October 28, 2025, 11:48 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The “Alliance for Rail” selects the best train station in Germany every year. This year, Magdeburg Central Station impressed the jury.
There are more than 5,000 train stations in Germany–but only one can be adorned with the title “Station of the Year” each year. In 2025, the award from the “Alliance for Rail” goes to the central station in Saxony-Anhalt’s capital, Magdeburg. It has undergone extensive renovations in recent years.
Magdeburg Central Station Scores with Modern Connectivity
“Magdeburg’s central station has received a remarkable upgrade,” the jury stated. The new design of the entrances was particularly praised. This includes short paths to trams, buses, and car-sharing services, as well as a friendly atmosphere with fresh colors, green spaces, and bright materials.
The previously rather plain Cologne Square has been transformed into a small city square with seating and green areas–and now also offers a new bicycle parking facility with 250 spaces. This makes traveling by bike or train in Magdeburg significantly more attractive.
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Comfort for All Travelers–from Commuters to Families
Inside the station, Magdeburg also impressed the jury. “Green areas have been created in several places. There are also various shopping options, including a discount store open every day of the week, a bakery, a newsstand, and various dining options, some featuring local products,” the jury noted. Additionally, the waiting area now has USB ports, workspaces, and a small play area for children.
After more than ten years of construction, the station is now barrier-free, with new elevators to all platforms and modern information systems. “Long-distance travelers and commuters alike now benefit from a contemporary station with optimal connectivity to other modes of transportation,” the jury said.
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Already the Fourth Title for Saxony-Anhalt
For the state, this is already the fourth award in the history of the competition: After Halle/Saale (2023), Lutherstadt Wittenberg (2017), and Halberstadt (2011), Magdeburg joins the list of winners this year.
The “Station of the Year” award has been given since 2004 and is considered the most prestigious prize for train stations in Germany. The focus is on the travelers’ perspective–comfort, cleanliness, information offerings, service quality, and connectivity with other modes of transportation are evaluated.
How the Jury Selects Germany’s Best Train Station
The ten-member jury consists of representatives from major German customer associations, including Pro Bahn, Verkehrsclub Deutschland (VCD), and Deutscher Bahnkunden-Verband (DBV). The Alliance for Rail’s office provides two members.
The assessment is conducted unannounced based on an official checklist, which evaluates factors such as quality of stay, cleanliness, accessibility, signage, service offerings, and connectivity options. Train stations today are the calling cards of a city–the Alliance for Rail aims to emphasize this with the competition.