8 Most Beautiful Train Stations in the U.S. to Visit Now

Train stations in the U.S. are more than just transit hubs—they’re stunning works of historic architecture that double as cultural landmarks. Once fading relics of the post–World War II rail decline, many of these stations have been restored and reimagined as vibrant public spaces, housing everything from hotels and restaurants to museums and markets. With Amtrak setting a record 32.8 million riders in 2024, these stations are once again welcoming millions—and doing so in style.

Here are eight of the most beautiful train stations in the U.S.:

Union Station, Washington, D.C.
Built in 1908, this beaux arts masterpiece features a 30-foot-high barrel-vaulted ceiling with gold-leaf medallions and Roman statues. A $8.8 billion renovation is underway to transform it into a modern high-speed rail hub.

Denver Union Station, Colorado
Restored in 2014, Denver’s granite station now hosts a luxury hotel and top-tier restaurants, blending 1914-era grandeur with modern travel comforts.

Kansas City Union Station, Missouri
Opened in 1914 with 95-foot ceilings and 3,500-pound chandeliers, it’s now also a museum, planetarium, and community hub.

Chicago Union Station, Illinois
Celebrating 100 years, the station’s Great Hall features a restored skylight, travertine columns, and the iconic Night and Day statues.

Los Angeles Union Station, California
Built in 1939, this Mission Moderne gem has starred in over 150 films and boasts a meticulously restored floral ceiling.

Philadelphia 30th Street Station, Pennsylvania
A soaring neoclassical terminal with art deco flourishes, undergoing a major upgrade through 2027.

Grand Central Terminal, New York
Known for its zodiac-ceilinged Main Concourse, it’s NYC’s most iconic rail landmark—no Amtrak, but still a must-see.

Portland Union Station, Oregon
Dating to 1896, it features Romanesque revival architecture and the famous neon “Go By Train” sign, making it the oldest major West Coast station.

These architectural gems offer timeless beauty and a reason to love train travel again.