Whenever we think of the busiest railway stations in the world, we are reminded of Japan which has the most advanced rail transport system in the world with over 8,567 railway stations. Interestingly Japan has 7 out of the 10 busiest stations in world and hundreds of trains operating daily. This is an indication of the popularity, efficiency and reliability of Japan’s railway system. There are 179 stations in Tokyo, and 133 in Osaka alone. The Shinjuku Railway Station in Tokyo, Japan, is the world’s busiest train station with around 3.5 million passengers passing through its doors every day. The list of ten busiest railway stations in the world, based on passenger traffic includes the following:
Shinjuku Station (Tokyo, Japan) – Shinjuku is the busiest railway station in the world, in terms of number of passengers it handles daily. It is a major hub for several rail lines, including JR East, Keio, Odakyu, and the Tokyo Metro and serves over 3.5 million passengers passing through daily. The station has over 200 exits and over 30 platforms besides several department stores, restaurants and cafes. Its extensive network of rail lines and amenities makes it Tokyo’s lifeline connecting commuters, shoppers, and tourists.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Mumbai, India) formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is a historic railway station located in Mumbai, India. As one of India’s busiest railway stations, it plays a vital role connecting nearly 3 million passengers daily. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, CSMT is one of India’s busiest and most important railway stations, serving as a hub for both suburban and long-distance trains. CSMT serves as the terminus for numerous long-distance trains connecting Mumbai with various parts of India, including cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
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Ikebukuro Station (Tokyo, Japan) – is a vital transportation hub in Tokyo, connecting various parts of the city and surrounding areas. Its extensive network of rail lines and amenities makes it a central node in the city’s transport infrastructure. It handles around 2.7 million passengers daily and is a key hub for JR East, Seibu, Tobu, and Tokyo Metro lines. This makes it a crucial transportation point for commuters traveling within Tokyo and surrounding areas. The station’s constant activity and strategic location make it an essential part of Tokyo’s urban landscape. The surrounding area is a vibrant commercial and entertainment district, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Shibuya Station (Tokyo, Japan) – is one of the most iconic railway stations in the world and a major transportation hub in Tokyo. It is a major transportation hub in Tokyo and has multiple platforms and tracks to accommodate approximately 2.4 million passengers in transit daily. It serves JR East, Keio, Tokyu, and Tokyo Metro lines. In fact many of Japan’s fashion trends are said to be born on the streets of Shibuya. Shibuya is famous for many tourist attractions like the Shibuya Crossing where thousands of pedestrians cross in all directions every minute, statue of the loyal dog Hachiko a popular meeting place just outside the station, Meiji -a serene Shinto shrine located a short walk away, Shibuya Center-Gai a lively shopping street, and Shibuya 109 shopping mall known for trendy fashion stores targeting young women.
Umeda/Osaka Station (Osaka, Japan) – is one of the busiest railway stations in the world and a major transportation hub in the Kansai region handling over 2 million passengers daily. It serves JR West, Hankyu, Hanshin, and the Osaka Metro. Umeda/Osaka Station is a crucial transportation hub, connecting various parts of Osaka and the Kansai region. Its extensive network of rail lines and amenities makes it a central node in the region’s infrastructure. The station itself is known for its large and complex layout, with numerous platforms, exits, and integrated shopping centers. But despite its size, Umeda Station is generally considered well-organized and easy to navigate.
Yokohama Station (Yokohama, Japan) – is a major transportation hub located in Yokohama, Japan. It serves as a central point for various train lines and bus services catering to around 2 million passengers daily. It is a major transportation hub connecting various parts of Yokohama and the greater Tokyo metropolitan area. The station’s constant activity and strategic location make it an essential part of Yokohama’s urban landscape. Some of the breath-taking attractions in its vicinity include Landmark Tower, one of Japan’s tallest buildings, Yokohama the largest Chinatown in Japan, Sankeien – a traditional Japanese garden and Yamashita Park – a waterfront park offering scenic views of Yokohama Bay and the nearby port.
Beijing West Railway Station (Beijing, China) located in the Fengtai District, is one of China’s most important and busiest railway stations. It handles over 150,000-180,000 people daily and serves as a major hub for high-speed and conventional rail services, connecting Beijing to Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Wuhan, Changsha, and Zhengzhou. It is an essential gateway for millions of passengers, reflecting the importance of efficient and well-designed transport infrastructure in supporting urban mobility and connectivity.
Nagoya Station (Nagoya, Japan) – is Japan’s, and one of the world’s largest train stations by floor area, and houses the headquarters of the Central Japan Railway Company. Nagoya Station handles approximately 1.14 million passengers per day and is a vital transport hub for the whole of Japan. The twin-towered station rises over 50 storeys, and is the tallest railway-station building in the world. Nagoya Station serves as a vital transportation and commercial centre in the Chūbu region, providing easy access to both local and national destinations. It is almost a city within a station with shops, eateries, lodging and office spaces.
Tokyo Station (Tokyo, Japan) – located in the Marunouchi business district of Chiyoda, Tokyo, is one of Japan’s most important and busiest transportation hubs handling around 1 million passengers daily. Some of the tourist attractions in its vicinity include the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, Marunouchi Business District with many corporate headquarters, high-end shops, and dining establishments, Ginza- Tokyo’s premier shopping district, known for its luxury boutiques and department stores and Nihonbashi – a historical area with a mix of traditional shops and modern businesses. Tokyo Station is not only a critical intercity rail transport terminal but also a cultural and commercial landmark, reflecting both the history and modernity of Tokyo.
Seoul Station (Seoul, South Korea) – is one of South Korea’s major transportation hub located in the heart of Seoul. It handles around 1 million passengers daily and serves KTX, Korail, and the Seoul Metropolitan Subway. It connects various modes of transport, including high-speed trains, subways, buses, and taxis, making it a critical point for both local and international travellers. Its strategic location makes it an ideal gateway for exploring Seoul and other parts of South Korea.
Hongqiao Railway Station (Shanghai, China) – located in the Minhang District of Shanghai, is one of the largest and busiest railway stations in China accommodating over 900,000 passengers daily. It is situated right next to Terminal 2 of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Hongqiao Railway Station is equipped with elevators, escalators, and restrooms to ensure ease of movement for all kinds of passengers. A major transportation hub it serves high-speed rail, regular rail, Shanghai metro, and airport services. Its strategic location and comprehensive facilities make it a key hub for travel to various destinations across China, including Beijing, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Wuxi. Its integration with Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and extensive metro network enhances its accessibility for both domestic and international travellers.
Grand Central Terminal (New York, USA) also referred to as Grand Central Station or simply as Grand Central, is a commuter rail terminal located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is the busiest railway station in the world by number of platforms (44) and handling over 750,000 passengers daily. Apart from being a transportation hub, Grand Central Terminal is a destination in itself. It boasts over 70 shops and restaurants, making it a popular spot for shopping, dining, and people-watching. The terminal is famous for several interesting features, including the “Whispering Gallery” that allows people standing in diagonally opposite corners to hear each other very clearly, even in a crowded space, and the Grand Central Terminal Clock – the world’s largest four-faced clock by diameter, with an opal face and four opal Roman numerals, each 14 feet (4.3 m) tall. The ceiling of the main concourse is decorated with a beautiful artwork depicting the constellations as they would appear from New York City at night.
Gare du Nord (Paris, France) – is one of the busiest railway stations in Europe and a key transport hub for both domestic and international travel. It is one of the six large mainline railway station termini in Paris, and handles around 700,000 passengers per day. Gare du Nord’s central location and extensive transport connections make it a vital hub for travel in Paris and beyond. The station serves northern France, the United Kingdom via Eurostar, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany via Thalys. It is also connected to the Paris Métro and the RER rapid transit system. Its integration with the Paris Métro, RER, and bus services enhances accessibility and convenience for both local commuters and international travellers. It is the terminus of the Eurostar high-speed rail service, which connects Paris to London, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The station has been featured in many films, including “Midnight in Paris” and “The Bourne Identity.” The roof of the station is made of glass and iron, and it is a popular spot for people-watching.
These bustling railway stations are more than just transit points. They are dynamic centers of human activity, commerce, and cultural exchange. Each station, with its unique blend of historical significance and modern functionality, plays a crucial role in the lives of millions of passengers daily, highlighting the importance of efficient and well-connected transportation infrastructure in urban environments.
