“Train don’t run out of Wichita unless you’re a hog or a cattle. People train runs out of Stubbville,” Owen explains to Neal and Del in the Thanksgiving classic Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Airplanes get diverted, trains breakdown and cars ignite in Steve Martin and John Candy’s 1987 comedy, making travel a nightmare during the holiday season. However, these train stations make traveling a pleasure – you may even want your train delayed so you can enjoy their unique amenities ranging from a planetarium to a museum or simply to marvel at their glorious architecture.

The late 19th century Gilded Age was a time of rapid economic and industrial growth and railroads played a crucial role in the transformation of the United States. With the rise in popularity of the trains, “some of the stations are unsurprisingly beautiful works of architectural magic” (architecturaldigest.com). From Beaux Arts structures to Art Deco master pieces to Spanish Colonial styles, these train stations capture the essence of a bygone era and are a testament to the nation’s rich architectural history. Today they are destinations unto themselves.

Photo courtesy of CNtraveller

Photo courtesy of newyork.co.uk

Photo courtesy of istockphoto

New York City’s Grand Central Station
Opened in 1913, and refurbished in the 1990’s, this Beaux Arts gem features elements typical of this style including three symmetrical arches, elegant marble staircases, grand entrance hall, and nickel and gold plated Beaux Arts chandeliers. The crowning jewel is the magnificent green celestial ceiling with 12 gold leaf constellations and 2500 stars. Never miss a train departure thanks to the famed four-faced clock perched above the information booth, which is accurate to within 1 second according to Grand Central Terminal’s website. The clock is valued at $20 million. Travelers, commuters and residents alike can enjoy the station’s famed Oyster Bar, Cipriani Dolci, or Magnolia Bakery among other restaurants and bars.

Photo courtesy of Union Station

Photo courtesy of stephentravels.com

Photo courtesy of Union Station

Kansas City, Missouri’s Union Station
With classical design principles including columns, arched windows, and symmetrical façade, Kansas City, Missouri’s Union Station is another example of Beaux Arts architecture. Restored in 1999, the Grand Hall features a stunning 95-foot decorative coffered ceiling, three 3,500-pound chandeliers, and a six-foot wide clock hanging in the central arch (unionstation.com). Aside from its architecture, today it is also known for its amenities and attractions ranging from a permanent KC Rail Experience museum to Science City, a family friendly science center with planetarium, theater, play areas and interactive exhibits.

Photo courtesy of ihitthebutton.com

Photo courtesy of ArchitecturalDdigest

DC’s Union Station
Designed to be a grand entryway into the nation’s capital, the Beaux Arts architectural style of DC’s Union Station is showcased in the symmetry and elaborate ornamentation characteristic of the style. There is no denying the Romanesque and Classical attributes in the façade including columns and three symmetrical grand archways. The Main Hall is breathtaking with a 96-foot vaulted ceiling, adorned with octagonal coffers and covered in 23-karat gold-leaf. Natural light shines through the station’s arched windows which are guarded by 46 statues of Roman soldiers (usrcdc.com). Fun Fact: A weekly live music series features local musicians and special events. The acoustics are incredible!

Photos courtesy of LA Conservancy

Los Angeles’ Union Station
Regarded as “the last of the great train stations,” LA’s Union Station is an exquisite blend of Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival and Art Deco architecture. Arched walkways, an outdoor courtyard, spectacular wood-inlaid ceilings and colorful tile accents are a nod to the Spanish culture. Evoking California’s Mission style with smooth, unadorned, cream-colored walls, tile-clad roofline and majestic clock tower, the station is an expression of the California lifestyle. Art Deco inspirations are apparent in the stunning bronze chandeliers, geometric patterns and signage over the entrance. Natural light spills through three 30-foot windows glazed with amber cathedral glass and decorated with wrought-iron details. (sah-archipedia.org) Another Fun Fact: Travelers are welcome to play the piano located in the Passenger Concourse – no tips allowed.

Photo courtesy of CN Traveller

Photo courtesy of ZGF

Seattle’s King Street Station
Inspired by the San Marco bell tower of Venice, Italy, the 12-story clock tower at Settle’s King Street Station is a city landmark. Renovations restored the station “back to the grandeur of America’s Gilded Age” (seattle.gov). Intricate mosaic floor tiles create a compass shaped pattern in the entry aptly named the “Compass Room”. The elegant and spacious waiting room features a 45-foot high ornamental plaster ceiling with fluted columns, polished terrazzo floor, bronze chandeliers and wall scones.

Not all architecturally and historically significant train stations need to be on a grand scale. This Queen Anne’s style brick station with gabled roof still serves passengers in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Photos courtesy of Descanso Gardens

No plans for train travel, no worries. Visit Descanso Gardens’ Descanso Railroad’s model trains exhibit depicting great stations of America. The model trains travel through “intricate landscapes and depots made of natural materials” (descansogardens).

Planes, Trains & Automobiles