Ed Jefferson

Sure, train stations only really need to be functional – they are there to just help you get from one place to another, after all. But plenty of train stations are much more than mere transport hubs, and some are just so damn fine. Over the last two and a bit centuries, railway stations have produced some of the world’s most iconic pieces of civic design, from modern art masterpieces to literal palaces.  Across eras, styles, movements and continents, the world’s greatest train stations are proof there’s no reason why practical infrastructure can’t be visually stunning too. So, here are 15 of the most beautiful stations from across the world. RECOMMENDED:🌎The best train journeys in the world🚞The most scenic railway journeys in Europe🌤️The world’s most luxurious train rides🎭The best things to do in the world

Travel of all forms has been a bit more complicated than usual of late, but when we (touch wood) get to start to start going places this year – without lots of extra admin or worry – rail travel is where it’s going to be at. In 2022, a whole load of new routes will be opening up, meaning there will much more opportunity for clean, comfortable and convenient travel – and to more places than ever before. Long-distance overnight services in Europe have seen something of a revival over the past few years, and even more are set to spring up over the next 12 months. For instance, the Swedish state-owned SJ railway is introducing a Stockholm-Hamburg night service later this year, allowing you to sleep your way through 670 miles of rail travel overnight, passing through Copenhagen on the way. MORE 2022 TRENDS:🎶 How ABBA’s 2022 virtual concerts could change the face of live music🌳 From parklets to urban forests: how cities will get a whole lot greener in 2022🧙 Why 2022 is going to be the biggest ever year for fantasy on screen Though it’s Swedish-operated, SJ has had to partner with German company RDC, as their own carriages have turned out to be slightly too wide for German railways – a very practical example of how key international cooperation is to these endeavours. Other proposed upcoming night services include Brussels to Prague, Zurich to Rome, and even Edinburgh to Paris. There’s even a revival of the iconic Trans-Europe Express in the works – during its heyday in the 1970