World Cup of Stations 2025 Launches to Find Britain’s ‘Most Life-Changing Station’

Nominations have opened for the World Cup of Stations 2025, giving the public the chance to help crown Britain’s ‘Most life-changing station’ in celebration of 200 years since the birth of the modern railway.

For UK-based business travellers, the competition is more than just a feel-good story — it’s a reminder of the essential role stations play in connecting communities, driving economic growth, and enabling seamless business travel across the country. The stations nominated may well be the very gateways that many business travellers pass through daily, making their journeys smoother and more meaningful.

Hosted by the Rail Delivery Group, the World Cup of Stations 2025 runs alongside Railway 200, a nationwide programme marking two centuries since Britain opened the world’s first passenger railway. Passengers have until 22 August 2025 to nominate a station that has played a life-changing role, either personally or within their community. From moments of resilience and renewal to transformative local developments, the competition aims to celebrate the human stories behind Britain’s rail network.

Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “The World Cup of Stations is celebrating the stations that have truly made a difference in people’s lives. Cromford Station is a great example — its place in British music history and its restoration by the local community shows how stations can become much more than transport hubs. As we mark 200 years of railway history, we want to hear the incredible stories behind the stations that continue to bring people and communities together.”

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, said: “Business travellers know the value of a well-run, well-connected station. Stations that invest in their facilities and maintain strong links with their local communities make journeys more efficient, reliable and pleasant — and that benefits every UK-based business traveller.”

Once nominations close on 22 August, a panel of industry experts, public figures and historians will shortlist 20 stations to go forward to a public vote in October 2025. The eventual winner will claim the title of Britain’s ‘Most life-changing station’.

To nominate your local station, visit www.raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations.