Saudi Arabia and Italy Lead with Most Awards for the World's Most Stunning Railway Stations of 2026

2026’s Most Spectacular Railway Stations Worldwide

According to УНІАН — Туризм: In 2026, the Prix Versailles organization unveiled its list of the world’s most beautiful railway stations. The award ceremony took place at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, showcasing seven stations recognized for their creativity, innovative designs, and deep connections to local cultural heritage. Saudi Arabia and Italy topped the list, each securing two stations honored for their exceptional qualities.

The selected stations impressed experts with their unique blend of architectural brilliance and functionality. Melbourne’s Town Hall Station in Australia stood out for its grand scale, vaulted copper-clad ceilings, and expansive platforms. France’s Lyon Part-Dieu station features the country’s largest bicycle garage and the Place Charles Béraudier gallery, highlighting passenger convenience. Italy’s Colosseo–Fori Imperiali station in Rome offers commuters an immersive archaeological ambiance, while Monte Sant’Angelo in Naples was crafted by artist Anish Kapoor in collaboration with architectural firms Future Systems and AL_A.

Advancing Innovation in Transport Infrastructure

Saudi Arabia’s Western Station in Riyadh, distinguished by its lattice facade, and the National Museum Station, whose silhouette evokes desert dunes, both received accolades. In the United States, Los Angeles’ LAX/Metro Transit Center was praised for its bold reimagining of airport transit connections. These projects demonstrate the growing focus on creating transport hubs that are not only visually striking but also sustainable and culturally meaningful.

Looking ahead, 2027 will see the opening of the world’s first Minecraft-themed hotel at Chessington World of Adventures in the UK. This unique hotel, featuring nearly 70 themed rooms, is a joint venture between Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios. Jerome Gauden emphasizes that in the realm of transport stations, there is significant pressure to develop cultural spaces that enhance passenger mobility, rejuvenate neighborhoods, and support modernization efforts-all while respecting existing architectural heritage.

These awarded railway stations exemplify fresh approaches to design and operational excellence in transport, setting inspiring examples for countries worldwide. The Prix Versailles awards highlight how blending architectural beauty with practical function in transport infrastructure can motivate nations to invest in station upgrades, boosting both passenger experiences and local economies. Moreover, cultural initiatives like the Minecraft hotel illustrate how innovative design can spark new tourism opportunities, attracting visitors globally.