King's Cross Station is a major Muggle railway terminus located in London. To the non-magical eye, it is an ordinary, busy station filled with commuters, announcements, and trains. For the British and Irish wizarding community, however, it is the primary departure point for students travelling to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The magical significance of the station lies in the enchanted barrier between the platforms for trains nine and ten. By walking or running directly at the solid brick wall, witches and wizards can pass through to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, where the Hogwarts Express awaits. The entrance is cleverly disguised to prevent Muggle notice; any Muggle who might accidentally run at it would simply collide with the wall and not suspect any magical interference. Historically, Hogwarts students travelled to school via a variety of uncontrolled methods, including Broomsticks, Apparition, and enchanted vehicles, which caused numerous breaches of the International Statute of Secrecy. In the early 19th century, the Ministry of Magic implemented the Hogwarts Express as a discreet and efficient solution. King's Cross Station was chosen as the London terminus due to its central location, with the magical platform being secretly added for wizarding use (Pottermore).
King's Cross Station serves as a recurring setting that marks the beginning and end of Harry's yearly journey between the Muggle and wizarding worlds.