station perks like shops, restaurants, and business lounges.
They also consider essentials for the modern traveller, like free Wi-Fi, international connections, and easy access to ride-shares for getting to and from the station. Basically, if a station checks all these boxes, it's going to be a much more pleasant experience for passengers – and that's what earns it a higher spot on the list.
This table shows all categories and criteria used to determine the best stations
| Category | Max Points | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Hours (Ticket Offices) | 9 | Points based on ticket office operating hours (open 6 am – 6 pm = 3 points, additional points for hours after 6 pm). |
| Type of Tickets | 6 | Points awarded for diverse ticket types (student, elderly, children, group, military, disability options). |
| Waiting Times | 10 | Shorter waiting times score higher (≤ 5 min = 10 points, ≤ 10 min = 5 points, > 10 min = 0 points). |
| Delayed Trains | 15 | Scores based on % of delayed trains (≤ 10% = 15 points, > 10 but < 20 min delay = 10 points, > 40 min = 0 points). |
| In-Station Information | 5 | Availability of both written and verbal information earns full points. |
| Elevators/Escalators | 10 | Full points if both are available, partial if only one is present. |
| Wheelchair/Restroom Accessibility | 5 | Both options need to be present for full points; partial if only one is available. |
| Shops/Kiosks | 15 | Based on the number of shops (≥ 50 shops = 15 points, ≥ 15 shops = 5 points). |
| Restaurants/Takeaway | 15 | Based on the number of dining options (≥ 30 restaurants = 15 points, < 10 restaurants = 0 points). |
| Lounges | 5 | Full points for more than one business lounge. |
| Smartphone Application | 2 | Availability of a smartphone app for ticketing and travel information. |
| Free Wi-Fi | 3 | Full points if free Wi-Fi is available in the station. |
| Connections to/from Local Railway | 8 | Based on the number of transport modes and local railway network coverage. |
| International Coverage | 5 | Full points for stations with direct routes to 5 or more countries. |
| Competition (Railway Companies) | 5 | Full points if more than one railway company operates in the station. |
| Ride Sharing | 5 | Points for availability of ride-sharing apps like Uber, Bolt, and Lyft. |
Room for Improvement
Now, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Despite having some of the top-ranked stations, Germany also has a fair few at the bottom of the barrel. Take Bremen Hbf, for example. It comes in dead last at number 50, with a paltry 39 points. And Munich-Pasing isn't faring much better at 49th place.
The culprit? Long waits, frequent delays, and a lack of amenities compared to their higher-ranked counterparts. Germany's railway subsidy program, which aimed to get people out of their cars and onto trains, ended up causing major congestion at smaller stations. Initiatives like the nine-euro ticket in 2022 brought in a flood of new passengers, but the infrastructure couldn't keep up.
While the government's new 49-euro monthly pass is a step in the right direction, the damage to local stations and commuters is already done. Many German stations have seen a serious dip in service quality, especially when it comes to delays and wait times. And that, my friends, is why they're bringing up the rear in this year's rankings.
Full list of top 50 Railway Stations
| Rank | Railway Station | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zurich Hbf | 102 |
| 2 | Vienna Hbf | 94 |
| 3 | Berlin Hbf | 90 |
| 3 | Bern | 90 |
| 5 | Utrecht Centraal | 89.5 |
| 6 | Frankfurt HBf | 87 |
| 7 | Napoli Centrale | 86 |
| 8 | Amsterdam Centraal | 84.5 |
| 9 | Gare du Lyon | 82 |
| 10 | Oslo central station | 81 |
| 10 | Vienna Meidling | 81 |
| 12 | Madrid Puerta de Atocha | 80.5 |
| 13 | Gare du Nord | 80 |
| 13 | Leipzig Hbf | 80 |
| 15 | Gare Saint-Lazare | 79 |
| 16 | London Bridge | 78 |
| 16 | Roma Termini | 78 |
| 18 | Koln Hbf | 77 |
| 18 | Gare Montparnasse | 77 |
| 18 | Berlin Alexanderplatz | 77 |
| 21 | London Liverpool Street | 76 |
| 22 | Munchen Hbf | 75 |
| 22 | Berlin Friedrichstrasse | 75 |
| 24 | La Defense | 74 |
| 25 | London Victoria | 73 |
| 26 | Bologna Centrale | 71 |
| 27 | Hamburg Hbf | 70 |
| 27 | Hannover Hbf | 70 |
| 29 | Milano Centrale | 68 |
| 29 | London Waterloo | 68 |
| 31 | Roma Tiburtina | 66 |
| 32 | Nurnberg Hbf | 65 |
| 32 | Berlin Sudkreuz | 65 |
| 34 | Hamburg-Altona | 64 |
| 35 | Torino Porta Nuova | 61 |
| 35 | London Euston | 61 |
| 37 | Stuttgart Hbf | 60 |
| 37 | Dusseldorf Hbf | 60 |
| 37 | Munich East Station | 60 |
| 40 | Firenze Santa Maria Novella | 58 |
| 41 | Helsinki Central Station | 57.5 |
| 42 | Haussmann-Saint-Lazare | 57 |
| 43 | Chatelet-Les Halles | 56 |
| 43 | Birmingham New Street | 56 |
| 45 | Essen Hbf | 55 |
| 46 | Berlin Ostkreuz | 54 |
| 46 | Berlin-Gesundbrunnen | 54 |
| 46 | Berlin Zoologischer Garten | 54 |
| 49 | Munchen-Pasing | 52 |
| 50 | Bremen Hbf | 39 |
The Future of Train Travel
But it's not all doom and gloom. In fact, some of the most exciting changes we're seeing are in accessibility and digital integration. The top stations, like Zurich Hbf and Vienna Hbf, are setting the bar high with comprehensive accessibility features for passengers with disabilities. We're talking elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms – the works.
And let's not forget the power of the smartphone. Many stations are now offering apps that let you buy tickets, check schedules, and get real-time updates on delays and disruptions. The more seamlessly a station integrates these digital tools, the higher it scores on the index. Because let's face it, we're all glued to our phones these days, and anything that makes travel easier is a big plus.
Why Should You Care?
So, why should you pay attention to these rankings? Well, for starters, choosing a top-rated station can make a world of difference in your travel experience. You're more likely to have shorter wait times, fewer delays, more ticket options, better accessibility, and a wider range of in-station services. Plus, if you're hopping between countries, the higher-ranked stations tend to have stronger international connections.
But it's not just about individual travelers. The quality of Europe's railway stations affects millions of people every day. As we move towards more eco-friendly travel options, train travel is becoming increasingly popular for both short trips and cross-border journeys. By prioritizing service and setting high standards, Europe's best stations are paving the way for a greener, more connected future.
