Guests can board the Hogwarts Express either at Platform 9 ? at Kings Cross Station in Universal Studios, OR, at the station in Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. Guests will be required to scan their Park to Park ticket upon entering either station. Food and drinks must be finished before boarding the train.

To ride the Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando Resort, the most important requirement is a Park-to-Park admission ticket. Because the train travels between Universal Studios Florida (Diagon Alley at King's Cross Station) and Islands of Adventure (Hogsmeade Station), a standard single-park ticket will not grant you access to the ride. Once you have the correct ticket, you simply enter the station queue. For 2026, travelers should be aware of seasonal maintenance; for instance, the train was temporarily closed in February 2026 and reopened on February 24th. The experience is different depending on which direction you travel: the journey to Hogsmeade features views of the English countryside and Dementors, while the return to London shows the Knight Bus and urban scenery. If you have a Universal Express Pass, you can use it here to significantly bypass the wait, which is highly recommended as the train is both a functional transport and a top-tier immersive attraction.

Excellent question! Getting on the Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando Resort is a magical experience, but it’s a bit different from running through a brick wall at King’s Cross. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

The Basics: What You Need to Know First

1. It’s a Real Train: The Hogwarts Express is a fully functioning steam train that travels between the two Harry Potter-themed lands:

   • Hogsmeade Station (located in Islands of Adventure park).
   • King’s Cross Station (located in the Universal Studios Florida park).

2. You Need a Park-to-Park Ticket: This is the most important requirement. You cannot ride the Hogwarts Express with a single-park ticket. You must have a ticket that grants admission to both Universal Studios Florida AND Islands of Adventure on the same day. You can show your ticket (or use your ticket barcode on your phone) at the entrance to either station.

Step-by-Step: How to Board

Step 1: Plan Your Journey Decide where you want to start. The experience is different in each direction, so many fans ride it both ways! Hogsmeade to London (Islands of Adventure → Universal Studios): You’ll board at Hogsmeade Station in the snowy village. The queue feels like you’re at the back of the village, near the castle. The journey shows you leaving the Scottish Highlands and arriving in the London countryside. King’s Cross to Hogsmeade (Universal Studios → Islands of Adventure): This is where the iconic “Platform 9¾” effect happens! You’ll walk through a re-creation of King’s Cross station in London, complete with the magical disappearing trick through the brick wall. The journey shows you leaving London and arriving at Hogsmeade with your first breathtaking view of Hogwarts castle.

Step 2: Go to the Correct Station Use the park map or the official Universal Orlando app to find “Hogwarts Express” or “King’s Cross Station.” At King’s Cross, follow signs through the London waterfront area.

Step 3: Wait in the Queue (It’s Part of the Fun!) Both queues are elaborately themed. At King’s Cross, you’ll see the iconic