Riding the Hogwarts Express: A Guide for First-Timers

If you’re visiting Universal Orlando and you’re a fan of Harry Potter, stepping aboard the Hogwarts Express is one of the most magical experiences you can have.

One reason I love the Hogwarts Express is that it’s a ride, an attraction, a piece of storytelling, and a practical way to get between the parks, all rolled into one experience!

Here’s everything you need to know before your first trip aboard this famous train.

What Is the Hogwarts Express?

The Hogwarts Express is a real train that connects two of the parks at Universal Orlando – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Just like in the Harry Potter stories, you board at King’s Cross Station (complete with a Platform 9¾ experience) and travel to Hogsmeade Station (and vice versa).

The train itself looks just like the one from the films, inside and out. During your journey, you’ll see magical scenes play out through the windows and even hear characters in the corridors.

How Can You Ride the Hogwarts Express?

To ride the Hogwarts Express, you’ll need a Park-to-Park ticket. That’s because the train physically connects two parks (Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure), so you can’t board without admission to both.

The boarding station can be found in the Harry Potter-themed land in each of the two parks.

• Universal Studios – Head to the back of the park towards Diagon Alley. You will find King’s Cross Station before the “secret” entrance into Diagon Alley.

• Islands of Adventure – The entrance to the Hogwarts Express is located just before you enter Hogsmeade, near the Lost Continent area.

You can start from either King’s Cross Station in Universal Studios or Hogsmeade Station in Islands of Adventure. The experience is completely different, depending on which direction you are traveling. Make sure you ride twice, going both directions. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Why You Should Ride:

• Immersive storytelling: From seeing London pass by your window to spotting magical creatures in the Scottish countryside, the train makes you feel like you’re truly in the Wizarding World. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, riding the Hogwarts Express is something you MUST do.

• Convenient transportation: Instead of walking all the way out of one park and into the other, the train whisks you directly across.

• Unique both ways: The story changes depending on which station you depart from. First-time riders often miss this detail, so be sure to experience both.

Tips for First-Time Riders

• Look for Platform 9¾: At King’s Cross Station, you’ll get the chance to “disappear” through the wall, just like in the books and movies. Make sure you don’t miss it!

• Ride both directions: Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley and Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade are different experiences.

• Check wait times: The Hogwarts Express can get busy midday, so try to ride earlier or later in the day for shorter waits.

• Have your ticket ready: Universal staff will scan your Park-to-Park ticket before boarding, so keep it handy.

• Bring the family: The train is gentle and family-friendly, making it an attraction everyone can enjoy together. There is no minimum height to ride, but if you are under 48″, you must be accompanied by a supervising companion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the Hogwarts Express wheelchair accessible?

Yes! Guests can remain in a standard wheelchair. But if you have an ECV, you must transfer to a manual wheelchair.

How long is the Hogwarts Express ride?

Once the train starts moving, it takes about 5 minutes to reach the other park. It’s short, but packed with magical details. Don’t blink! 🙂

Is the Hogwarts Express scary for kids?

Not at all. The Hogwarts Express is a gentle train ride with fun storytelling scenes through the “windows.” Some younger kids may find a couple of the darker moments (like Dementors) a little spooky, but there are no big drops, sudden scares, or intense movements. Most families I talk to find it very kid-friendly, and even toddlers enjoy the ride.

I uploaded a 30-second video I took while we rode the Hogwarts Express! You can see it’s pretty innocent.

Final Thoughts

For many people, the Hogwarts Express is one of the most memorable parts of the entire trip. I have purposely tried not to tell you too much of what happens on the train ride. I want you to experience it for the first time in person! 🙂