One of the most famous scene in Harry Potter is when he goes through the platform 9 and 3/4 at Kings Cross Station. It is a real station and they actually have a mock up at Kings Cross station.
Of course, I had to visit what it’s like and see and let you guys know if it’s worth the visit. You can also watch my vlog going to the platform 9 3/4.
There are few things you should know before going to platform 9 and 3/4. I wished I knew these before going to Harry Potter platform 9 and 3/4.
Where Is the Harry Potter Platform 9 and 3/4
There are St. Pancras station and King’s Cross station. You have to go to King’s Cross station to get to platfrom 9 3/4. Enter the door on the left and pass Starbucks and go all the way down to the bathroom.
You will see a store on the right and a huge line trying to take pictures.
St. Pancras station is beautiful itself, and you will see it in Harry Potter as well. A side note about England. England was the first to develop the concept of trains, subways and tunnel by Brunel.
So naturally, there are a lot of things to do in London related to train. One of the thing you can do in London is go watch a movie at the first ever built Thames tunnel. Or you can do a tour through the abandoned tunnels in Euston station.
How Long Is the Wait to Take Pictures at Platform 9 and 3/4
I had to wait 30 minutes for a two minute picture. It is part of the store platform 9 and 3/4, so they take your pictures which you have to pay about 9 pounds. Your friends and family can also take pictures on the side.
They open from 8AM – 10PM. You can also avoid the professional photographer if you don’t want to get taken from them if you go from 6am – 8am and 10pm – 12pm.
I can only imagine the line getting longer as afternoon comes. So make sure to go early to avoid crazy long line.
How Expensive Is to Take Pictures at Platform 9 and 3/4
To take pictures, it’s free. But if you want to get the printed picture, you have to pay at least 8 pounds. I think it is quite expensive for what it is, but I guess it’s monopoly.
If you don’t like waiting on line, they also sell VIP photo pass. This include to be front on line and one photograph for free. I think it’s a better value if you want the photograph.
You can get the VIP ticket here.
Remember, you friend can always take a picture of you on the side as well.
Is It Worth the Visit to Kings Cross Station for Platform 9 and 3/4
Unless you are a hardcore Harry Potter fan, I don’t think you should just go for this. There are many other things you can do in London, and coming to King’s Cross station will be a waste of you half day.
If you are a huge fan of Harry Potter, I think going to Harry Potter Universal studio is the best thing to do in London.
I think the best way to do is if you have a reason to come to this station (i.e. if you are going to Paris through Eurostar), you should come an hour early to take pictures.
If you are in a planning mode for your trip in London, you can always contact us as well. I not only help people to give ideas on what to do in London through blog, but also help creating itineraries.
You can fill out a questionnaire about your travel style and needs. You can reach us by What’s App by clicking below or send a message on FB Message on below right.
Platform 9 and 3/4 Store
I think the store is worth the visit. They have plenty of Harry Potter related souvenirs. If you have to buy some presents for your friends and family, this can be a great place to buy gifts.
You can watch my vlog above and see what the store is like. I took some videos inside the store, and you will see what they have.
Click here to see more posts about London.