We have all spent more time than we care to remember in stations waiting for missed connections or delayed trains.
After the obligatory cup of watery tea and a stroll round WHSmith there is not much else to keep you entertained except huddling from the inevitable rain in the waiting room which, despite the ban, still has a hint of stale smoke.
But there are railway stations around the world that offer more than hot beverages and gloomy stationary stores. A select few are actually so nice they're almost part of your holiday.
TravelMail looks at some of the stations around the globe where a short delay wouldn't be the worst thing in the world...
Tropical travel: Atocha station is a green oasis
Atocha Station, Spain
Is it a miniature jungle or is it a train station? Passengers arriving at Madrid’s Atocha station may be surprised to find themselves sharing the domed atrium of the station with exotic plants and palm trees. But for those having to spend some time in the station, there is nothing more calming that sipping a coffee in a café overlooking the 4,000-square-metre tropical garden.
Colonial masterpiece: The Victoria Terminus in Mumbai has been renamed
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, India
One of Mumbai’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites is actually its principal train station. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, once known as the Victoria Terminus, boasts a spectacular stone dome, turrets and arches that would put London’s Victoria station to shame. Delayed? Not a problem - while away the hours wandering the immense station inspecting unusual wood carvings, tiles and ornamental railings. The 19th century building, which took around ten years to construct, became the symbol of the ‘Gothic City’ which was the first commercial port in India.
Chicago's Union Station's Great Hall is used for VIP functions
Union Station, Chicago
The spectacular Union Station in Chicago is more than just a place to change trains. The American Rennaisance building is home to the iconic Great Hall, a huge area in the centre of the station which is now used as a venue for VIP events. Travellers will be begging for a train delay giving them extra time to wander the columned hall with its vaulted skylight, marble floors and brass lamps. The entire station evokes a past era of great train travel which gave Chicago its title as capital of rail travel.
We'll meet again: Pickering station retains its old-world charm
Pickering Station, Yorkshire
This North Yorkshire Moors station has recently been restored back to its 1937 glory days and now captures the charm of an old English railway station. Step off your vintage steam train to have a peek inside the Booking and Parcels Office with its original features and fittings. A quick trip down the road to the old goods shed which is now a hairdressing salon will have you looking your best for a spot of afternoon tea in the station’s traditional Tea Room. If the experience isn't authentic enough for you then return in October when residents black out the station sign and dress in 1940s outfits for the annual 'war weekend'.
End of the world station: Ushuaia used to be a penal colony
Ushuaia Station, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Known as the train station at the end of the world Ushuaia Station is located in a valley in the Tierra del Fuego National Park on the bank of the Pipo River. The station certainly seemed to be at the end of the world for prisoners sent to labour camps in the area during the early 20th century. A much more inviting destination now, there's a model Little Prisoner’s Train and spectacular views for those who wait for the luxury steam train that takes them on a tour of the local region.
At your service: The 'station' at Choum is surrounded by small convenience stores selling food and drink
Choum Station, Mauritania
The station of Choum is little more than a collection of shacks surrounding the trainline of the iron ore train that travels through the area. Once a day a passenger cart is hooked onto the train which carries blocks of iron ore from Zouerat in north-central Mauritania to Nouadhibou in Mauritania's northwestern corner. The main station shack is surrounded by several others selling tea and dried food. Despite the basic amenities the desert views are stunning and the locals are happy to engage in games to keep the weary traveller entertained.
Room with a view: Tanggula Mountain station is the highest in the world
Tanggula Mountain Railway Station, Tibet
At 5,058m above sea level Tanggula Mountain railway station is the highest in the world. The China-Tibet railway transports passengers in carriages fitted with oxygen supply systems and those who call in at the station will probably find it deserted as it is left unmanned. But if you can put up with the freezing temperatures at altitude the views out towards the Tanggula mountain, its river, lake and glacier are spectacular, making the trip entirely worthwhile.
Work of art: One of the two steam train murals at Broken Hill station
Broken Hill, Australia
Broken Hill train station is located in the outback of New South Wales and is a stop-off on what is known as the most scenic train journey across Australia linking Sydney, Perth and Adelaide. The station was originally built in 1888 to service the mining town but today makes a good stop-off for visitors wanting to see the picturesque region. The main attraction at the station is the two murals of steam trains bursting through the station walls, which look scarily realistic.
Island castle: Travellers can catch a boat from the station dock
Haydarpasa, Istanbul
Istanbul’s Eastern station is built on 1,100 wooden beams hammered into the sea bed and is surrounded by water on three sides. Built as a gift to the Sultan Abdülhamid II by German Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1908, the castle-like structure not only has a stunning interior but also boasts views across the water. The station even has its own ferry dock, so if you’ve missed a connection you can head out on the water for some great photo opportunities before returning for your train.
Don't look down: Divisadero station has its own lookout point
Divisadero Barrancas, Mexico
Possibly the station with the best view in the world, Divisadero Barrancas is a popular stop off for Mexico's Copper Canyon train which takes visitors along one of the deepest canyons in the world. You won’t hear anyone complaining about hold-ups at Divisadero station as they pose for photos at the canyon edge where you can stare down into the vertigo-inducing expanse or simply nibble on the sandwiches and tortillas freshly cooked at the station by the colourfully clad Tarahumara Indians.
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