Since I was a Potterhead from childhood, it has always been my dream to visit the magical Platform 9¾. If you are a Potterhead, it is a must-visit destination for you. I visited this legendary platform in King’s Cross Station, London, last week. In this article, I am gonna share how to visit the platform where the Hogwarts Express awaits you.

Story of Platform 9¾

Platform 9¾ is a platform located between platform 9 and platform 10. Every year on 1st September, an old-fashioned magical steam-engined express enters the platform to transport the students of ‘Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’. This platform is not visible to the eyes of Muggles (the people who don’t believe in magic). The students of Hogwarts come in front of platforms 9 and 10 with their luggage and pets. They start running between the apparently solid-looking brick walls between the platforms, and they enter through the wall into the mind-blowing magical platform, platform 9¾.

I was talking about the Harry Potter universe here, where the train awaits on platform 9¾. Wait, don’t get disappointed. This platform exists in our real universe as well. Though you cannot get through the wall and enter the real platform, you can take pictures in front of it and get a trip down nostalgia lane.

How to Go

You can go to King’s Cross Station, London, from anywhere in London using a bus, tube, tram, or taxi. Once you enter the station all you need to do is find platforms 9 and 10. In between these two platforms, you will see the banner of platform 9¾. You can easily recognize the platform seeing the crowd of tourists in front of it. A half luggage trolley is also installed on the brick wall, which looks like half of it has already entered the magic platform. 

What to Do

If you are visiting the platform early in the morning and are lucky enough, you don’t have to stand in a long queue. You will spend your own time taking pictures there and imagining yourself as a student of Hogwarts. As the platform is outside the main station, it’s completely free of cost.

Taking Pictures

If you are visiting the station during rush hours or on off days, you have to stand in a long line to reach the actual spot where you can get pictures of yourself holding the magic trolley, which is half vanished inside the magical platform 9¾. You can also hire professional photographers to take a Harry Potter-like picture of yourself, which will cost you a good amount of money. I suggest not taking their service if you are not traveling alone.

Tips for Solo Travelers

If you are traveling solo, you can get the service by spending a few pounds. Also, you can get help from someone around to click a picture of yours. In that case, please be careful of frauds who might steal your phone, camera, or belongings.

Harry Potter Shop

Besides the platform, there is a Harry Potter Shop owned by Professor Flitwick and Griphook in the film series. His actual name is Warwick Davis. In this shop, you can find attractive and mystical Harry Potter items and souvenirs. Don’t miss visiting this shop during your visit to platform 9¾.