London, England
Platform 9¾
King’s Cross is where students begin the journey to Hogwarts in the stories and films. Today, the famous station concourse photo spot has a luggage trolley disappearing into the wall and an official shop next door, but it is a visitor installation rather than an original film set.
Take a National Rail service to London King’s Cross or use King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station. Follow signs into the main King’s Cross concourse.
The trolley photo opportunity sits outside the Harry Potter Shop and can be reached without a train ticket because it is before the platform barriers.
Queues are first come, first served and can be long during school holidays and other busy periods. Arriving early usually gives you the best chance of a shorter wait.
The station scenes were filmed around the brick arches between the real platforms 4 and 5, which were relabelled as 9 and 10 because the actual platforms 9 and 10 are separated by tracks. These working platforms are beyond the ticket barriers and are separate from the concourse trolley display.
The ornate red-brick exterior shown as King’s Cross in the films is actually neighbouring St Pancras. Its forecourt and clock tower appear during Harry and Ron’s flying-car escape in Chamber of Secrets.
The trolley photo opportunity is free to join and you can take your own photograph. Professional photographs are also offered for optional purchase. Operating hours can differ from the station’s hours and the queue may close early when it is very busy.
Driving into central London is rarely the easiest option. Use rail, Underground or bus services where possible; nearby commercial parking is limited and can be expensive.
The station concourse has step-free routes, but the photo queue can become crowded. Station assistance is available through Network Rail for passengers who need it.
King’s Cross has toilets, shops, food, seating, transport connections and passenger assistance facilities.
Check the details
Conditions, access and opening information can change. Check official information before making a journey.
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