If there’s one moment at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London that every Harry Potter fan dreams about, it’s this: standing on Platform 9¾, luggage trolley disappearing into the wall, Hogwarts Express gleaming behind you. It’s the photo that ends up framed on bedroom walls. It’s the moment that makes the whole trip worth it.
TL;DR: Platform 9¾ is one of the most iconic stops on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. You’ll find the real Hogwarts Express locomotive, a photo opportunity with the disappearing luggage trolley, and in 2026, a brand-new First Year at Hogwarts summer feature running from 7th May to 7th September. Tickets must be booked in advance and start from £81 for children and £134 for adults.
But Platform 9¾ is just one part of an enormous day out that lasts four hours or more. This guide covers everything you need to know before you book: what the Platform 9¾ experience actually involves, how to get the best photo, what’s new in 2026, ticket prices, and the smartest way to get there from London.
Ready to make the magic happen? Book your Harry Potter Studio Tour tickets here and we’ll sort your return transport from London too.
What Is the Platform 9¾ Experience?
Platform 9¾ sits in the backlot area of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, and it’s genuinely spectacular. The centrepiece is the real Hogwarts Express locomotive, a GWR 4900 Class engine named Olton Hall, which was used during filming of the Harry Potter series. This isn’t a replica. It’s the actual train.
The Disappearing Luggage Trolley Photo
The moment everyone comes for is the iconic photo opportunity with a luggage trolley appearing to vanish through the brick wall. A Harry Potter-themed scarf is provided, and a studio photographer is on hand to capture the shot. You can also take your own photos, so there’s no pressure to buy the official one.
Top tip: The photo queue can build up quickly, especially during peak times and school holidays. Arriving early in your session (the tour is self-guided) gives you the best chance of a shorter wait and a less crowded backdrop.
What Else Is at Platform 9¾?
The Platform 9¾ area isn’t just a photo stop. Here’s what you’ll find:
- The Hogwarts Express locomotive up close, with stunning detail from the films
- Authentic luggage, owls, and props recreating the scene from the films
- The interior of a Hogwarts Express carriage, which you can step inside
- Themed merchandise and souvenirs available nearby
- The Backlot Café, where you can grab a Butterbeer and soak up the atmosphere
The whole area is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, so families with little ones can enjoy every part of it without any stress.
What’s New at the Studio Tour in 2026?
2026 is a particularly exciting year to visit. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London has a packed calendar of seasonal events, and one major new addition that Harry Potter fans won’t want to miss.
First Year at Hogwarts (7th May to 7th September 2026)
This is the big one for summer 2026. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the First Year at Hogwarts summer feature revisits where the magic all began. Expect original props from the very first film (including the Golden Snitch), authentic sets, and an immersive journey through iconic moments from Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s first year at Hogwarts.
This is a brilliant reason to visit in summer 2026 specifically – it’s a once-in-a-generation anniversary celebration that won’t be repeated.
Full 2026 Events Calendar
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Magical Mischief | 24th January to 27th April 2026 |
| First Year at Hogwarts | 7th May to 7th September 2026 |
| Dark Arts | 16th September to 8th November 2026 |
| Hogwarts in the Snow | 14th November 2026 to 17th January 2027 |
Each seasonal event transforms the tour with exclusive displays, themed props, and special experiences layered on top of the permanent collection. Dark Arts and Hogwarts in the Snow are perennial favourites, so if you’re planning an autumn or winter visit, you’re in for a treat too.
Bear with us here! The Studio Tour is open year-round, but specific seasonal features are only available on certain dates. Always check the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London official website before booking to confirm what’s on during your chosen visit date.
Harry Potter Studio Tour Ticket Prices 2026
Tickets must be booked online in advance. There are no tickets available on the door, and sessions are timed, so you’ll need to arrive within your allocated time slot.
Ticket Prices at a Glance
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (16+) | From £134.00 |
| Child | From £81.00 |
| Family (2 adults, 2 children) | From £516.00 |
| Infant (under 4) | Free |
Prices can vary depending on the date and seasonal event, so the earlier you book, the better the price you’re likely to secure.
Save with the DOWTK VIP Pass
Did you know you can get 20% off tickets and transfers to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London with the Day Out With The Kids VIP Pass? The VIP Pass costs just £4.99 per month and unlocks discounts on hundreds of UK attractions. For a family trip to the Studio Tour, the savings more than cover the membership cost.
What’s Included in the Ticket Price?
When you book your tickets through Day Out With The Kids, your package includes:
- Entry to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
- Return transport from London (depart from Victoria, Baker Street, or King’s Cross)
- Travel on the official Warner Bros. Studio Tour branded buses with seat-back movie screens
- Free admission for children aged 2 and under
- Access to the current seasonal feature (e.g. First Year at Hogwarts in summer 2026)
This is the easiest way to visit. No faffing with train times or shuttle buses – just show up at your London pick-up point and the rest is sorted.
Getting to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
The Studio Tour is located at Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Greater London, WD25 7LR, about 20 miles north-west of central London. It’s well connected, but a little planning goes a long way.
By Coach (with DOWTK Tickets)
The simplest option by far. When you book through Day Out With The Kids, return transport is included. You can depart from:
- London Victoria (9am, 11am, 1pm, and 2:30pm daily)
- Baker Street
- King’s Cross
The journey takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. You’ll travel on the official Warner Bros. Studio Tour London branded coaches, complete with seat-back movie screens to get the kids in the mood before you even arrive.
By Train and Shuttle
If you prefer to make your own way, take a train from London Euston to Watford Junction. From there, Mullany’s Coaches runs a shuttle service to the Studio Tour every 20 minutes from 09:20am daily. The last shuttle is generally between 6pm and 8pm, depending on the time of year.
By Car
The Studio Tour is less than 3 miles from Junction 6 of the M1 and M25 motorways. On-site parking is available. If you’re arriving from London, take the A41 for 3 miles, then follow signs from the Hunton Bridge Roundabout.
It’s a popular destination for a reason! Parking can fill up on busy days and school holidays. If you’re driving, aim to arrive early in your time slot.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
A few things to know before you go that will make a real difference on the day.
Plan for at Least Four Hours
Most families spend four hours or more at the Studio Tour, and honestly, that still feels like a rush if you want to see everything properly. The Great Hall, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, the Hogwarts Castle model, and Platform 9¾ are all must-sees, and the queue for the trolley photo can take time.
Don’t try to rush it. Book an earlier time slot so you have the whole day ahead of you rather than watching the clock.
Accessibility
The Studio Tour is brilliantly set up for families with accessibility needs:
- All routes are suitable for wheelchair users, limited mobility visitors, and pushchairs
- Wheelchairs are available free of charge on the day
- Blue badge parking is available within 50 metres of the main entrance
- A hearing loop system is in place throughout
- BSL-signed performances are available on selected dates
- Assistance dogs are welcome
Food and Drink
There’s a café, restaurant, outdoor dining area, and food shop on site. Vegetarian and nut-free options are available. Butterbeer is, of course, the must-try drink of the day – there’s a cold version and a hot version, so you’re covered whatever the weather.
The Gift Shop
Think again if you’re planning to skip it! The Studio Tour is home to the biggest Harry Potter gift shop in the world. Budget a little extra time (and a little extra money) because it’s genuinely hard to leave empty-handed.
What About the Hogwarts Express Adventure?
If Platform 9¾ has you completely hooked on all things Hogwarts Express, you might also want to read about the Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure experience – a separate, brand-new attraction that’s generating a lot of excitement in the wizarding world community.
Ready to Book Your Harry Potter Studio Tour Tickets?
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is one of the most magical days out in the UK, full stop. And in 2026, with the 25th anniversary First Year at Hogwarts summer feature, it’s arguably the best year yet to visit.
Platform 9¾ will be the highlight for many families – that photo with the disappearing trolley is something the kids will talk about for years. But honestly, every single part of this tour delivers.
The key things to remember:
- Tickets must be booked in advance online – no door sales
- Book early for the best prices and your preferred time slot
- Return transport from London is included when you book through DOWTK
- VIP Pass members save 20% on tickets and transfers
Book your Harry Potter Studio Tour tickets now and let the magic begin. Or explore the full Harry Potter Studio Tour London attraction listing for even more details about what’s included on the day.