Philadelphia’s iconic William H Gray III 30th Street has officially been named one of the country’s most beautiful train stations according to National Geographic.
As one of the busiest and most important transportation hubs in the Northeast, it can be easy to overlook its intricate beauty. Here’s why it is much more than just a boring train station.
🚊 Most beautiful train stations in America
Blending neoclassical grandeur with art deco elegance, this historic landmark isn’t just a transit hub- it’s a jaw-dropping architectural experience.
From its 95-foot-high coffered ceilings to its glowing cylindrical chandeliers, every inch of the Main Hall is designed to impress, signaling to travelers that Philly is “a place of superlatives.”
Indeed, it’s not just a getaway to the city, it’s a statement.
David Brownlee, professor of art history at the University of Pennsylvania, called it a “getaway of a metropolis,” adding that its towering Corinthian porticoes and expansive marble floors reflect the City Beautiful movement, a turn-of-the-century push to infuse cities with monumental beauty.
And if you think it’s already stunning, wait until 2027.
A massive renovation is underway, aiming to refresh the limestone exterior and debut a brand-new food hall, making it a destination for more than just travelers.
🚊 Which other train stations made the list?
Here are the 8 most beautiful train stations in the entire country, according to National Geographic:
- Union Station, Washington, D.C.
- Denver Union Station, Colorado
- Kansas City Union Station, Missouri
- Chicago Union Station, Illinois
- Los Angeles Union Station, California
- Philadelphia 30th Street Station, Pennsylvania
- Grand Central Terminal, New York
- Portland Union Station, Oregon
🚊 Philly pride on the rails
While the world admires Gothic facades and futuristic curves, Philly stands proud with timeless design and bold American scale. Whether you’re commuting to NYC or just grabbing coffee under the chandeliers, 30th Street Station is proof that beauty and function can meet and steal the spotlight.
Go Philly!