Billowing clouds of steam drift across the scene, partially veiling the pale facades of tall buildings that frame the Saint-Lazare station from both sides. The sunlight, diffused by the vapor, casts a golden glow over the central kiosk, which stands out in yellow and green near the middle foreground. Two upright figures, painted in loose, dark strokes, appear on the right side of the composition, one standing in front of the kiosk and another further to the right, both facing toward the tracks.

Railway lines, rendered in blue and brown, cut diagonally from the lower left toward the center, leading the eye into the depth of the station yard. The left side of the painting is dominated by the shadowy mass of a building, its windows and edges softened by the haze of steam. Above, the sky is a mosaic of pastel blues, pinks, and creams, painted in rapid, broken brushstrokes that echo the movement of the steam below.

Vertical poles rise on the right, their forms slightly blurred, contributing to the sense of urban infrastructure and the fleeting quality of the moment. The brushwork is energetic and visible throughout, with thickly applied paint and dabs of color that capture the shimmering effects of light and atmosphere. Details such as the signage near the kiosk and the indistinct forms of additional figures or objects are suggested rather than described, emphasizing impression over precision.

A third figure stands near the center, slightly to the left of the kiosk, painted in dark tones and facing forward. In the lower left corner, a patch of vivid red contrasts with the cooler blues and greens of the ground and steam. The upper right edge is bordered by a cluster of trees or bushes, rendered with dabs of red, orange, and green paint.

Sunlight highlights the upper facades of the distant buildings in the background, creating a warm, yellowish reflection that softens their outlines. Claude Monet created this view of the exterior of Saint-Lazare station in 1877.