Probably the most famous train platform in the world, Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station is where Hogwarts students pick up the Hogwarts Express to take them from London to their wizarding school.
As a tour guide in London, I am often asked by people if it's possible to visit Platform 9¾ at the station.
And, since I am a huge Harry Potter fan, I'm always ready to help people make the most out of their time in London when it comes to Harry Potter sites!
So read on to learn how to visit this popular destination for yourself.
If you are a real Potterhead, make sure to join one of us on our Harry Potter Walking Tour while you are in town (it even comes with a bottle of butterbeer!).
Or, if you aren't planning on coming to London any time soon, take a look at the video below to travel virtually through London's Harry Potter locations with my friend and colleague, Alan.
- Background
- Where is Platform 9 3/4?
- Photos
- Harry Potter Tours
- Flying Car Scene
- Other Harry Potter London Locations
Located in London’s King’s Cross Station, the barrier between platforms 9 and 10 holds the secret entrance, or magical portal, to the magical platform that can only be accessed by running straight ahead - directly into the wall.
This takes wizards and witches out of the ‘muggle’ world and into the magical wizarding world where they can pick up the Hogwarts Express.
This red steam-engine train will speed them up to Scotland to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
For all Hogwarts students, their first entrance into the world of Hogwarts comes as soon as they step through the barrier onto Platform 9¾.
One of my favourite Harry Potter 'easter eggs' is that, in the books, the Hogwarts students take their train on the 1st of September every year which has made that date 'Hogwarts Day' at King's Cross Station.
On that day, loads of Harry Potter fans come to the station to mark the date and many will come dressed up!
I've seen people in their full Hogwarts uniforms, drinking Butterbeer, and eating Chocolate Frogs while chatting and just spending time at the station to commemorate the date.
So if you are going to be in London in September, I'd suggest a visit to the station on the 1st!
The Inspiration for Platform 9 and 3/4
I travel through King's Cross Station quite a bit, as I have family in the north of England, and this is how where I get the train to visit.
One of the first things I noticed when I first visited the station (back in 2002) is that...there is no barrier between platforms 9 and 10!
According to J. K. Rowling, “I wrote Platform 9¾ when I was living in Manchester, and I wrongly visualised the platforms, and I was actually thinking of Euston, so anyone who's actually been to the real platforms 9 and 10 in King's Cross will realise they don't bear a great resemblance to the platforms 9 and 10 as described in the book. So that's just me coming clean, there. I was in Manchester; I couldn't check.”
For the movies, they still wanted to film the scenes at King's Cross, but I noticed that it's platforms 4 and 5 that stand in for 9 and 10.
So, as I said, visiting the 'real' Platform 9 3/4 isn't physically possible, so an alternative has been set up inside the station.
When I first moved to London 20 years ago, Platform 9¾ was actually outside the station.
There was a sign and a luggage trolly halfway into the wall where my friends and I could go to get photographs (which we did...many times!).
But about 15 years ago, it was moved indoors.
So to find it these days, you need to go inside the rail station (which sits directly on top of the Underground Station).
It's towards the back of the station and is a short walk from the main station or the Underground exit.
I recommend using this Google map for exact directions. (Make sure you head for King's Cross and not St Pancras Station!)
Or, why not let me take you there on our GPS-enabled Harry Potter sites audio tour?
Finding the platform is simple. From King's Cross Underground Station, take the exit for King's Cross Rail Station (look for the little red lines).
Once you enter the station, find the big black electronic boards showing all the train departures.
When facing the signs, turn to your left and walk as far back as you can go.
You will come right to Platform 9 ¾ - and the Harry Potter shop!
I've noticed that it's MUCH busier these days than it was when it was outside around 20 years ago.
But, I like that it's still free to queue up and get a photo at any time night or day.
My personal tip is to go at night: it's so much quieter!
Also, I get a lot of visitors who complain that things in London tend to close early so I recommend a visit to King's Cross for Harry Potter fans, as Platform 9¾ is accessible at any time
Underground:
King’s Cross Station.
Follow signs to the RAIL STATION and walk to the back.
If you are new to the London subway, then read my guide to using the London Underground.
Rail:
King’s Cross Rail Station.
I usually come into Platforms 0 - 8 which means it's a right turn as soon as I get through the barriers.
If you have come into Platforms 9-11 it's a left turn as soon as you get through the barriers.
Buses:
10, 17, 30, 45, 46, 59, 63, 73, 91, 205, 214, 259, 390, 476.
I find that you can get a bus to King's Cross from most areas in central London.
The buses stop just outside the station so head int he main entrance and walk toward the back.
NOTE: There is also King’s Cross St. Pancras International Station - that’s not the one you want…it’s just across the street!
But I always say it's worth taking a look at the International Station, though as there is a Harry Potter connection there, too. I mention this in more detail at the bottom of this page.
I love how the staff at King's Cross have embraced the love for the station that fans of Harry Potter have.
As I mentioned, years ago there was an 'entrance' to King's Cross on the outside of the station.
It was kind of a throw-away thing that only dedicated Potterheads would come to see.
But these days, it's a huge event and is the main reason thousands of people come to the station evert year.
What you'll find at the back of the station is an actual King's Cross prop luggage trolly that is stuck halfway through the 'barrier' of Platform 9¾.
There's also a sign above it which I think looks cool at the top of photographs.
In my opinion, the popularity of Platform 9¾ is a double-edged sword.
The luggage trolly that is there today is miles better than the one that used to be outside the station and it even boasts an owl cage and fake luggage.
And the lighting inside the station and colour of the bricks looks miles better in photographs.
But the downside is now guests have to queue up to get their picture taken at the front pushing the trolly through the wall.
And because it is so busy, the queue can take a long time.
Also, I always feel more pressure to get my photo done ASAP so that I'm not holding anybody up.
This means I think the pictures I get these days are not as good as the ones we used to get just by spending time outside.
Lastly, the staff who manage it are supposed to encourage people to have their photo taken by official photographers and a lot of people find it awkward to have to say they want to do it themselves.
And the professional staff are not allowed to take photos using your camera/phone!
I've always gone with friends so this has never been a problem.
But, if you are travelling alone, you may want to make friends with the people next to you in the queue so they can take a photo for you (that's part of what I mean by some people find it awkward to do it themselves these days).
Although they pack up at 9:00pm so it's fair game after that!
There's also a fantastic Harry Potter shop right next to the platform which is the best place to buy Harry Potter souvenirs in the city.
Hours:
You can access the platform entrance at any time King's Cross Rail Station is open.
Their current hours are:
- Monday - Friday: 5:00 am - 1:36 am
- Saturday: 5:00 am - 0:36 am
- Sunday: 5:30 am - 1:36 am
Like I said above, since you can come here in the evening (after rush hour) and find shorter queues, this is one of the best free things to do at night in London.
Click on that link for more of my suggestions for things to do at night in London.
Professional Photograph Hours
- Daily: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm (last entry to photo queue is 8:45 pm)
How Much is a Professional Photo:
- £9.50 for one photograph
- £15 for two photographs
Waiting Times:
They say that the average wait time is about 20 minutes.
Personally, I have waited as long as 40 minutes (!) but I've had visitors tell me that they were in the queue for over an HOUR.
I think it's obvious, but I've noticed that the wait times are dependent on school holidays so keep that in mind when you're planning your visit.
Skip the Queue: They used to do a VIP pass, which was £20 and gave guests a lanyard and a ticket straight to the front of the queue, plus the professional photograph.
But when I last checked, in Jan 2025, they had stopped the pass. Watch the space, though, to see if it comes back!
Harry Potter Shop
I own so much Harry Potter merchandise and I bought a great deal of it at The Harry Potter Shop.
Just adjacent to Platform 9¾, the Harry Potter Shop is absolutely filled with everything a Potter fan could ever want.
It looks so cool! They have sections that are divided into Houses so if I want to specifically buy products with my houses colours or emblems (any other Slytherins reading this?)
I can head straight to that section and see what they have.
I notice that it's really easy to get Gryffindor merchandise everywhere else, and Slytherin isn't too underrepresented but for those Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws who struggle to find their own merch, this is where to go!
Inside are stationery supplies, wands, house scarves, bags, books, key chains, every flavour beans…and on and on!
You'll have never seen so many Harry Potter souvenirs in one place - I promise.
Note: I have been through King's Cross in the peak of the summer season and seen a 45-minute queue just to get into the Harry Potter store so keep that in mind when you are planning your visit!
And, even though it's a great shop that I routinely visit, it can get very crowded and cramped inside so take that into account, too.
Harry Potter Shop Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 8:00am - 10:00pm
Sundays and Bank Holidays: 9:00am to 8:00pm
Be sure to check out my definitive post on all Harry Potter London film locations.
I also have more in-depth posts on finding the most sought-after locations, including 12 Grimmauld Place, the Ministry of Magic, Diagon Alleyy Borough Market (the Leaky Cauldron).
ST. PANCRAS STATION AND THE FLYING CAR SCENE
These days, I only ever visit St. Pancras Station if I am going to take the Eurostar and this may very well be the case for you, too.
However, even if you aren't going there to catch a train, it's worth stepping outside of King's Cross Station and crossing the street to see St. Pancras because it serves as the backdrop of the iconic scene in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets where Harry and Ron attempt to fly Arthur's car to Hogwarts.
They actually did film here outside the restored Victorian building (now serving as a very posh hotel and apartment complex) that also houses St. Pancras Rail Station.
I do recommend going inside the building, even if just for a moment, as it is a truly beautiful structure and there are some fantastic places to get a drink inside.
Although, most Potter lovers will be happy just to get a photo from the front, which is fine, too!
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