The race to crown the World Cup of Stations 2026 champion begins on Monday 12 October, when public voting opens for 20 shortlisted stations across Britain.
Bringing the rail industry together to celebrate “The stations creating connections that matter”, this year’s competition gives the public the chance to choose their Station of the Year. It recognises the work of station teams, volunteers and community partners in connecting people and places.
Following over 150 nominations from across Britain, a judging panel selected 20 standout stations whose stories show the difference they make to the people and communities they serve. Now the public will decide which one deserves the crown.
The shortlisted stations are:
- Laindon, Basildon, Berney Arms and Leeds City in East Coast and the East Midlands area;
- Kilmarnock, Saltcoats, Stow and Cardross in Scotland;
- Banbury, Haltwhistle, Hindley and Irlam in the North West and West Midlands;
- Brookwood, South Tottenham, St Pancras International and Bishopstone in the South; and,
- Par, Crediton, Yatton and Haverfordwest in Wales and the West area.
Stations are where journeys and everyday life meet. They bring friends and families together, open doors to jobs and education, and help people reach the places that matter to them. They are also places where communities gather, friendships grow and people feel they belong.
Dan Mann, co-CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: “This competition is an opportunity to celebrate the wider impact of our railways. The stories behind this year’s shortlisted stations show how rail helps people and communities thrive. Whether opening up opportunities, supporting local projects or bringing people together, each of these stations is making a real difference.
“As we move towards a simpler, more joined-up railway through Great British Railways, these stations highlight the important role our railway plays in connecting people, places and communities.
“This is your chance to celebrate that work. Read the stories, get behind your favourite and help us crown this year’s champion.”
Alex Hynes, DFTO chief executive, said: “This is about much more than platforms and train journeys – it’s about the power stations have to bring customers, colleagues, and communities together.
“Our finalists demonstrate what a railway station actually means to those who use it, whether that’s unlocking opportunities, supporting local communities and businesses, or just being a place where people can meet to connect.
“It’s now over to the public to pick their favourite and get voting. Every vote is a chance to celebrate the customers and rail colleagues who make our railway stations – and the communities around them – truly special.”
VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates said: “Travelling by train is a fantastic way to sit back and enjoy Britain’s tourism highlights from a unique perspective – from picturesque landscapes and local culture to breathtaking countryside and coastlines.
“Railway stations play an equally important role, providing an atmospheric gateway to a destination. We wish each of Britain’s 20 shortlisted stations and their teams of staff and volunteers the very best of luck as we recognise their hard work in making a memorable and positive difference to our journeys.”
Last year’s winner, Ashington, showed how a station can transform the opportunities available to a community. This year, another 20 stations have shared their stories and the next chapter is in the public’s hands.
Voting takes place online at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations from 00:01, Monday 12 October to 23:59, Sunday 18 October. On the evening of Wednesday 14 October, the leading station from each regional group will progress to the final stage, leaving five stations in the race for the crown. The station receiving the most votes will be announced as the winner on Tuesday 20 October.
Make your voice heard and help crown the World Cup of Stations 2026 champion.
Image credit: Rail Delivery Group
