The bustling heart of the city’s transit network, Union Station, has just landed a spot among the top five most elite train stations on the planet. According to a new ranking released by travel insurance provider AllClear, Toronto’s architectural gem placed fifth overall on a list of the world’s 20 most luxurious and high-performing rail hubs.
To determine which stations offer a truly premium experience, the study evaluated 40 global hubs based on several high-end criteria. This included first-class lounge access, fine dining options, luxury retail, passenger reviews, and proximity to four- and five-star hotels.
Union Station, the only Canadian representative to make the cut, tied for fifth place with Italy’s Firenze Santa Maria Novella, earning a total score of 68 out of 100. It sat just behind world-class heavyweights in Switzerland and Japan, with Zürich Hauptbahnhof taking the top spot.
While you might associate the station with the daily rush of the TTC and GO Transit, the ranking highlighted the station’s massive transformation into a lifestyle destination.
When it comes to elite lounges, Union Station earned a perfect score of 15/15 for its lounge access, matching the top-ranked station in Zurich. For dining, it scored a whopping 19/25 for its culinary scene, thanks to its revitalized food hall and spots like Roywoods and Blue Bovine.
Lastly, the study noted the station’s historic charm, including its stunning Beaux-Arts design and its 22 massive limestone columns, each weighing 75 tons.
While the station’s retail score lagged slightly behind at 8/20, its overall reputation for cleanliness and its role as a gateway to the city’s waterfront and CN Tower helped solidify its premium status.
With over 65 million passengers passing through its halls annually, the station is currently undergoing even more upgrades, including a brand-new south concourse, to ensure it stays a world-class destination for years to come.
You can check out the full luxury ranking on the AllClear website.
