All aboard!

Are you tired of wasting precious time waiting for your train under dingy, smelly and unbearable subway conditions? There are many architects of the world have heard your cries and have designed these following undergrounds that are eye-catching beauties.Unlike the pitch-black dungeons we are accustomed to, they raise the bar with marble floors, stunning rooftops and quirky themes that are just too captivating to miss. So the next time you're in any of the following eight cities, take a step into their underworlds to witness the sounds, sights and joys of riding on their tank engines.

Munich, Germany:  St. Quirin-Platz Station

Stepping into the St. Quirin-Platz Station in Germany is an unforgettable experience, especially if you’re tired of waiting for your train to arrive on a dark and stuffy rat-infested platform. That’s because the station’s architects, Hermann + Ottl were determined to create a better experience for train passengers traveling along Munich U-bahn U1 line by designing an eye-popping shell-shape façade made out of natural materials and stainless steel. They also garlanded it with skylights to let natural light seep into its darkest nooks.

Melbourne, Australia:  Southern Cross Station

Hardly a day goes by without Southern Cross Station seeing an influx of people.  Not just because it is a bustling train hub that makes up the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop (MURL), but because its cutting-edge ceilings compel every visitor of the station to look upwards. The Southern Cross Station is draped with a snaking rooftop that stretches as far as an entire block, which can create the ultimate neck sore if you’ve too become mesmerized by its winding features.

Not only is the Southern Cross Station’s roof an instant attraction, but alleviates the typical hot climate associated with subways by providing cool ventilation.  Just try not to step on any toes by constantly gazing above your head.

 Warsaw, Poland: Plac Wilsona Metro Station

There’s no doubt that Plac Wilsona stands out with a futuristic appearance.  In fact, it may seem like you’ll be taking a trip to outer space instead of traveling along tracks. But what else would you expect from a train station that resembles a flying saucer?

The Plac Wilson Metro Station is named after Thomas Woodrow Wilson, the 28^th president of the United States, and has broken barriers as an architectural masterpiece that creates an unforgettable experience for its passengers with an interchangeable color ceiling alone. Even if you do not wish to travel by train, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t check out its cool, ultramodern appearance.

Dubai: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Metro Station

Even Dubai, which is dotted with beautiful skyscrapers and the most world’s most sleek buildings have taken its modern architectural skills underground. And once you encounter the intricately designed Khalid Bin Al Waleed Station you’ll see Dubai's grandeur at its highest (and, coincidentally, lowest).

The metro station is bedecked with an underwater theme that is presented through jellyfish–inspired chandeliers and a deep azure color that challenges the hue of the sea. With three levels of amazing underwater features dedicated to the history of Dubai’s seafaring industry, there are plenty of sights lurking around every twist and turn.  Khalid Bin Al Waleed Station sinks about 30 meters below the surface, and has become a beloved spot for travelers and historians alike.

Naples, Italy: Toledo Metro Station

Sticking with the underwater theme, the Toledo Metro Station's ultimate beauty is the perfect excuse for anyone to travel along its tracks, especially since the station gives an illusion of being submerged under the sea.  Bedecked in different shades of blue bisazza mosaics that create a water and light concept, you’ll never want your train to arrive the more you delve deeper into its 50 meters of underground space.  

You may even miss a train or two by becoming so mesmerized by the flow of art dominating every nook and cranny of the Toledo Metro Station, which proves it is more than a location for busy commuters, but an artistic beauty drowning out the sounds of loud locomotives with a dazzling atmosphere.

Saint Petersburg, Russia: Avtovo Station

There’s no gloomy presence haunting this train station, particularly since no detail was spared when creating its elaborate display. St. Petersburg’s Avtovo Station is one of the many subways of the city that makes venturing on a train all the worthwhile since they offer no ordinary appearance.  Here you’ll be immersed in a subway system where grand halls are illuminated by sparkling chandeliers, marble floors and Soviet-infused art hung proudly on almost every corner.

So intricately built, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t roam through its halls before traveling to your next destination. After all, there aren’t many stations that look as pristine and palatial as the Avtovo Station.

France: Gare de Saint-Exupéry TGV

Not only are airplanes modeled after birds, so are train stations.  Well that can be said about the Gare de Saint-Exupéry TGV which displays a beak and wings.  The train station is adjacent to the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, and offers much more than transportation to and from the airport.  Commuters visiting this distinguished building can capture 360-degree views from its balconies located on the second floor.  It is also an architectural wonder for those interested in its unique structure or simply excited to venture into a bird on a world-class train excursion.

Antwerp, Belgium: Antwerp Central Station

That’s no church, although it is rightfully dubbed the railway cathedral.  This railway is so exquisite you may even regret hearing your train slow chug onto the platform, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore its classic façade.  The Antwerp Central Station is a bustling centerpiece situated in the heart of the city and offers three levels of discovery, including a gallery sparkling in diamonds.

Garnished in marble, stone, glass rooftops and colossal towers to mirror an ancient cathedral, you may even be obliged to say a prayer (for your train to be delayed), especially if you’ve automatically become hypnotized by its dynamic features.  As one of the most striking stations of the city, don’t be surprised if you’re more inclined to scope out its premises than be whisked away on a train.