Is Platform 9¾ worth it?
Skip itLives up to the hype · +19Harry Potter photo spot with a trolley 'vanishing' into a wall, next to an official shop
Usually not worth it. Google 3.7 from 4,400+ reviews, low for a marquee stop; guides call it 'just a trolley in a wall'.
Hype12How famous and hyped it is
Reality31Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
3.7 ★ Google · 4,422 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
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A fun free photo if you go early or late; skip it if you're doing the Studio Tour, which has the same prop.
Why Reality is 31
Lives up to its fame2/5Google 3.7 from 4,400+ reviews, low for a marquee stop; guides call it 'just a trolley in a wall'.
Value for money3/5Free to queue and use your own camera; official photos are an optional upsell.
Can’t get it elsewhere2/5The Studio Tour has the same trolley set-up, and the shop's stock overlaps with other Harry Potter stores.
Easy to do2/5Easy to reach, but queues of 20–40 minutes, up to an hour at peak, for a single shot.
What people loved
Free, with staff lending scarves and wands and posing each group for the 'flying scarf' shotNo obligation to buy the official photos; others in the queue will take your pictureLarge, well-themed shop next door, with some items not sold at the Studio TourEasy to fit in if you're passing through King's Cross anywayWhat wore them down
Queues often run up to an hour for a single photo'Just a trolley in a wall at King's Cross Station'The Studio Tour has the same trolley prop, so it's redundant if you're going thereLow Google rating (3.7) for such a famous spot; much of the visit is the shopKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: No booking; first-come queue. Groups over 10 get a time slot from staff.
EntryFree; no ticket needed for the photo. Buying the official photos is optional, and you can take your ownSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Official photosReported at £9.50 for one, £15 for two, £20 for threeSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
QueueFirst come, first served; typically 20–40 min, up to an hour at peak. Shortest early morning or late weekday eveningsSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursShop Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; at busy times the photo queue closes an hour before the shopSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
GroupsGroups of more than 10 should ask staff for a dedicated time slotSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Google ratingsThe Platform 9¾ photo-spot listing rates 3.7 (4,422 reviews); the adjoining Harry Potter Shop rates 4.3 (34,946 reviews)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time needed10 minutes for a quick look; 30–75 min if you queue for the trolley photoSource: Google reviews · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereIn King's Cross mainline station concourse, by the Harry Potter Shop; King's Cross St Pancras Tube (Piccadilly line ~10 min from Covent Garden)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
In their words
“The waiting time can be considerable, so be prepared to spend at least an hour in the queue.”
“the Harry Potter studios have the same prop so you save some time there.”
“You can take your own photos (free) and can use all their props, wand and scarfs without any obligation to buy their photos.”
“There was a long queue even at that time of the night.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
Is Platform 9¾ free?
Yes. No ticket is needed for the photo and you can use your own camera; the official photos are optional (reported at £9.50 for one).
How long is the queue at Platform 9¾?
Typically 20–40 minutes, up to an hour at peak. It's shortest early morning or on late weekday evenings.
Where is Platform 9¾ at King's Cross?
In the King's Cross mainline station concourse, just outside the Harry Potter Shop. You don't need a train ticket.
What time does the Platform 9¾ photo spot open?
It follows the shop's hours (Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.–8 p.m.). At busy times the queue closes an hour before the shop.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Harry Potter Shop — King's Cross (official)
- Free Tours by Foot — Platform 9¾ at King's Cross
- The Geographical Cure — London's overhyped tourist traps (updated Jan 2025)
- Google Maps — Platform 9¾
- Google Maps — Harry Potter Shop King's Cross