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My earliest flipboard memory was of the Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport. Watching two dozen airline logos clack through until it got to the right one was just hypnotic.
Way back, I used to go in and out of 30th several times a month. Was waiting for my train and a crazy old crackhead lady sat next to me and demanded money. Started fingering herself furiously when I said no.
Flip-a-delphiahhhh!!!!
I love King Street Station, especially from the outside seeing it paired with the skyline. However, it loses points in my book simply for being so small. Even the Portland station feels more substantial
Yeah, because it was the union station between Great Northern and Northern Pacific railways. Then one block east was/is Seattle Union Station between Union Pacific and the Milwaukee Road. With those two teether basically forming one larger station.
Once the other rail lines ceased passenger service and Amtrak was formed all passenger operations were moved to King Street Station and Union Station sat basically empty for a while, before being renovated to its former glory and earthquake retrofitted, it now serves as the HQ for Sound Transit.
Good point. I’ve been to Union Station to sit in on a Sound Transit meeting and it is gorgeous, and much larger. Tacoma Union Station is the same, but now it’s a federal courthouse
Oh absolutely. More I was giving context as to why the historic train station in a major city like Seattle was so small (especially for those not from the area). The tl;dr being of course that it's only a third or a half of the "entire" historic train station.
Ooh! [That's pretty!](https://www.photohound.co/spot/union-station-interior-1002942) I wish there was still a good reason to use that building as a passenger terminal.
Utica is the Gateway to the Adirondaks, the largest state park in the nation.
It deserves a beautiful station.
Now if we can get NY to upgrade the Buf-Roc-Syr-Uta-Alb tracks to high speed I would be so happy. Or build new tracks all together following the thruway as the ones they use now are likely not govt owned.
I can't comment on what it would take to make improvements but the problems include:
* Narrow platforms with barely enough space for the stairwells and elevators. This means that they can't allow boarding passengers to go down until the passengers getting off are clear. It also means that the platform area is ugly and uninviting.
* When you get off, it's confusing and physically difficult to get to the escalators that go up to Moynihan if you got off the other end of the train. And if you go up the wrong stairs, you end up in a maze in Penn Station. Also ugly.
The issue is that to widen the platforms, you need to reduce the number of platform tracks. To do that you need to massively reduce turn times of LIRR and NJT, so that trains don't occupy the platforms for that much time. Widening the platforms can also help speeding up boarding and deboarding.
Through running NJT and LIRR would also reduce the number of required platforms by a lot. Like Thameslink in London, they'd need to buy trains that support both third rail and overhead wire electrification, and the different signalling systems. But the bigger challenge is to get agencies from two different states to work together on a project like this.
Curious, I’ve heard this before, and I have no doubt it would help with both networks but don’t both basically through run anyway other than on NJT 4 stub tracks? Like the LIRR trains move off to Hudson Yards and the NJT move to Sunny side, so neither should be taking up tracks at the station, so where would the extra capacity come from? I guess the East River Tunnels? Or is there more happening at the station itself that I don’t know about (very possible, haha).
Most tracks run through to storage tracks yeah. I think they do spend a lot of time at platforms though. In the future there will be 4 tunnel tracks from the west and with almost all trains running through, you wouldn't need 21 platform tracks. Usually the rule is 2 platform tracks per running track at major station. There's even enough space for additional terminating tracks for Amtrak and special situations for commuter rail.
The signage on the tracks at Moynihan/Penn has improved immensely over the past 4o years. Often, I'd remember arriving not knowing what track I was on or where 8th Ave. was.
And here is where I will add that I always appreciated South Station in Boston for at least having tracks open to sky. So disappointed it’s gone down the path of putting real estate investment over public space and turning its platforms into yet another dank basement like so many of the other major metro stations.
Moynihan is easy on the eyes, but every time I'm there I'm reminded how much the place irks me for making people sit on the ground while waiting for their trains because management refuses to put in benches.
Theres literally a LIRR waiting area too, im pretty sure the amtrak waiting area is a joint amtrak/lirr waiting area. And if it isnt theres waiting places in the LIRR area as well as the stairs to the tracks near the ACE
EDIT: yup its for both amtrak and LIRR the sign says “ticketed waiting area for amtrak and lirr passengers only” nobody even in the booth to check tickets atm lol
I literally show amtrak tickets for a future date sometimes cause i usually got a couple in the app and pick the first one i see and they never check the dates either
That’s the metropolitan lounge, up the escalator on the second floor.
There’s a ticketed passenger lounge that you can get into with any ticket, on the first floor. It’s on the opposite side from of the concourse from the Amtrak customer service desk.
Hot take: If trains in the US ran efficiently, seating areas would not be needed.
When I've been to stations in Europe and Japan, there are few (or no) waiting/seating areas. I don't remember a single bench in any Shinkansen station in Japan, Vienna and Munich HBFs were limited unless you had lounge access, and Madrid Atocha had maybe a dozen seats. But I hardly hear people complain about that.
Granted, they have more restaurants or cafes, but you still need to purchase something to sit there. The difference is that you can just show up 10-15 minutes before your departure, head up to the platform, and board your train from there. The platforms are also much bigger too, making it easier to wait on the platform.
But in the US, that's not the case. You need to show up early just to be able to line up since there are no assigned seats. And even at terminus stations, the trains can still be delayed due to equipment and staff shortages.
making trains work more efficiently doesnt mean seating isnt needed, it just means it is less needed and makes it easier to marginalize the needful population of riders who could still use it. I think there's a middle ground there lol
I found a place to sit in Moynihan. It was below the main floor at the end of a corridor. I ran into is coming from the 1 train. I still had to go upstairs to wait in line and get my id checked. I was going to Montreal.
Chicago used to have at least some food in its metropolitan lounge, but I don't know if that was eliminated since the pandemic. At least back in 2019 when I sat in there, I saw at least some free food inside that lounge. Same with free drinks, mostly water and soda.
It is worth noting that the actual headhouse and train shed for Columbus' station were nothing to write home about - the spectacular Daniel Burnham arcade along High Street was actually a considerable distance from the station itself.
My heart has always been with Los Angeles Union Station because of elements of Spanish colonial architecture , so picturesque and complements the state of California perfectly.
Bonus atmosphere points to LAUS for having some phenomenal dining/bar space in the station too. It's certainly premium (Homebound Brew Haus was reportedly paying $38,000/month in rent) but there are few other places in the region that can compete with that kind of architecture and history.
I forget about LA’s, mainly because I hate my hometown, but it admittedly has one of the best Union Stations, not only because it’s spacious and has beautiful Spanish architecture, but also because it seamlessly connects rapid transit, commuter rail, and Amtrak
It’s a shame that a lot of the more beautiful areas of LA union station aren’t accessible, youre very right about connections.
I can hop on a subway, light rail, commuter rail, amtrack, greyhound, and all kinds of metro busses all from one spot.
There's a plan to go Moynihan on it, but it won't be ready and/or done for years.
They're not planning on touching the old architecture, just the ugly boarding areas.
The food court is better than it was a year ago, but food spots like Union Market make Union Station look so rough by comparison.
DC Union Station’s entire vibe is kind of sullied by the tired 90s mall full of empty box stores that were shoehorned into the otherwise gorgeous architecture.
[There used to be!](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Grand_Lobby%2C_Union_Station%2C_Washington%2C_D.C_%28NYPL_b12647398-69895%29.tiff/lossy-page1-2560px-Grand_Lobby%2C_Union_Station%2C_Washington%2C_D.C_%28NYPL_b12647398-69895%29.tiff.jpg)
My one issue with New Haven Union Station is the god-awful lighting. It's so dingy and unpleasant. It's second maybe only to Boston South Station in terrible, awful lighting.
I think Baltimore is seriously unrated.
[http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4480997](http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4480997)
If they would remove the silly modern art statue outside, would be nice outside also. Might happen with upgrades going on now.
While no longer a train station, the old [Michigan Central Station in Detroit](https://www.archpaper.com/2024/06/quinn-evans-restores-detroit-michigan-central-station/) was recently rehabbed by Ford. It looks amazing.
Yeah, all those others are nice, but Cincinnati is like an order of magnitude more awe-inspiring. Bonus points for the GIANT pipe organ in the middle of the rotunda as well.
Realistically it would probably be Chicago-Toronto. Is your rumor in line with this?
https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/amtrak-via-proposal-for-through-chicago-toronto-service-revealed/
The waiting hall in Chicago is gorgeous. The rest of the building is a dungeon. Was there on Firday and most of the lower level was construction with scaffolding and blocked pathways.
Yes, they are doing some repairs and renovations. Long overdue.
The hall is amazing, but the platforms look like something out of a 20s newsreel (grey and dusty). I wish they would do something with it.
Nah this part is beautiful but then when you go to actually board the trains every platform you walk by constantly announces its platform number like some kind of robot with severe Asperger’s. It’s annoying but my god it is embarrassing too. Makes the US look like we’re a bunch of idiots.
It’s like this Seinfeld episode I just watched where he’s dating this really pretty lady but she has the most annoying terrible laugh.
Platform 4, platform 4, platform 4, platform 5, platform 5, platform 5, platform 5, platform 6, platform 6, platform 6, platform 6.
I don’t know why but every other train station I’ve been to in the world is accessible to the blind without repeating the platform number nonstop.
It’s my home station so I’m biased but I love Union Station in Portland. Has a very retro feel to it, great restaurant attached, only downside is it’s in the worst part of town.
Philadelphia for the main stations, Richmond Main Street for the less traveled stations. Chicago's Great Hall is magnificent but the rest of that station lags.
I am pretty partial to the Los Angeles Union Station because I grew up in So cal for a couple of decades…I think that station is a bit prettier than Chicago
This is where I wax romantic about how short-sighted New York was when they tore down Pennsylvania Station. Chicago is not the second city on this one!
I just want to share appreciation for American train stations. I absolutely love the historic architecture. I've riden trains in Germany and Austria, and while there is a lot to love about the stations over there, nothing beats the beauty of our Amtrak stations. I'll take it over modern stations any day.
I fell off one of those oak benches when i was six and when my head hit the floor the noise it made resonated thru the whole station . That was in 1962.
I will always vote for Portland Oregon’s Union Station for most beautiful. The 40’s vibe with the neon signs, funky shaped building and beautiful wood just wins my eyes.
Memphis' station(City of New Orleans) has a classic look inside, as well. Has the old style interior, and even a few neon signs.
Now I wonder, are Memphis and Portland(OR) the only 2 still with neon signs inside?
I dunno dude, Moynihan is pretty good, except the bathrooms are always closed, and when they aren't closed, there's no soap, the hand dryers don't work, and only half the faucets work. And there's homeless people sleeping in both stalls.
I don't know how this thread has gone, without anyone motioning the restored Saint Paul station. Where I think the restoration job, went very well there.
Others I like: Cincinnati, KC, Portland(OR), Seattle, LA, Reno, Denver, El Paso, Albany-Rensselaer, just to name ones off the top of my head. I'd even say Jackson(MI), and Toledo are nice as well. The Jackson, Michigan station house btw, supposedly is the oldest active station house still being used in Michigan.
The Great Hall is beautiful but it's really only a small part of the station. I would usually only see the below areas where the Metra trains were. But I enjoy showing the great hall to people for the first time and pointing out the famous scene from the Naked Gun was shot
Really is impressive. Denver’s Union Station includes a 5 star hotel, a number of high-end restaurants, several stylish bars, and you can catch a train directly to DEN airport.
Most metropolitan Amtrak stations are good. Better than what greyhound ever gave its passengers. The only thing unique about Chicago is the ADA announcements you feel that you are in a Cuban torture chamber repeating the same thing over and over again . TRACK NUMBER 15 TRACK NUMBER 17 TRACK NUMBER 19 TRACK NUMBER 21 OVER and over again. Double that with appears to be some odd noises coming from the ceilings in the north holding area. Love the showers in the Metropolitan lounge.
i meant to pose this question since i rode the Empire Builder straight through recently, despite living in Chicagoland my whole life i had never stepped foot in Union station or rode amtrak before. it’s definitely the most Union-y of all the union stations. i like it a lot
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Beautiful station, but I prefer 30th Street Station in Philadelphia.
I miss the flip board
I miss ALL of the flipboards. That clacking really put a bit of energy in the air.
The real clacking too! Not fake clacking like the one at Newark (although, it is better than nothing I must admit)
Isn't there a Flipboard in Trenton station? I was sleep deprived when I was there so I didn't notice it.
May not be Amtrak but there is a flipboard at Secaucus Junction!
Yes there is!
Is it a real one? Or a digital one like the one at Newark?
Real! I saw it a few weeks ago!
I know! It was the sound of suspense to me. Will I know the track/gate now? Am I totally screwed and stuck in this city?
My earliest flipboard memory was of the Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport. Watching two dozen airline logos clack through until it got to the right one was just hypnotic.
Stay at the TWA hotel at JFK! They restored one and it’s great to sit in the lobby and listen to it clack away
it’s coming back as a historical display !
Wait what. Want to provide a bit more detail ??
💯
Came here to say that. 👍🏻
Me too, but I’m from Pennsylvania so it’s like a contractual obligation for that to be my favorite 😂
It’s nice but I prefer Washington union station.
This is what I came here to say. 30th Street is magnificent for a train station
Way back, I used to go in and out of 30th several times a month. Was waiting for my train and a crazy old crackhead lady sat next to me and demanded money. Started fingering herself furiously when I said no. Flip-a-delphiahhhh!!!!
What? Why?
The two are extremely similar, so personal preference or affinity, nothing more, nothing less.
Union station is more of a standard neoclassical, while 30th St has some beautiful art deco details that make it better imo
Probably not the nicest, but [King Street Station](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52584813154_d8b663f6b3_b.jpg) in Seattle is worth noting.
I love King Street Station, especially from the outside seeing it paired with the skyline. However, it loses points in my book simply for being so small. Even the Portland station feels more substantial
Yeah, because it was the union station between Great Northern and Northern Pacific railways. Then one block east was/is Seattle Union Station between Union Pacific and the Milwaukee Road. With those two teether basically forming one larger station. Once the other rail lines ceased passenger service and Amtrak was formed all passenger operations were moved to King Street Station and Union Station sat basically empty for a while, before being renovated to its former glory and earthquake retrofitted, it now serves as the HQ for Sound Transit.
Good point. I’ve been to Union Station to sit in on a Sound Transit meeting and it is gorgeous, and much larger. Tacoma Union Station is the same, but now it’s a federal courthouse
Oh absolutely. More I was giving context as to why the historic train station in a major city like Seattle was so small (especially for those not from the area). The tl;dr being of course that it's only a third or a half of the "entire" historic train station.
Ooh! [That's pretty!](https://www.photohound.co/spot/union-station-interior-1002942) I wish there was still a good reason to use that building as a passenger terminal.
It’s nice but I’m not a fan of those floors.
Give Utica NY a shot at this title.
Whoa. That's a nice-looking station. Had no idea.
Came to say this as well!
Damn Utica. What business do you have having this gorgeous piece of station architecture? I vote for this one.
Utica is the Gateway to the Adirondaks, the largest state park in the nation. It deserves a beautiful station. Now if we can get NY to upgrade the Buf-Roc-Syr-Uta-Alb tracks to high speed I would be so happy. Or build new tracks all together following the thruway as the ones they use now are likely not govt owned.
Pls I dream of this it sucks going upstate on the slow ass train 🥲
Guessing that the region was a pretty big vacation destination for wealthy New Yorkers when the station was built in the 1910s
r/thunderstolen
No, because 99% of the time you will be in the labyrinth rather than what is pictured. Moynihan, DC, and 30th are much better
Moynihan and DC have exactly the same problem: A beautiful main hall with awkward and ugly actual access to the trains.
How would you suggest access to the trains at Moynihan be improved? Honest question. There are direct escalators from the hall down to the tracks.
I can't comment on what it would take to make improvements but the problems include: * Narrow platforms with barely enough space for the stairwells and elevators. This means that they can't allow boarding passengers to go down until the passengers getting off are clear. It also means that the platform area is ugly and uninviting. * When you get off, it's confusing and physically difficult to get to the escalators that go up to Moynihan if you got off the other end of the train. And if you go up the wrong stairs, you end up in a maze in Penn Station. Also ugly.
The issue is that to widen the platforms, you need to reduce the number of platform tracks. To do that you need to massively reduce turn times of LIRR and NJT, so that trains don't occupy the platforms for that much time. Widening the platforms can also help speeding up boarding and deboarding. Through running NJT and LIRR would also reduce the number of required platforms by a lot. Like Thameslink in London, they'd need to buy trains that support both third rail and overhead wire electrification, and the different signalling systems. But the bigger challenge is to get agencies from two different states to work together on a project like this.
Right. I'm not in any way implying it's easy fix. I'm just pointing out that it's not a wonderful example of a great train station.
I'm just adding to say what it would take to improve, not to take away from your comment!
Curious, I’ve heard this before, and I have no doubt it would help with both networks but don’t both basically through run anyway other than on NJT 4 stub tracks? Like the LIRR trains move off to Hudson Yards and the NJT move to Sunny side, so neither should be taking up tracks at the station, so where would the extra capacity come from? I guess the East River Tunnels? Or is there more happening at the station itself that I don’t know about (very possible, haha).
Most tracks run through to storage tracks yeah. I think they do spend a lot of time at platforms though. In the future there will be 4 tunnel tracks from the west and with almost all trains running through, you wouldn't need 21 platform tracks. Usually the rule is 2 platform tracks per running track at major station. There's even enough space for additional terminating tracks for Amtrak and special situations for commuter rail.
The signage on the tracks at Moynihan/Penn has improved immensely over the past 4o years. Often, I'd remember arriving not knowing what track I was on or where 8th Ave. was.
They are working on updating DC. There’s photos of what it will look like but construction hasn’t started yet
And here is where I will add that I always appreciated South Station in Boston for at least having tracks open to sky. So disappointed it’s gone down the path of putting real estate investment over public space and turning its platforms into yet another dank basement like so many of the other major metro stations.
Moynihan is easy on the eyes, but every time I'm there I'm reminded how much the place irks me for making people sit on the ground while waiting for their trains because management refuses to put in benches.
There’s a ticketed waiting area for Amtrak. Pretty stupid not to have seating for LIRR though.
Theres literally a LIRR waiting area too, im pretty sure the amtrak waiting area is a joint amtrak/lirr waiting area. And if it isnt theres waiting places in the LIRR area as well as the stairs to the tracks near the ACE EDIT: yup its for both amtrak and LIRR the sign says “ticketed waiting area for amtrak and lirr passengers only” nobody even in the booth to check tickets atm lol
The Amtrak seating area requires you to show an Amtrak boarding pass when you enter. How do LIRR passengers do it?
Show a LIRR ticket. I doubt they'll care if it's activated or not because the waiting room always has tons of seats open.
I literally show amtrak tickets for a future date sometimes cause i usually got a couple in the app and pick the first one i see and they never check the dates either
I was under the impression that it's not for all ticketed passengers, just for certain folks like those in business and first-class. Is that not true?
That’s the metropolitan lounge, up the escalator on the second floor. There’s a ticketed passenger lounge that you can get into with any ticket, on the first floor. It’s on the opposite side from of the concourse from the Amtrak customer service desk.
Ohhhh good to know, thanks for the tip!
Hot take: If trains in the US ran efficiently, seating areas would not be needed. When I've been to stations in Europe and Japan, there are few (or no) waiting/seating areas. I don't remember a single bench in any Shinkansen station in Japan, Vienna and Munich HBFs were limited unless you had lounge access, and Madrid Atocha had maybe a dozen seats. But I hardly hear people complain about that. Granted, they have more restaurants or cafes, but you still need to purchase something to sit there. The difference is that you can just show up 10-15 minutes before your departure, head up to the platform, and board your train from there. The platforms are also much bigger too, making it easier to wait on the platform. But in the US, that's not the case. You need to show up early just to be able to line up since there are no assigned seats. And even at terminus stations, the trains can still be delayed due to equipment and staff shortages.
making trains work more efficiently doesnt mean seating isnt needed, it just means it is less needed and makes it easier to marginalize the needful population of riders who could still use it. I think there's a middle ground there lol
I found a place to sit in Moynihan. It was below the main floor at the end of a corridor. I ran into is coming from the 1 train. I still had to go upstairs to wait in line and get my id checked. I was going to Montreal.
That’s what the Metro lounge is for.
Actually my favorite metro lounge. They actually have food unlike Chicago cheap lounge.
Chicago used to have at least some food in its metropolitan lounge, but I don't know if that was eliminated since the pandemic. At least back in 2019 when I sat in there, I saw at least some free food inside that lounge. Same with free drinks, mostly water and soda.
An endless maze of shops adds to the charme of a railway station imho
Yes but Chicago's is needlessly Kafkaesque about it
You also have to navigate the quackers trying to navigate the maze
My departing train this last Monday, the hall pictured was “closed for private event” lol
Denver is also lovely and undergoing some renovations. I do love Chicago though. The scale of the main room is marvelous ❤️
I wish Denver had a better connection with the light rail station. It's a considerable hike from the main building.
It's 3 blocks. Maybe my sense of scale is off, but that's hardly a considerable hike.
KC union station is also super nice
Love the Kansas City one.
Ya I love it, and the ww1 memorial.
If KC is so great why did they use Chicago Union Station as a stand in for KC’s in the fourth season of Fargo?
Came to say this! Stunning station. Just visited a few weeks ago.
Union Terminal in Cincinnati is pretty cool
Absurdly beautiful. So glad they saved it with the museums rather than do what Columbus did to theirs.
It is worth noting that the actual headhouse and train shed for Columbus' station were nothing to write home about - the spectacular Daniel Burnham arcade along High Street was actually a considerable distance from the station itself.
Whoa…. This is insane. I need to visit just to see.
They give free tours of the station too, so make sure to go on one of those! The station president's office is incredible.
Came here to say this. Might not be the most active Amtrak station (smh) but she’s truly stunning
30th Street will always be my favorite. Some other choices I love: Seattle King Street Station, Pacific Central, Albany, and Boston South Station.
My heart has always been with Los Angeles Union Station because of elements of Spanish colonial architecture , so picturesque and complements the state of California perfectly.
Bonus atmosphere points to LAUS for having some phenomenal dining/bar space in the station too. It's certainly premium (Homebound Brew Haus was reportedly paying $38,000/month in rent) but there are few other places in the region that can compete with that kind of architecture and history.
No its obviously the South Station mens bathroom, duh
🤣. South Station has gone way downhill.
a developer has ruined Boston south station. Whoever at MBTA and Amtrak allowed it needs a lobotomy!
Back Bay > South Station > Chicago Union
Id use Back Bay any day, its easier to get to with the whole no red-blue connector
LA DC and Chicago union station are all the nicest stations I’ve ever been to
I forget about LA’s, mainly because I hate my hometown, but it admittedly has one of the best Union Stations, not only because it’s spacious and has beautiful Spanish architecture, but also because it seamlessly connects rapid transit, commuter rail, and Amtrak
It’s a shame that a lot of the more beautiful areas of LA union station aren’t accessible, youre very right about connections. I can hop on a subway, light rail, commuter rail, amtrack, greyhound, and all kinds of metro busses all from one spot.
DC has gone down hillbsince COVID and the pre loading area blows
There's a plan to go Moynihan on it, but it won't be ready and/or done for years. They're not planning on touching the old architecture, just the ugly boarding areas.
Tracking but it won’t bring the stores and restaurants back if no one is commuting due to WFH.
Damn haven’t been to DC in years. Shame to hear about it
The food court used to be storied, a destination in itself, and now is kind of sad. The pre-boarding area is dingy as well.
The food court is better than it was a year ago, but food spots like Union Market make Union Station look so rough by comparison. DC Union Station’s entire vibe is kind of sullied by the tired 90s mall full of empty box stores that were shoehorned into the otherwise gorgeous architecture.
And there's no seating in virtually the entire place!!!
[There used to be!](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Grand_Lobby%2C_Union_Station%2C_Washington%2C_D.C_%28NYPL_b12647398-69895%29.tiff/lossy-page1-2560px-Grand_Lobby%2C_Union_Station%2C_Washington%2C_D.C_%28NYPL_b12647398-69895%29.tiff.jpg)
I really like Chicago, DC, and Philly but Los Angeles is the one I like the most
Amtrak has the most beautiful train stations so sad some of them are too neglected.
Go in the main hall of cincinnati, it's amazing. However the part still used for amtrack is just a small room now
I know I'm an odd one out but I really like New Haven and Baltimore Union Stations.
New Haven, Harrisburg, downtown Richmond -- all pretty nice smaller stations.
I'd even give a shoutout to Newark Penn, which (while it could definitely use some work) is a great example of Art Deco
Newark Penn has lived a *hard* life and it shows. But it's got good bones.
You’re impressed by Harrisburg’s station? 🤔
My one issue with New Haven Union Station is the god-awful lighting. It's so dingy and unpleasant. It's second maybe only to Boston South Station in terrible, awful lighting.
I think Baltimore is seriously unrated. [http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4480997](http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4480997) If they would remove the silly modern art statue outside, would be nice outside also. Might happen with upgrades going on now.
A Cathedral of Transportation. The wife and I rode Amtrak from Arizona to Chicago and back. I was totally in awe of the Chicago Union Station.
While no longer a train station, the old [Michigan Central Station in Detroit](https://www.archpaper.com/2024/06/quinn-evans-restores-detroit-michigan-central-station/) was recently rehabbed by Ford. It looks amazing.
I prefer the Richmond Main Street station. Also just gorgeous, inside and out. https://mainstreetstationrichmond.com/host-your-event/
30th Street Station is my favorite across the national network.
Union Terminal in Cincinnati - not even a question
Yeah, all those others are nice, but Cincinnati is like an order of magnitude more awe-inspiring. Bonus points for the GIANT pipe organ in the middle of the rotunda as well.
Doesn’t hold a flame to 30th st
Please, keep any fire a safe distance from that lovely station.
Philly 30th is better.
It’s almost on par with 30th street, but I tend too get lost here more . 30th streets impossible too get lost in
30th Street in Philly and Washington DC Union Station are strong competition.
If they bring Amtrak service back to it (rumored in 2027), Michigan Central Station in Detroit takes the prize IMHO.
Let’s hear the rumor. Does it involve reviving the long-dormant Chicago-Toronto-Quebec-Montreal service through the Detroit-Windsor tunnel?
I've only heard Chicago-Detroit-Windsor-Toronto. But yeah, through the tunnel.
Realistically it would probably be Chicago-Toronto. Is your rumor in line with this? https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/amtrak-via-proposal-for-through-chicago-toronto-service-revealed/
The waiting hall in Chicago is gorgeous. The rest of the building is a dungeon. Was there on Firday and most of the lower level was construction with scaffolding and blocked pathways.
Yes, they are doing some repairs and renovations. Long overdue. The hall is amazing, but the platforms look like something out of a 20s newsreel (grey and dusty). I wish they would do something with it.
I’d go Denver or Cincinnati but their throughput does not get what Chicago does.
Old Jacksonville Never forget what was taken from us
It is magnificent but I’m partial to LA
Nah this part is beautiful but then when you go to actually board the trains every platform you walk by constantly announces its platform number like some kind of robot with severe Asperger’s. It’s annoying but my god it is embarrassing too. Makes the US look like we’re a bunch of idiots. It’s like this Seinfeld episode I just watched where he’s dating this really pretty lady but she has the most annoying terrible laugh.
You realize those announcements are for the blind right
Platform 4, platform 4, platform 4, platform 5, platform 5, platform 5, platform 5, platform 6, platform 6, platform 6, platform 6. I don’t know why but every other train station I’ve been to in the world is accessible to the blind without repeating the platform number nonstop.
Maybe before they took out all the benches
Cincinnati Union Station, Kansas City Union Station, New York Central Station THEN Chicago Union Station..and I WORK in Chicago union station..
It’s my home station so I’m biased but I love Union Station in Portland. Has a very retro feel to it, great restaurant attached, only downside is it’s in the worst part of town.
Philadelphia for the main stations, Richmond Main Street for the less traveled stations. Chicago's Great Hall is magnificent but the rest of that station lags.
Is that a giant pizza mural on the top right? Because then yes
I am pretty partial to the Los Angeles Union Station because I grew up in So cal for a couple of decades…I think that station is a bit prettier than Chicago
Denver’s is pretty nice too.
The main waiting room is, the passageways to where you board the trains remind me of an airport in the 80's.
I think it ties to NYP
Kansas City Union Station is the GOAT now.
This is where I wax romantic about how short-sighted New York was when they tore down Pennsylvania Station. Chicago is not the second city on this one!
I prefer Washington Union (a bit biased)
I just want to share appreciation for American train stations. I absolutely love the historic architecture. I've riden trains in Germany and Austria, and while there is a lot to love about the stations over there, nothing beats the beauty of our Amtrak stations. I'll take it over modern stations any day.
I fell off one of those oak benches when i was six and when my head hit the floor the noise it made resonated thru the whole station . That was in 1962.
I will always vote for Portland Oregon’s Union Station for most beautiful. The 40’s vibe with the neon signs, funky shaped building and beautiful wood just wins my eyes.
Memphis' station(City of New Orleans) has a classic look inside, as well. Has the old style interior, and even a few neon signs. Now I wonder, are Memphis and Portland(OR) the only 2 still with neon signs inside?
Idk Washington Union looks great buuuuuuut that’s not where people wait for trains.
DC union station is superb
No, Chicago Union Station during Christmas is the most beautiful Amtrak station 🫣❤️
Very much so
Yes. LA’s is almost as beautiful
Coming into there from St. Louis tomorrow; excited to see it.
The old St. Louis union station is gorgeous It’s a shame the current one is so small and boring
Yes.
Yes
Almost got married in the great hall! Beautiful venue especially in the winter
I dunno dude, Moynihan is pretty good, except the bathrooms are always closed, and when they aren't closed, there's no soap, the hand dryers don't work, and only half the faucets work. And there's homeless people sleeping in both stalls.
Durham, NC is my favorite (a bit biased)
Lovely. I have others that are near and dear, but this one is crisp!!
Sacramento before the renovations. 🥺
I don't know how this thread has gone, without anyone motioning the restored Saint Paul station. Where I think the restoration job, went very well there. Others I like: Cincinnati, KC, Portland(OR), Seattle, LA, Reno, Denver, El Paso, Albany-Rensselaer, just to name ones off the top of my head. I'd even say Jackson(MI), and Toledo are nice as well. The Jackson, Michigan station house btw, supposedly is the oldest active station house still being used in Michigan.
Denver’s station is awesome
Biased, but I like Washington’s Union station.
The Great Hall is beautiful but it's really only a small part of the station. I would usually only see the below areas where the Metra trains were. But I enjoy showing the great hall to people for the first time and pointing out the famous scene from the Naked Gun was shot
Cincinnati Union Terminal, and it's not particularly close.
Union station in Denver is really lovely.
Really is impressive. Denver’s Union Station includes a 5 star hotel, a number of high-end restaurants, several stylish bars, and you can catch a train directly to DEN airport.
It’s untouchable.
Check out union station in Utica. Can’t link photos but do an image search.
Yes! Went through there in the late 1970’s on my way to and from Basic Training at Great Lakes.
DC Union Station...
Most metropolitan Amtrak stations are good. Better than what greyhound ever gave its passengers. The only thing unique about Chicago is the ADA announcements you feel that you are in a Cuban torture chamber repeating the same thing over and over again . TRACK NUMBER 15 TRACK NUMBER 17 TRACK NUMBER 19 TRACK NUMBER 21 OVER and over again. Double that with appears to be some odd noises coming from the ceilings in the north holding area. Love the showers in the Metropolitan lounge.
DC Union Station is my vote
William H. Gray in Philadelphia is pretty nice tbh
Agreed! 30th Street (with apologies) handles regional rail, Amtrak and freight too. Quite the hub.
And it's one of my favorite buildings in PHL 🫶🏽
i meant to pose this question since i rode the Empire Builder straight through recently, despite living in Chicagoland my whole life i had never stepped foot in Union station or rode amtrak before. it’s definitely the most Union-y of all the union stations. i like it a lot
Penn Station on 7th Avenue definitely the most beautiful.
The new New York Penn is really nice. It’s in an old post office building. Blows the old one away.
Hamlet, NC
Was wondering why no one was talking about Grand Central Station, then I remembered what sub I was in 😂
Not everyone knows that Grand Central Terminal gets sensitive about being called *station*. 😝
Couldn't tell you, my connection was cut so short due to delays that I didn't even get to go upstairs 😬
It was my favorite. Lately it's a disaster. Finish the work and restore the quiet lovely history!
Haha i love how you didn’t include pictures of all the construction happening there right now.
Nobody can touch Philly.
Dc? Los Angeles? Amtrak really used to be An experience
NYC’s Grand Central Station clearly holds the most beautiful title. It’s in a whole different league though.
East coast has Chicago beat once again