Passengers travelling on Britain’s trains, including services operated by Govia Thameslink Railway encompassing Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, and Thameslink, are being asked to nominate their favourite railway station.

Selected stations will then go head-to-head to be acclaimed with the national title of “Most life-changing station”. The World Cup of Stations competition is hosted by the Rail Delivery Group, with nominations open until Friday, 22nd August.

Twenty nominated stations will go forward to a public vote in October 2025. To celebrate Railway 200, this year’s competition will honour the most life-changing station of the past 200 years and celebrate the role railway stations have played as a place to start or finish a journey.

The competition will look for the stations that have left a lasting mark on people, places, and communities throughout the UK, from stories of resilience and community connection to places that have transformed people’s lives.

Passengers are asked to submit real-life stories of how a particular station has changed their lives, which could be a moment of local pride, national significance, or a deeply personal experience. As one of the key highlights of Railway 200, the World Cup of Stations 2025 is looking for stories that shine a light on the human stories behind Britain’s railways over the last 200 years, and which celebrate the moments and memories that make rail travel special.

People can nominate their favourite station until Friday, 22nd August at www.raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations, and find out more about Railway 200 at www.railway200.co.uk.

Last year’s contest saw 48 stations vying for the title, and competition was fierce. Among the finalists was Maghull on Merseyside, which received 60% of the vote, beating Pitlochry in Scotland, Llandudno in Wales, and Shawford in Hampshire.

“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.”

Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group