Journeying through time and across continents, the world’s oldest train stations stand as iconic landmarks of human progress and ingenuity. From the historic Liverpool Road Station in Manchester, UK, to the bustling Mumbai CST in India, these architectural marvels tell tales of innovation, colonial legacies, and the evolution of transportation. Join us as we embark on a captivating exploration of the top 10 oldest train stations in the world.
Oldest Train Stations of the World
Liverpool Road Station, opened in 1830, holds the prestigious title of the world’s oldest existing train station, now part of Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry. Following closely is Broad Green Railway Station, inaugurated the same year but extensively modified in the 1970s. Other notable pioneers include Hexham Railway Station (1835), Deptford Railway Station (1836), and Liverpool Lime Street Station (1836). London boasts its historic sites with London Bridge Station (1836) and Euston Railway Station (1837), both witnessing significant transformations over the years.
World’s Oldest Train Station
Liverpool Road Station, the world’s oldest existing train station, commenced operations on September 15, 1830. Situated in Castlefield, Manchester, England, the station ceased its services in 1975. Despite its closure, the station building stands preserved, a testament to its historic significance. Initially serving the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, the pioneering steam-powered interurban line, it now forms a vital component of the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, alongside historic railway warehouses.
Top-10 Oldest Train Stations in the World
Liverpool Road Station of England, opened in 1830, holds the distinction of being the oldest train station in the world, followed by Broad Green Railway Station, Hexham Railway Station, and Deptford Railway Station.
Here is the list of top-10 oldest train stations in the world:
Oldest Train Stations in the World | ||||
Rank | Train Station | Year Opened | Still Operational | Location |
1. | Liverpool Railway Line | 1830 | No | Castlefield, Manchester, England |
2. | Broad Green Railway Station | 1830 | Yes | Broadgreen, Liverpool, England |
3. | Hexham Railway Station | 1835 | Yes | Hexham, Nortumberland, England |
4. | Deptford Railway Station | 1836 | Yes | Deptford, London, England |
5. | Liverpool Lime Street Station | 1836 | Yes | Liverpool, England |
6. | London Bridge Station | 1836 | Yes | Southwark, Central London, England |
7. | Euston Railway Station | 1837 | Yes | Euston Road, London, England |
8. | Harrow & Wealdstone Station | 1837 | Yes | Wealdstone, London, England |
9. | Vitebsky Railway Station | 1837 | Yes | Saint Petersburg, Russia |
10. | Paddington Station | 1838 | Yes | Paddington, City of Westminster, England |
Oldest Train Station in the World – Liverpool Road Station
Opened: 15th September 1830
Location: Castlefield, Manchester, England
Managed by: Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester
Still Operational: No
The Liverpool Road Station, inaugurated on September 15, 1830, holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest surviving train station. Although no longer operational since 1975, the station remains intact and meticulously preserved. It was originally constructed as a crucial component of the groundbreaking Liverpool and Manchester Railway, renowned as the first steam-powered urban railway system. Presently, the Liverpool Road Station premises, along with the adjoining historic railway warehouses, constitute a prominent section of the Museum of Science and Industry located in Manchester.
World’s Second Oldest Train Station – Broad Green Railway Station
Opened: 15th September 1830
Location: Broadgreen, Liverpool, England
Managed By: Northern Trains
Still Operational: Yes
Number of Platforms: 2
Broad Green Railway Station, established on September 15, 1830, shares the significant inauguration date with Liverpool Road Station as part of the pioneering Liverpool and Manchester Railway. Despite maintaining continuous operation since its inception, the station’s present buildings, dating back only to the 1970s, lack originality. Consequently, Broad Green Railway Station ranks as the second oldest functioning train station globally. Notably, all original platforms at Broad Green have been replaced over time, underscoring its historical evolution.
Third Oldest Train Station in the World – Hexham Railway Station
Opened: 9th March 1835
Location: Hexham, Nortumberland, England
Managed By: Northern Trains Railway Limited
Still Operational: Yes
Number of Platforms: 2
Hexham Railway Station, established in 1835, holds the distinction of being the third oldest surviving train station globally and the second oldest in continuous operation. Situated along the Tyne Valley Line, which stretches from Newcastle upon Tyne to Carlisle, the station has weathered the closures of numerous stations and lines along its original route. Consequently, Hexham Railway Station has undergone downsizing over the years. However, recent redevelopment efforts in the vicinity aim to breathe new life into the station, contributing to its revitalization and preservation as a historical landmark.