Magdeburg's main station: Halfway to the station of the year 2025!

Magdeburg's main station: Halfway to the station of the year 2025!

What a success for Magdeburg Central Station! The prestigious award as “Train Station of the Year 2025” shows that a lot of work has been done here. The ten-member jury of the “Allianz pro Schiene” particularly praised the excellent quality of stay and the well-thought-out connecting mobility, which have been enormously improved in recent years thanks to a remarkable upgrade. The station was not only refurbished, but also functionally expanded.

New accesses ensure short distances to trams and buses, which is a real benefit, especially for commuters and travelers. There are also fresh colors and green islands that lighten the atmosphere and contribute to the friendliness of the place. These aspects are crucial because, as the jury judges, the focus is particularly on the needs of travelers.

Prize-worthy changes

Magdeburg's main train station is not the first of its kind to receive an award. With this honor, the city has received its fourth title in Saxony-Anhalt. The train stations in Halle, Lutherstadt Wittenberg and Halberstadt were previously recognized. Since the award was introduced in 2004, the “Pro-Rail Alliance” has kept a keen eye on the quality of train stations.

The criteria for the choice are clear: In addition to the quality of the stay, aspects such as the barrier-free accessibility of all platforms and the cleanliness of the area also have to be right. The Magdeburg main station particularly scores points here with its numerous shopping opportunities, a play area for the little ones and a well-thought-out concept for cleanliness and order.

Train stations rethought

This award is not only a confirmation of existing standards, but also reflects a trend in how train stations of the future can be designed. A project that addresses this topic is being worked on at the German Center for Rail Transport Research at the Federal Railway Authority. A study is examining how train stations can serve as attractive interfaces for sustainable mobility. In addition to technology, design also comes into play here - it's about seeing stations as social spaces where a wide variety of offers are bundled.

Train stations are increasingly becoming mobility platforms that not only serve train and bus traffic, but also offer space for gastronomy, culture and leisure activities. Studies that also include virtual reality analyzes are intended to ensure that the needs of the users are in the foreground and that all infrastructural and emotional aspects are taken into account.

Magdeburg Central Station not only impresses with its award, but also shows how well thought-out change and modernization can have a positive effect on a city's entire mobility infrastructure. Perhaps a little incentive for the people of Cologne to put their own main station in the right light.