In order to evaluate the similarities and differences of seismic response characteristics between conventional and columnfree Metro station structures, finite element software ABAQUS is applied to simulate the horizontal nonlinear seismic responses of these two types of structures; and then the response characteristics of these two types of structures under three seismic waves with diverse peak ground acceleration(PGAs) are compared and analyzed. The results indicate that: 1) These two types of station structures have similar seismic response patterns and both will be severely damaged under strong earthquake. Besides the connections between lateral wall and top/base plate, the central column of conventional station and the base slab of columnfree station are the weak areas during vibration as well; and the aseismic performance of these components should be improved. 2) The maximum relative horizontal displacement between roof and base slab has a linear increasing relationship with PGA of input seismic wave, and closely depends on its spectrum characteristics. 3) In the process of ground motion, unidirectional residual deformation is accumulated. The deformation along the height of lateral wall after earthquake is wavelike and its ultimate swing direction is consistent with that of the maximum amplitude. 4) The acceleration timehistories of these two types of structures have analogous forms and show amplification effect significantly to input seismic waves of bedrock.