What makes a good train station? A community garden? Kind staff? Or perhaps a warm waiting room to sit down in during these colder months? Well, train fans, bored commuters and opinionated Brits with, now you have a chance to vote for the best station in the UK.

The World Cup of Stations is run by National Rail’s Rail Delivery Group. Selected by a panel of judges from 150 public nominations, 20 hubs across the country have been shortlisted as the best of the best based on this year’s theme: community. So, that’s the depots with the right staff, volunteers and community partners that bring people together to make a station more than just a collection of platforms, but an important public space. 

Two stations in have been nominated as top tier in terms of community engagement. The first probably comes as no surprise — St Pancras International. I mean, where else can you buy a choccy croissant, a pair of Levi’s and then play the piano?

But seriously, the free communal pianos, memorable Christmas trees and plethora of cafes make St Pancras International into somewhere you can hang out with loved ones and people-watch the emotional family reunions at Eurostar arrivals. Judges from the Rail Delivery Group added that the station’s architectural beauty and international reach made each journey feel special.

The other London nominee is , which serves the Suffragette line. Judges praised its efforts to turn a previously overlooked station into a welcoming community garden ‘where children, older people and residents living with dementia can connect with nature and one another’. 

Dan Mann, co-CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: ‘This competition is an opportunity to celebrate the wider impact of our railways. The stories behind this year’s shortlisted stations show how rail helps people and communities thrive. Whether opening up opportunities, supporting local projects or bringing people together, each of these stations is making a real difference.’ 

The World Cup of Stations 2026 kickstarted today (Monday October 12), and you have until Sunday October 18, to vote for your fave. The winner will be announced on Tuesday October 20. 

Every shortlisted UK train stations for the World Cup of Stations 2026

• Laindon, Basildon, Berney Arms and Leeds City.
• Kilmarnock, Saltcoats, Stow and Cardross.
• Northwest and West Midlands: Banbury, Haltwhistle, Hindley and Irlam.
• Brookwood, South Tottenham, St Pancras International and Bishopstone.
• Wales and the West: Par, Crediton, Yatton and Haverfordwest.

Did you know King’s Cross St Pancras just opened a new entrance to the tube?

Plus: There’s a new Eurostar booking tool meaning you can travel from London to Italy, Germany and more of Europe with just one ticket.

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