These are Europe’s most popular train stations

Europe is much-loved for its beautiful train journeys – think vintage carriages, uniformed ticket inspectors and gorgeous, sweeping vistas. There’s something special about hopping onboard and cosying up to watch the world whirl by. For example, the journey from Venice on the Simplon-Orient Express takes passengers through the craggy Dolomites, the snow-capped Austrian Alps and the winding streets of Paris, and the train itself is complete with Art Deco interiors and world-class service. Closer to home, the Caledonian Sleeper snakes through the UK’s loveliest landscapes, with heather-covered Munros and endless fields, on a journey from London to Inverness.

But, however beautiful the journey itself, a train trip really begins at the station. It can make a huge difference to your entire rail experience. Is the train station particularly busy or annoyingly far from the city centre or closest airport, for example? It also helps if the station is beautiful to look at – one that makes you stop in awe to gaze at the architecture or frescoed detail (case in point, the cerulean skies at New York’s Grand Central or the 20,000 tin-glazed ceramic tiles of São Bento Railway Station in Portugal).

Below, we look at the latest data released by the Travel Experts at Bounce, analysing 30 of Europe’s busiest train stations based on factors such as passenger numbers, platforms, time from the airport and social media posts to create the ultimate guide to Europe’s most popular train stations.