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.<\/p>\n
Bringing the rail industry together to celebrate \u201cThe stations creating connections that matter\u201d, this year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The shortlisted stations are:<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is your chance to celebrate that work. Read the stories, get behind your favourite and help us crown this year\u2019s champion.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alex Hynes, DFTO chief executive, said: \u201cThis is about much more than platforms and train journeys – it\u2019s about the power stations have to bring customers, colleagues, and communities together.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur finalists demonstrate what a railway station actually means to those who use it, whether that\u2019s unlocking opportunities, supporting local communities and businesses, or just being a place where people can meet to connect.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates said: \u201cTravelling by train is a fantastic way to sit back and enjoy Britain\u2019s tourism highlights from a unique perspective \u2013 from picturesque landscapes and local culture to breathtaking countryside and coastlines.<\/p>\n
\u201cRailway stations play an equally important role, providing an atmospheric gateway to a destination. We wish each of Britain\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s 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\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n