Trains to London Kings Cross

Located on the edge of central London in the London Borough of Camden, London Kings Cross station is a key rail terminus with over 50 million yearly commuters. Combined with Kings Cross St Pancras Tube station, it is one of the UK’s largest and busiest station complexes.

Kings Cross station opened in 1852 and underwent several expansion works throughout the 19th century. The surrounding area was previously a village named Battle Bridge, whose name refers to the major battle said to have taken place between the Romans and the Boudica-led Iceni tribe of eastern England. According to some sources, Boudica’s last battle took place in Kings Cross, and she may be buried under platform 9 or 10.

The present-day railway terminus has all the amenities you need under a magnificent semi-circular canopy flanked by the bricks of the old station. Free WiFi is available, along with shops, bars and restaurants. To buy train tickets, passengers can purchase or pre-book online and collect tickets from the ticket office or ticket machines. The First Class lounge for London North Eastern Railway (LNER) services is on the first floor.

Kings Cross station is connected to many London Underground lines: the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria. Several bus routes stop outside the station on Euston Road or on York Way. A taxi rank is next to the station on Pancras Road. Drivers can also pick up and set down on Pancras Road, but can’t leave vehicles unattended. There are over 350 two-tier cycle racks for bikes.

Routes to and from London Kings Cross connect to major cities and towns in the East of England, North East England, Yorkshire and eastern and northern Scotland. Destinations include Cambridge, Middlesbrough, York, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

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Cambridge to London Kings Cross

On average, it takes 50 minutes to get to Kings Cross from Cambridge by train. Passengers can expect three direct train services per hour.

Leeds to London Kings Cross

Two trains head from Leeds to Kings Cross each hour, taking approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes.

Peterborough to London Kings Cross

Trains from Peterborough to Kings Cross take around 51 minutes, and there are five trains an hour during peak services. A range of Season Tickets is available.

Newcastle to London Kings Cross

Travelling from Newcastle to Kings Cross takes roughly 3 hours, speeding through the stunning English countryside. There are three trains per hour.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER), Lumo, Thameslink, Hull Trains and Grand Central are the main operators at Kings Cross station. LNER runs high-speed intercity trains, while Thameslink operates suburban services towards north London, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and West Norfolk. Hull Trains, Grand Central and Lumo have fewer services per day, with trains travelling to Hull, Bradford and Edinburgh.

Kings Cross is full of cultural and historical destinations. Head to the British Library and see writers’ original works at the Sir John Ritblat Gallery and John Lennon’s handwritten Beatles lyrics. The Kings Place arts centre and Bloomsbury Theatre are also within walking distance.

Running through the heart of Kings Cross and its stations is the Regent’s Canal. A short stroll towards the canal uncovers the vibrant Granary Square, tranquil Camley Street Natural Park and boutique shops at Coal Drops Yard. There’s even a floating bookshop, Word on the Water, located on a 100-year-old barge.

Of course, a list of highlights in the area wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Harry Potter. A must-visit location for Potterheads, you can stock up on wands, time turners and robes and take a photo by platform 9¾ in the station itself.

Are Kings Cross and St Pancras the same station?

No, Kings Cross and St Pancras International are separate stations with different lines and services. They’re less than five minutes apart with an underground tunnel linking both stations.

Is there luggage storage at Kings Cross station?

Yes, the Excess Baggage Company offer a paid left luggage service near platform 9. Opening hours are 07:00–23:00 Monday to Sunday, and pre-booking is available.

Where does the Hogwarts Express stop in Kings Cross station?

You can’t board a Hogwarts Express train at Kings Cross, but you can head to platform 9¾ on the wall by the Harry Potter Shop and take a photo with the trolley.

What food outlets are in Kings Cross station?

Food options in London Kings Cross station include chain cafés and stores like Costa, Pret A Manger, Greggs and Leon. There are also smaller Waitrose and M&S stores.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.