A futuristic new train station has opened in Mons, Belgium, captivating travellers with its sleek, Star Trek-inspired design.
Decades in the making, the project has overcome delays, budget overruns, and historic challenges to become a landmark in modern railway architecture.
First envisioned in 2001, the Mons Station project faced an initial budget of €37 million (£30.4 million). However, the final cost ballooned to an astonishing €480 million (£384 million). Despite the setbacks, the finished station is a testament to innovation, designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Calatrava is famed for his iconic works, including Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences and New York’s World Trade Center Transportation Hub.
The station’s opening marks the end of an era for Mons, a city steeped in railway history. The original Mons train station opened in 1841, critical in connecting Brussels and Paris.
Due to rising passenger numbers, it was replaced in 1874, only to be destroyed during World War II bombings in 1944. A subsequent station, constructed in 1952, served the city until 2013 when it was demolished to make way for Calatrava’s groundbreaking design.
Mons Station’s modern structure features five platforms, accommodating trains, buses, and taxis. With its striking curves and high-tech aesthetic, the station has been compared to futuristic settings in science fiction. While it primarily serves local commuters, international routes have also been restored, including a low-cost Ouigo service connecting Paris and Brussels. Tickets for the three-hour journey range from €10 (£8.22) to €59 (£48), making it a budget-friendly option for cross-border travellers.
Despite its grandeur, the station caters to a modest 9,000 passengers daily, with 189 train services operating weekly. However, its architectural significance and enhanced connectivity are expected to attract more visitors to Mons, boosting tourism and the local economy.
Mons is a gem in Belgium, recognised as a European City of Culture in 2015. Known for its rich history, cobblestone streets, and vibrant arts scene, Mons offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The new station is set to reinforce its reputation as a key cultural hub in Europe.
For British travellers, reaching Mons is remarkably convenient. Eurostar services from London St Pancras connect to Lille or Brussels, where direct trains take approximately one hour to reach the city. Alternatively, Mons is a two-hour drive from Calais for those travelling by car through the Eurotunnel.
The station’s opening adds to Belgium’s reputation for architectural marvels in its railway network. Antwerp Central Station, often regarded as the most beautiful train station in the world, is celebrated for its grand marble interiors and stained glass windows, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the golden age of travel.
Liege-Guillemins Station, another masterpiece by Santiago Calatrava, is a modern marvel with a multicoloured glass roof that has even appeared in Hollywood films. These stations, alongside Mons, highlight Belgium’s dedication to combining functionality with artistry in its transport infrastructure.
Mons Station also underscores the growing trend of investing in public transportation to support sustainable travel. Its design prioritises accessibility and connectivity, aligning with Europe’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing cross-border mobility.
The station’s opening coincides with the relaunch of affordable international train routes, which are becoming increasingly popular among eco-conscious travellers. The budget-friendly Ouigo service between Paris and Brussels is expected to attract commuters and tourists seeking greener alternatives to air travel.
As Mons Station welcomes passengers, it stands as a symbol of resilience, ambition, and progress. The project’s long journey from conception to completion mirrors the evolution of Mons itself—a city that continues to embrace its heritage while boldly stepping into the future.
