How long to get through security lines at Kings Cross for rail travel (Sept 2)?

Hi Will -

Are you in fact referring to Eurostar security clearance at St. Pancras? There may be a delay on that but Kings Cross is a mainline railway station with no security checks as such. The two stations while next door to one another are completely separate entities and the Eurostar is a separate section of St.Pancras. If you think of boarding the Eurostar as being like boarding an international air flight and allow the requisite amount of time (or what it suggests on the ticket?) you should be fine.

Ian

Only Eurostar at St Pancras International has a check in system with associated minimum check in times, full security, 2 sets of Border Control and waiting in a waiting room.

The other train operators at St Pancras International have no check in or security - as long as you are in the train when the doors close you will be fine. Give it 5 minutes past the barriers at East Midlands because they sometimes stack trains so it is a walk; a minute or two past the barriers on Southeastern Javelin services to get to the door you want and get in; Thameslink which is downstairs takes a few minutes because after the barriers you have to go down one flight of escaltors in one direction and two flights in the other direction.

Across the street at Kings Cross some of the platforms are a bit of a walk, and they all have barriers, so unless you know which platform you will use and how to get there I'd leave 10 minutes including orientation and getting to the train and through the barriers. Add 5 minutes if you want to stop at Pret a Manger and grab a coffee and roll.

Where are you travelling to?

Going to Edinburgh, and am sure it is Kings Cross, not St Pancras. The tickets say LONDON KINGS CROSS > EDINBURGH

For trains to Edinburgh there is no security check.

Hi Will -

No security check for the trains at Kings Cross. The station does get busy but usually not so busy you can’t move. As I’ve mentioned before here, keep a close eye on the departure boards as they don’t announce the platform number until 5-10 minutes prior to the trains departure, so you have to move a little rapidly to board the train.

I believe the late platform announcement is because the trains have a very short turn round and they need to be cleaned and the buffet car/facilities restocked before passengers are allowed on the train. That said, it doesn’t go towards an entirely stress free journey!

Make sure you have reserved seats on the train - they are usually very full at all times. Once you are on board and in your seat, the rest should be plain sailing! Have a great trip.

Ian

Thanks all, this has been quite helpful. Happy travels!

Yes, your train departs from Kings Cross.

No security checks. However, they might check your ticket prior to you getting on the platform. You may need it upon arrival at Edinburgh to get through the gates. But that takes no time.