Platform 9 3/4
Kings Cross Station, London, Greater London, N1 9AP
Fans of Harry Potter will be familiar with Platform 9 3/4. The fictional platform is located at the real King’s Cross train station in London, between platforms 9 and 10. In the books and movies, it’s where characters board the Hogwarts Express by running directly at what appears to be a solid wall barrier. The exact spot is commemorated by half a luggage trolley and a sign, which makes it a popular photo stop.
The basics
Platform 9 3/4 is, of course, fictional, but that hasn’t stopped its setting from becoming a tourist attraction. Due to logistics, the filming of Platform 9 3/4 actually took place between platforms 4 and 5. The popularity of Platform 9 3/4 led to the permanent installation of half a luggage cart, designed to look like it’s passing through the archway, along with a Platform 9 3/4 sign honoring J.K. Rowling's books.
You can visit Platform 9 3/4 on your own; it’s located outside of the station’s ticketed area, so there’s no need to purchase a train ticket. Visits to Platform 9 3/4 are also included in the many official Harry Potter–themed tours of London, which often feature iconic sites like the Ministry of Magic, Diagon Alley, and Number 12, Grimmauld Place. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the Harry Potter statue at nearby Leicester Square to round out your wizarding adventure.
Things to know before you go
Platform 9 3/4 is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans.
Visiting the site is free of charge—Platform 9 3/4 tickets are not required.
As this is a busy train station, keep an eye on your belongings.
Expect to have to wait in line to have your photo taken.
How to get there
King’s Cross Station is in the center of London and on many tube, train, and bus routes. Upon arrival at the station, follow the sign to Platforms 9 to 11, walk to the right of the Disabled Meeting Point sign and past some cash machines, and you will see the sign on the right, directly underneath a footbridge.
When to get there
Platform 9 3/4 is accessible anytime during the station’s opening hours, from 5am until just after 1am every day. To avoid the biggest crowds, get there early in the morning and avoid visiting on weekends or school holidays.
Harry Potter Shop
Warwick Davis (who played Professor Flitwick and Griphook in the Harry Potter movies) opened the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4. It is located beside the sign and packed full of gifts and memorabilia. The shop offers (paid) professional photo services, including props such as wands and scarves.
Ways to explore
You can visit Platform 9 3/4 on your own; it’s located outside of the station’s ticketed area, so there’s no need to buy a train ticket. There’s also a Harry Potter shop full of magical souvenirs next door. Visits to Platform 9 3/4 are also included in the many official Harry Potter–themed tours of London, which often feature the places that inspired the Ministry of Magic, Diagon Alley, and Number 12, Grimmauld Place. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the Harry Potter statue at nearby Leicester Square to round out your wizarding adventure.
Accessibility
Platform 9 3/4 has step-free access, like all of King’s Cross Station.
Age limits
None—this is a popular attraction among kids of all ages.
What to pack
Bring a tote bag to fill with souvenirs from the shop next door, designed to resemble Ollivanders wand emporium.
What to wear
Many travelers wear a scarf in their chosen Hogwarts house colors.
Not allowed
Line jumping, smoking, Voldemort
Amenities
Restaurants, luggage lockers, restrooms, Wi-Fi
Address
On arrival at the station, follow the sign to Platforms 9 to 11, walk to the right of the Disabled Meeting Point sign and past some cash machines, and you’ll see the sign on the right, directly underneath a footbridge.
Driving
King’s Cross is on just about every London tube line going, so leave the car at home to avoid the area’s notorious traffic and £15 Congestion Charge. Taxis are plentiful outside of St. Pancras Station across the road.
Public transportation
King’s Cross St. Pancras is on six London Underground lines: the Circle, Piccadilly, Hammersmith & City, Northern, Metropolitan, and Victoria. Make sure you follow the signs for the King’s Cross exit.
Best times to visit
The trolley is accessible 24 hours a day, so come after 9pm for the highest chance of crowd-free photos. The Harry Potter shop is open from morning till mid-evening.
Best days to visit
King’s Cross is always busy, however, Mondays (when most Londoners work from home) are typically quietest.
Best months to visit
If you can, avoid Platform 9 3/4 during the British school holidays from mid-July to the start of September, when lines for photos are longest.
Special events
Potterheads tend to gather annually at King’s Cross Station on September 1, when Harry Potter goes back to Hogwarts in the books.
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