Zurich Central Station Named World's Most Luxurious Train Station
Zurich Central Station in Switzerland has been ranked the world's most luxurious train station by UK travel insurance company ALLClear. It topped a list of 40 major stations globally, evaluated on criteria including passenger lounges, dining options, shopping, passenger reviews, and the number of nearby luxury hotels. Zurich scored 83 out of 100 points, surpassing Japanese stations like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, which ranked second to fourth.
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Zurich, May 8 (CNA) - According to a ranking by UK travel insurance company ALLClear, Zurich Central Station in Switzerland has been named the world's most luxurious train station, outperforming 40 major stations globally. The evaluation considered factors such as passenger lounges, dining choices, shopping facilities, passenger reviews, and the number of nearby luxury hotels. Swiss broadcaster SRF celebrated the win with the headline "Zurich Defeats Japan."
The global ranking included major train stations from European cities like Amsterdam, Rome, and London, as well as popular destinations in Japan and North America.
Zurich Central Station secured the top spot with a score of 83 out of 100. The stations ranking second to fifth were Japan's Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, followed by Toronto Station in Canada. Taipei Station ranked 20th.
Swiss broadcaster SRF highlighted the achievement with the headline "Zurich Defeats Japan."
ALLClear's website defines a luxurious train station based on several criteria: the presence of first-class or premium waiting lounges with concierge or luggage services, the number and quality of high-end restaurants within a 0.5-mile radius, the number of retail stores within and around the station, passenger satisfaction ratings of 4 stars and above, and the number of 4- and 5-star hotels within a 0.5-mile radius.
Resident You Hui-jia commented that Swiss train stations are generally comfortable and clean, with particularly well-maintained restrooms, making the fee worthwhile. Unlike in some other countries, Swiss stations do not have gates at the platforms, allowing for easy access, which contrasts with the long queues often seen at European stations due to ticket checks, causing stress for travelers.
Chen Si-yu, who frequently travels between Germany and Switzerland, noted that German railways offer premium lounges for first-class passengers at major stations, featuring luxurious interiors and extensive dining options, accessible by showing a train ticket. Different classes of first-class tickets exist with significant price differences, and top-tier members can enjoy complimentary food and beverages, offering a memorable VIP experience.
A reporter's visit to Zurich Central Station revealed that the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) does not offer specific VIP lounges or special services for first-class passengers. All high-end restaurants and bars within the station are open to all travelers without ticket class distinctions.
The global ranking included major train stations from European cities like Amsterdam, Rome, and London, as well as popular destinations in Japan and North America.
Zurich Central Station secured the top spot with a score of 83 out of 100. The stations ranking second to fifth were Japan's Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, followed by Toronto Station in Canada. Taipei Station ranked 20th.
Swiss broadcaster SRF highlighted the achievement with the headline "Zurich Defeats Japan."
ALLClear's website defines a luxurious train station based on several criteria: the presence of first-class or premium waiting lounges with concierge or luggage services, the number and quality of high-end restaurants within a 0.5-mile radius, the number of retail stores within and around the station, passenger satisfaction ratings of 4 stars and above, and the number of 4- and 5-star hotels within a 0.5-mile radius.
Resident You Hui-jia commented that Swiss train stations are generally comfortable and clean, with particularly well-maintained restrooms, making the fee worthwhile. Unlike in some other countries, Swiss stations do not have gates at the platforms, allowing for easy access, which contrasts with the long queues often seen at European stations due to ticket checks, causing stress for travelers.
Chen Si-yu, who frequently travels between Germany and Switzerland, noted that German railways offer premium lounges for first-class passengers at major stations, featuring luxurious interiors and extensive dining options, accessible by showing a train ticket. Different classes of first-class tickets exist with significant price differences, and top-tier members can enjoy complimentary food and beverages, offering a memorable VIP experience.
A reporter's visit to Zurich Central Station revealed that the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) does not offer specific VIP lounges or special services for first-class passengers. All high-end restaurants and bars within the station are open to all travelers without ticket class distinctions.
FAQ
Which train station was named the world's most luxurious?
Zurich Central Station in Switzerland received this title.
Who conducted the ranking of luxurious train stations?
The ranking was conducted by the UK travel insurance company ALLClear.
What criteria were used to determine the most luxurious train station?
Criteria included passenger lounges, dining options, shopping, passenger reviews, and the number of nearby luxury hotels.
How did Zurich Central Station perform in the ranking?
It scored 83 out of 100 points, ranking first among 40 major global stations.
Which stations ranked highly after Zurich?
Japanese stations Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo ranked second to fourth, followed by Toronto Station in Canada. Taipei Station was 20th.