The Best and Worst Train Stations in the UK

When traveling around the United Kingdom, the quality of train stations can significantly impact your journey experience. Whether you're braving the echoes of the past in a historic station or dodging modern hazards, your experience in each station matters. Let’s explore which are the best and worst train stations in the UK based on personal experiences and observations.

The Best Train Stations in the UK

The UK is filled with train stations that stand as testaments to engineering and design prowess, making them pleasant environments for travelers. Here are some of the best:

London Marylebone

Location: London, UK

Score: Highly rated

Reasoning: Marylebone is the London terminus I use most, and it has a warm place in my heart for that reason. Apart from being a must-ride station for many travelers, it's one of the best in London for a few reasons. The station is clean, well-organized, and offers a tranquility that matches the grandeur of its surroundings.

London Victoria

Location: London, UK

Score: Highly rated

Reasoning: Victoria is the second most-used London terminus. The station is modern, efficient, and connected to central London with ease. Its proximity to Sea Containers Hotel and other canonic locations in London make it a significant stop for visitors and locals alike.

Birmingham Moor Street

Location: Birmingham, UK

Score: Highly rated

Reasoning: Birmingham Moor Street is a fantastic station that stands out for its user-friendliness and pleasant environment. It's particularly easy to use when compared to its neighbor, New Street (which is listed as one of the worst). The station offers a modern and comfortable experience for commuters and travelers alike.

York

Location: York, UK

Score: Highly rated

Reasoning: With its vibrant atmosphere and straightforward design, York station is one of the best in the UK. It is user-friendly and offers an airy and pleasant environment. The station is part of a grand station complex that includes the National Railway Museum, making it an excellent destination for railway enthusiasts.

London King's Cross

Location: London, UK

Score: Highly rated

Reasoning: Post-refurbishment, King's Cross is among the best stations in London. It is a gateway to the magical Platform 9 3/4 for fans of the Harry Potter franchise. The station is well-designed and offers a pleasant experience for travelers, connecting seamlessly to the surrounding area.

The Worst Train Stations in the UK

Certain stations in the UK have a reputation for being less than ideal due to various factors such as outdated design, poor maintenance, and lack of safety features. Here are some of the worst:

London Euston

Location: London, UK

Score: Terrible

Reasoning: The 1960s rebuild of Euston station was an abysmal decision. The current station is a nightmare and an accident waiting to happen. It wasn't designed for the current volume of traffic it receives, and it's now an unsafe environment. Major upgrades are needed to make it fit for purpose. Until then, it remains a significant hazard.

Birmingham New Street

Location: Birmingham, UK

Score: Terrible

Reasoning: Birmingham New Street is among the worst stations outside London. It is dark, dreary, andclaustrophobic, with inadequate ventilation causing fumes to build up. Diesel exhaust fumes are a significant issue for individuals with respiratory problems, and the station's design does not accommodate the volume of traffic it handles. Although it's not as dangerous as Euston, it is still a place to avoid if possible.

Oxford

Location: Oxford, UK

Score: Poor

Reasoning: Oxford station is too small to handle its current volume of traffic, and its 1980s rebuild is showing its age. It desperately needs an upgrade to keep pace with modern standards and to make it a pleasant environment for travelers. Luckily, plans for a revamp are in the works as Network Rail strives to future-proof the station.

Upgrades and Future Plans

As highlighted in the analysis, some stations (like Euston) need major upgrades to address safety concerns and improve overall functionality. Here are some key upgrades that are currently in the works:

Euston: A major upgrade is needed, with potential plans to include the restoration of the Euston Arch, which was demolished in the 1960s. It needs to be made safer and brought up to current standards, which the current station building is not fit for. Kings Cross and St Pancras: Both stations are amazing and well-designed. Currently, they are being well-maintained and offer a comfortable user experience. No upgrades are currently in the works, but they remain fixtures of modern British train station design. Oxford: The station is due for a major rebuild as part of plans to future-proof it, addressing issues related to space and modernization. These improvements will help make it a more pleasant place for both locals and visitors.

Conclusion

While the UK is home to some incredible train stations, others still have a long way to go to meet current standards. Stations like York and London King's Cross stand out as excellent choices, thanks to their modern designs, efficient operations, and convenient locations. Conversely, stations like London Euston and Birmingham New Street need significant renovations to address issues related to safety, functionality, and user experience.

Travelers can look forward to positive changes and enhanced comfort in these stations in the coming years, thanks to ongoing improvement initiatives.