The fourth annual European Railway Station Index was published this year. The index, which is compiled by the Consumer Choice Center organisation, rates the 50 largest railway stations in Europe, with size being determined by passenger numbers. This was the first time Vienna’s main station appeared in the listings and it achieved second place, with the top prize going to Zurich main station, last year’s winner.
The aim of the index is to reflect passenger experiences and thus provide help and recommendations for planning your next journey. The criteria assessed include in-station availability of information, ticket-buying options, wheelchair accessibility, the range of food available, shopping outlets and free wifi. Convenient access and local/international connections also play a crucial role in travel experience and customer satisfaction.
The top five railway stations for 2023 are: Zurich main station (Switzerland), Vienna main station (Austria), Berlin main station (Germany), Berne station (Switzerland) and Utrecht central station (the Netherlands).
Vienna’s main station was singled out for special praise in the categories for elevators/escalators, availability of information, wheelchair accessibility, shops, smartphone app and local/international connections. Vienna’s Meidling station was the other Austrian station to make the top 10.
