Antwerp Central Station (Antwerpen-Centraal), designed by architect Louis Delacenserie and built between 1895 and 1905, is Belgium's most celebrated railway station, nicknamed the 'railway cathedral' (spoorwegkathedraal) for its Pantheon-inspired dome and its monumental iron-and-glass train hall. Voted the world's most beautiful station in 2014, the building is a destination in itself; since its 2007 conversion into a through-station it spreads across four levels, two of them underground, mixing domestic services with European high-speed trains. As of 2026 it is fully operational, so you can walk in freely without a ticket to admire the hall and dome, and combine the visit with the adjacent Diamond District and the Antwerp Zoo next door.
The great central dome above the waiting hall and the 185-metre iron-and-glass train shed — the heart of the 'railway cathedral'
An ornate stone hall clad in more than twenty kinds of marble, with Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns and gilded detailing
The layered structure descending through four levels (two underground) that turned the old terminus into a through-station
The monumental clock above the grand staircase and the ornate street facade — a favourite photo spot
The Diamond District right beside the station (Pelikaanstraat and nearby streets) and the neighbouring Antwerp Zoo
Good to know
SafetyAs a huge, constantly busy interchange, the station is a hotspot for pickpockets. In the main hall, around ticket machines and on the platforms, keep bags zipped and worn to the front and never leave your phone or wallet loose.
CautionWatch for taxis outside that don't run the meter and strangers offering to 'help' with your luggage. In the Diamond District, ignore street touts pushing suspiciously cheap 'bargain' gems and stick to official shops and app-based taxis.
RulesYou may enter and photograph the hall for free, but access to the tracks is not allowed. A valid ticket is required to reach the platforms or ride the De Lijn trams and premetro, and luggage lockers have time limits — check before storing.
SeasonMany shops in the adjacent Diamond District close on Friday afternoons and Saturdays (the Sabbath) and on Jewish holidays. If shopping or browsing is your aim, visit Tuesday to Thursday.
MannersDuring rush hour the station is packed with commuters — stand on the right on escalators and avoid stopping in the middle of the hall for long photo sessions that block the flow.
SafetyIntercity (IC) trains link Brussels in about 45 minutes and run frequently; De Lijn trams and buses are handy for getting around the city. Carry the right ticket for your plan and always confirm current fares and timetables.
Practical info
The station faces Koningin Astridplein square and connects to the 'Diamant' premetro stop beneath it and to De Lijn trams, with the old town (Grote Markt and the Cathedral of Our Lady) about 15 minutes away by tram or on foot. The hall can be viewed without a train ticket, but check the latest opening hours for shops and ticket offices and the current train fares and timetables before you go.
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