The iconic Kings Cross station is one of the busiest and most famous train stations in the unparalleled capital of the United Kingdom, London. It was built in the middle of the 19th century and got its name after the monument, honoring King George IV, erected on the crossroad near the station's current location in 1830. Although the statue was removed just several years later, the name caught on. The Kings Cross train station is one of the main hubs on the UK railway routes, connecting such major cities as Yorkshire, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Newcastle, Inverness, Doncaster as well as dozens of other domestic routes. What is more, the famous Harry Potter train platform 9¾ is set right on King's Cross Station!
The Renovation of the Kings Cross Train Station: London's Railway Gem
Since its foundation more than 150 years ago, the King's Cross station has lived through a lot, including the terrible fire of 1989 and worldwide fame thanks to JK Rowling's Harry Potter franchise. One of the most significant chapters in the station's history was its grand renovation, which lasted from 2005 to 2012. This video explores the rich cultural and historical importance of London's Kings Cross railway station and reveals what was happening behind the scenes at the time.
F.A.Q.
Getting Around London's Kings Cross Railway Station
Where is the Kings Cross station in London?
The station is located right in the center of beautiful London. The closest places of interest to Kings Cross are the British Library, St Pancras Old Church, and the Camley Street National Park. If you're wondering where is the Kings Cross station located specifically, the address is Euston Road, Kings Cross, London N1 9AL.
How to get to Kings Cross station?
The Kings Cross rail station is easily accessible via public transport. And one of the most popular ways to get there is the underground. Closest to Kings Cross metro station is Kings Cross St. Pancras Station, served by the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines. Another way to make your way to the station is by taking a bus. There are several bus routes, going to the renowned rail station and their numbers are 10, 17, 30, 45, 46, 59, 63, 73, 91, 205, 214, 259, 390, and 476.
What to find on the Kings Cross train station?
The Kings Cross station is modern and very well-equipped. Inside, you can find waiting areas, bathrooms (with showers), an information point, several ticket machines, and large screens to view the Kings Cross station departures of trains. There is a currency an exchange point and several ATMs at your service at the station as well. Also, there are several cafes and shops in the area (including the famous Kings Cross' "Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾").
How far in advance is it known about the London Kings Cross station departures on screens?
Keep in mind that the information about the departure details and the platforms of a specific train is usually displayed on screens only about 15 minutes before departure time. For this reason, it is advisable to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your departure as to have enough time for making your way around the vast territory of the station, finding your way to the needed platform (you may use one of the Kings Cross station's maps available inside), and to board your train. Luckily, there are no extensive security check procedures on the station.
How many platforms are there on the Kings Cross train station?
The Kings Coss stations is a major transport hub of the UK and one of the busiest stations in London. There are 12 platforms at the station (numbered from 0 to 11) and over a hundred trains depart from the station on a daily basis.
Is the Harry Potter Platform 9¾ inside Kings Cross station?
Yes, the famous Platform 9 ¾, featured in the Harry Potter films, is set on the territory of the King's Cross train station. This popular photo stop and London landmark is surely not to miss while there, so save some time for taking a picture before you board your train!
Where to leave your luggage on the Kings Cross train station?
Kings Cross' luggage storage is located near the entrance to the 9th platform, and you can leave luggage there for a small fee. It works from 7 am to 11 pm from Monday to Friday. Apart from the luggage storage at London Kings Cross, you can find several options to leave your luggage within walking distance from London's Kings Cross station, including 24/7 storage facilities.
Can you park at the Kings Cross train station?
There is no parking area at Kings Cross, but you are welcome to park at the St Pancras' car park, located opposite the Kings Cross station. Also, there are cycle parking available on platforms 0, 1, 8, and 9.
Is there free Wi-Fi on the Kings Cross rail station?
Although Wi-Fi is available at King's Cross, you have to pay in order to use it, thus, there's no free WiFi on the station.
Can I catch a direct train from Kings Cross train station to the airport?
There are direct trains from Kings Cross to the airports of Luton, Gatwick, and Heathrow, departing from the King's Cross St Pancras metro station, located right near the King's Cross rail station.
Are the Kings Cross and St Pancras the same train station?
No, they are not. The St. Pancras International station (home for the high-speed Eurostar trains going to Paris and Brussels) is located right next to Kings Cross. They are separated by a pedestrian area and a road as well as share the Kings Cross St Pancras metro station of the London underground, mentioned above.
