The article considers the problem of adapting historical railway stations to modern requirements and functional tasks caused by the development of railway transport and urban growth. Special attention is paid to the historical context, architectural and cultural value of railway stations as important elements of urban heritage. Since the beginning of the 19th century, railway stations, originally created as important transport hubs, eventually became the centers of urban life. By the end of the 20th century, changes in rail transport and requirements for passenger safety and comfort had called into question the expediency of abandoning many historical buildings. The demolition of train stations such as Euston in London and Montparnasse in Paris has led to an awareness of their cultural value. The article analyzes examples of adaptation, including museums and cultural centers, and describes modernization efforts that preserve the original functions of buildings. As examples of successful implementation of this approach, projects are presented that demonstrate the possibility of integrating historical buildings into modern transport complexes in Tokyo, New York, Antwerp, London and Paris. The use of underground space to increase the usable area and the creation of modern transport and transfer complexes is reviewed. The article highlights the increasing historical and cultural significance of railway stations as city-forming facilities and the need to find compromise solutions between the demands of modernity and the preservation of uniqueness.