THREE train stations in Scotland have been named in the UK’s top five as part of a new national study.
Glasgow Central has been ranked the second-best train station in the UK and the best in Scotland, according to ticketing platform TrainPal’s new analysis.
The study looked at 210 stations across the UK, and assessed them on passengers' experience, performance and reputation, along with nearby food and drink options, and surrounding amenities.
A social survey of 2000 UK adults also looked at what people enjoy about spending time at a station, with people-watching coming out on top of the list.
Although London Liverpool Street took the top spot, three Scottish stations occupied the top four spots with Glasgow Queen Street securing third place and Edinburgh Waverley ranking fourth.
Elsewhere, Edinburgh Haymarket came in 23rd, Stirling was ranked 31st and Dundee also made the top 50 at 36th.
The research by TrainPal assessed practical facilities including accessibility, lifts, toilets and seating, alongside Wi-Fi, refreshments, shops and mobile connectivity.
Haymarket scored particularly highly for station experience at 96, ranking above stations like Glasgow Central (95.2), Glasgow Queen Street (94.8) and Edinburgh Waverley (94.5).
The study also suggested that smaller stations can compete with major transport hubs by offering good facilities, a strong reputation and convenient access to nearby amenities.
The survey also highlighted the importance of atmosphere and character, with 37% saying a station’s character can make it feel like more than just a place to catch a train.
A survey of 2000 people in the UK also found that people-watching was the most popular way to pass the time, with 33% saying they enjoy it.
Sitting down and relaxing followed at 24%, while 22% enjoy watching trains come and go, and one in five (20%) enjoy grabbing a coffee.
The 10 best UK train stations according to TrainPal’s analysis
- London Liverpool Street
- Glasgow Central
- Glasgow Queen Street
- Edinburgh Waverley
- London Victoria
- London Charing Cross
- London King’s Cross
- Leeds
- Moorfields
- Birmingham New Street
