October 11, 2024, 11:09 am | Read time: 4 minutes
The booking platform Omio has published a current ranking of the best and worst train stations in Germany in 2024. Out of a total of 30 stations, the company has named Leipzig Central Station as the most passenger-friendly long-distance station in Germany. And there is also a very clear last place.
In 2024, Leipzig has the best and most passenger-friendly train station in Germany. This is the result of a study conducted by the booking platform Omio, which evaluated passenger friendliness at 30 train stations across Germany. Criteria such as station punctuality, amenities, and proximity to the city center were key factors in the assessment.
Overview
Leipzig’s main station, serving 120,000 passengers daily, excelled in punctuality and boasted impressive facilities. The station features amenities such as barrier-free access, public restrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an exclusive DB Lounge. Furthermore, with its 69 retail outlets, it stands as the ranking’s premier shopping destination among train stations.
During the review period, an impressive 72 percent of all trains left Leipzig Central Station on schedule, far surpassing the average punctuality rate of 63 percent. Trains at Cologne Messe/Deutz station were even more punctual. Here, a remarkable 86 percent of trains departed on time, showcasing exceptional punctuality. However, despite this high level of punctuality, the station ranked only 16th in the overall ranking.
Berlin in 2nd, and Dresden in 3rd place
Germany’s second-best station, Berlin Central Station, had 77 percent punctual departures in the period under review. This makes Berlin Central Station one of the most reliable stations in Germany. The large selection of stores (50 in total) was also decisive for the good result.
Dresden’s main station came third in the ranking, after Berlin. In addition to its facilities, Dresden also received good marks for punctuality. 79 percent of all trains departed on time from Dresden Central Station. Yet, among the top three stations, Dresden’s main station sits the furthest from the city center, approximately 1.2 kilometers away.
Bonn is perhaps Germany’s worst train station
According to the Omio ranking, the worst station in Germany is Bonn Central Station. The primary factor for this dubious distinction is its lack of reliability. Only 41 percent of trains leave Bonn Central Station on time. Bielefeld Central Station (51 percent) and Duisburg Central Station (52 percent) are in second and third last place in terms of punctuality. The trio from Bonn, Bielefeld, and Duisburg also bring up the rear in the same order in the overall ranking.
Criteria for the ranking of the best train stations in Germany
The booking platform Omio states that it tested the 30 most popular rail destinations in Germany for nine factors in two areas of investigation: “punctuality and facilities” and “service”.
Punctuality and facilities also included barrier-free access, public toilets, access to a DB lounge, the average Google rating, and the distance to the city center. The service factor took into account the number of retail outlets, the variety of dining options, and the availability of Wi-Fi.
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The complete list of the best and worst train stations in Germany, according to the Omio ranking
- Leipzig Central Station, overall rating: 100.0
- Berlin Central Station, overall rating: 97.1
- Dresden main station, overall rating: 77.3
- Nuremberg Central Station, overall rating: 73.9
- Cologne Central Station, overall rating: 72.1
- Frankfurt (Main) main station, overall rating: 72.0
- Munich main station, overall rating: 65.3
- Hanover main station, overall rating: 65.1
- Hamburg main station, overall rating: 55.5
- Düsseldorf main station, overall rating: 50.9
- Essen main station, overall rating: 47.6
- Bremen main station, overall rating: 47.2
- Karlsruhe main station, overall rating: 46.3
- Saarbrücken main station, overall rating: 45.7
- Freiburg (Breisgau) main station, overall rating: 43.5
- Cologne Messe/Deutz, overall rating: 42.2
- Kiel main station, overall rating: 40.7
- Mannheim main station, overall rating: 39.8
- Stuttgart main station, overall rating: 38.8
- Giessen, overall rating: 36.9
- Münster (North Rhine-Westphalia) main station, overall rating: 34.8
- Aachen main station, overall rating: 31.0
- Dortmund main station, overall rating: 24.4
- Braunschweig main station, overall rating: 24.3
- Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe, overall rating: 23.8
- Duisburg main station, overall rating: 22.3
- Bielefeld main station, overall rating: 17.4
- Augsburg main station, overall rating: 16.4
- Frankfurt Airport mainline station, overall rating: 6.3
- Bonn main station, overall rating: 0.0