Honestly, walking into King’s Cross looking for a magical train is a rite of passage. Most people just wander around the main concourse looking confused until they spot the massive queue. You've probably seen the photos: a scarf flying in the wind, a trolley halfway through a brick wall, and a grin that says, "I'm finally going to Hogwarts."
But here is the thing. If you actually go to the real platforms 9 and 10 at King’s Cross, you’ll be disappointed. They are just... regular train tracks. There is no brick wall between them. In fact, there is a whole railway line between them.
J.K. Rowling famously admitted she was actually thinking of Euston Station when she wrote the books. She lived in Manchester at the time and got her London geography a bit scrambled. So, the "real" location in the author's head was a different station entirely, yet King's Cross has become the global heart of the fandom.
Finding the actual spot (it's not where you think)
Don't go through the ticket barriers. If you find yourself tapping your Oyster card or scanning a ticket to get to the platforms, you’ve gone too far.
The famous King's Cross Platform 9 3 4 photo op is located in the Western Concourse. This is the big, modern, airy part of the station with the white lattice roof. It’s right next to the Harry Potter Shop. Basically, look for the longest line of people you’ve ever seen in a train station. That's usually it.
If you’re coming from the Tube, follow signs for "King's Cross Rail Station." Once you’re in the main hall with the giant departure boards, turn left. Walk toward the back, past the shops and past the toilets. You’ll see the sign and the trolley embedded in the wall.
It's free.
Well, the photo is free if you take it yourself. There are professional photographers there from about 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Sundays). They’ll hold your scarf to make it look like it's fluttering and tell you how to pose. You can buy the professional version inside the shop, but they’re totally fine with your friend snapping a pic on your phone at the same time.
The secret of the "filming" platform
Here is a bit of trivia that usually shocks people: the scenes in the movies weren't filmed anywhere near platforms 9 or 10.
The film crew looked at the actual platforms 9 and 10 and realized they looked a bit boring. They wanted those iconic, grand Victorian arches. So, they re-numbered platforms 4 and 5 for the day. If you want to stand exactly where Daniel Radcliffe stood in The Philosopher’s Stone, you actually need to go to the platform area between 4 and 5.
You do need a ticket to see that area.
How to skip the two-hour wait
Queues at King's Cross Platform 9 3 4 are legendary. In the middle of summer or during school holidays, you could be standing there for two hours. For a photo.
It’s a bit much.
If you’re desperate for the shot but hate lines, here’s the pro move: The VIP Photo Pass. You can buy this in the Harry Potter Shop (or sometimes online). It costs about £20, but it lets you jump to the front of the queue and includes the print of your photo. If you're a family of four and it's raining outside, that £20 is the best money you’ll ever spend in London.
Alternatively, just go early. Like, really early. The shop opens at 8:00 AM. If you’re there at 7:30 AM, you’ll likely be one of the first in line. By 10:00 AM, the tourist buses have arrived, and you’re basically doomed to a long wait.
The Shop: Ollivander’s in a Train Station
The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4 is genuinely impressive. It’s designed to look like a mix of the Hogwarts Express and Ollivander’s. They have everything from £300 high-end collectibles to "Every Flavor Beans" that actually taste like dirt.
Specific things you can find there:
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- Personalized Hogwarts Letters: You can get your own name printed on a custom acceptance letter.
- House Sweaters: They aren't the cheap thin ones; they're the actual wool ones from the Scottish company (Lochaven of Scotland) that made them for the films.
- Exclusives: There are items here you won't find at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour or the airport shops, specifically branded with the Platform 9 3/4 logo.
Is it worth the hype?
Look, it’s a tourist trap. Let's be real. It’s a half-trolley stuck in a wall in a busy commuter hub.
But there’s something kinda cool about the energy there. You’ll see grown adults in full robes, kids vibrating with excitement, and confused commuters trying to get to their train to Leeds while dodging a flying Gryffindor scarf. It’s a slice of London magic that hasn't faded even decades after the books came out.
If you’re a die-hard fan, it's a mandatory stop. If you're just a casual viewer, maybe just walk past, look at the trolley, and go get a coffee at the Parcel Yard pub upstairs instead. The pub actually has a great view of the station and is located in the old sorting office. It feels way more "Old London" than the plastic wands downstairs.
Essential Visitor Info for 2026
- Cost: Free to visit and take your own photos.
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Sat), 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Sun).
- Location: King's Cross Station, London, N1 9AP (Western Concourse).
- Pro Tip: If the line is too long, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden has three trolleys and almost no wait, but you need a ticket for the whole tour.
To make the most of your trip, check the LNER or National Rail websites before you head out. King's Cross is a working station, and if there are strikes or major engineering works, the concourse can get incredibly crowded or even restricted. Aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning if you want the quietest experience.
Once you’ve finished at the trolley, walk across the street to St. Pancras International. The red brick Gothic exterior is what they used for the outside shots of King’s Cross in the movies because the real King’s Cross was a bit too "plain" for the filmmakers. It's only a two-minute walk and makes for a much better architectural photo.
Your King's Cross Checklist:
- Check the time: Arrive before 8:30 AM to beat the crowds.
- Bring a friend: The staff won't hold your personal camera, so you'll need a "designated photographer."
- Choose your house: They provide all four house scarves (Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw) for the photo.
- Explore the Pub: Visit The Parcel Yard upstairs for a bit of history and a quieter atmosphere.