See the Country Via These 8 Top Train Stations

Photo Credit: Michael Kappel

These 8 best train stations in the US will give you a reason to travel. The ‘Golden Age of Rail Travel’ may have come and gone but reports say that the economic downturn has resulted in an increased use of our railway system. Passengers are returning to use trains for commuting and long distance journeys. There is a romance about train travel but today’s public demands modern amenities. Many train stations have undergone renovations to meet this demand and 21st century train travel looks like an exciting prospect.

1. Most Efficient
   Grand Central Terminal
   New York City
   Revered as one of the most famous icons of the Big Apple, the beautifully designed building is also known for its efficiency. The station has to operate well, as it deals with 426,000 passengers every day. Located in Manhattan, it is the transportation hub for all the Metro North services, as far as New Haven, and subway services going to the northern suburbs. In terms of the number of platforms, (44), it is the world’s largest station. The percentage of trains running on time is an impressive 98%. There is an easily found information booth in the middle of the station, several restaurants, and a shopping mall. 
2. Best Architecture
   Union Station
   Chicago, Illinois
   
   The US has a number of architectural gems amongst its train stations and Union Station is perhaps, the most admired for its interior. Opened in 1925, construction took ten years at a cost of $75 million and the design is in the Neoclassical style. Almost entirely underground, the station is the terminal for all Amtrak trains to the city and also serves Metra commuter rail passengers. The focal point of the building is the waiting room, named The Great Hall and its Corinthian columns, pink marble floor, statues, and barrel-vaulted, skylight ceiling. Several TV shows and movies have used the space for filming.
3. Best Historic
   Eureka Springs Station and Museum
   Eureka Springs, Arkansas
   
   The world of steam comes alive at this historic train station where passengers can book a train ride on a steam locomotive through the Ozarks. Lunch and dinner excursions are available. The station is a treasure chest of vintage rolling stock, an original turntable, and assorted railroad memorabilia and is one of the town’s most visited tourist attractions. Rail passengers first came to Eureka Springs in 1883 and the museum traces the history of the development of the railway and its importance to the area. The station also has a snack car and gift shop.
4. Most Improved
   Union Station
   Los Angeles, California
   
   Already admired for its architecture, it was still felt that improvements were needed to the station and an ambitious program was undertaken in the 1990s to improve passenger services and to improve the station environment. The station operates an Amtrak service and a Metrolink service and both services expanded. The Gateway Center bus terminal on station property improved its connections between buses and trains and its park and ride facility. Landscaping and artwork projects were deemed a great success, particularly the elevated gardens and waterfalls that muffled the noise from trains and buses. The pedestrian plaza was designed to be closed off for events. The improvements received a vote of excellence from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
5. Most Clean
   Union Station
   New Haven, Connecticut
   
   The primary rail hub for Connecticut, with Amtrak and Metro-North Railroad services, is a relatively small station with just four platforms. Train stations are not generally known for their level of cleanliness but this station receives many reviews from satisfied customers with regard to the station environment. Descriptions include “airy and sunny” and “clean and organized”.  Passengers notice the clean floor, and the wooden benches kept clean etc. A shoeshine station is there to keep the grime of rail travel at bay. The restored building has many architecturally interesting features, including stainless steel ceilings in the tunnels.
6. Most Inexpensive
   Union Station
   Washington DC
   
   The cost of traveling can soon add up and every aspect is important for those on a budget. This station operates Amtrak, commuter railroad, and subway services and passengers can buy competitively priced tickets. The Food Court has a wide variety of restaurants and fast food outlets and is known for its inexpensive meals for all the family. There is a pre-paid food voucher system in operation for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Shopping is varied too with 130 stores and some discount shopping coupons are available. Sometimes, parking is the scourge of the traveler but the parking rates here are very reasonable.
7. Most Eco-Friendly
   ARTIC
   Anaheim, California
   
   The most environmentally sound train station hasn’t actually been built yet but the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, (ARTIC) project promises to deliver the most eco-friendly and energy saving station to date. Construction is scheduled to start in the early part of 2010 and be completed in 2013 at a cost of $180 million. The station will be a hub for connecting lines to Disneyland theme parks and Disney’s monorail, and will service Amtrak trains and regional Metrolink trains. It will use as much natural light as possible and use hot water cells and solar energy panels. The Departure Roof will be covered with foil cushions for the purpose of insulation.
8. Best Location
   Glenwood Springs Amtrak Station
   Glenwood Springs, Colorado
   
   The romance of rail travel cannot be beaten when it comes to traveling through the Rockies and Glenwood Springs is a popular stop, surrounded by awesome scenery. Known as ‘the scenic line of the world’, the famous California Zephyr comes through the station on the Chicago – San Francisco line. The dome car roof has windows to enable passengers to see the Glenwood Canyon. Greyhound bus travelers also use the station as a stop. It’s a great place to take in the mountain splendor and browse the station’s rail museum before heading off to the nearby hot springs or Aspen ski resort.

Train stations are where we do our waiting but they are also part of the experience of travel and so many are worthy of tourism in their own right. Make a point to visit one of these 8 best train stations and see for yourself what they have to offer. Have a favorite station that didn't make the list? Tell us about it in the comments section below!