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Train or Bus Tour - Harry Potter Studio

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I’m trying to figure out logistics - basically the easiest way to see the Harry Potter Studio Tour and how much time to allow. We are 4 adults.

My understanding is that Golden Tours is the partner company that sells the bus ride and the entrance tickets to Harry Potter Studio. It says on the website this is a 7 hour day and I’ve read somewhere else that a person should allow 3.5 hours at the actual studio - so is the bus to and from 1.5 hours each way?

The other less expensive option is to buy the HP entrance ticket separately and then take a combination of tube and train and then I think there’s a different shuttle bus (is that part of the entrance ticket?) from Watford to the actual studio. How long does the tube/train/bus combo take? And I suppose I need to make my way to the correct tube/train station.

I am staying near Victoria Station if that makes a difference.

Can someone explain the pros/cons of just taking the bus tour to get there vs the tube/train method.

Edit - Is there a best time of day to book - like 10am or later? Would a Sunday be an issue?

Posted by
5885 posts

Buy the entrance ticket separately. Take the tube to Euston and then take the train from Euston to Watford Junction. You can use your Oyster Card for the entire route. Once you arrive in Watford Junction, there is a free shuttle (you just show your HP Studios ticket) just outside the station. It is well marked and easy to use. While there are set entry times to the studio, once you are in, you can spend as long as you like. I spent less than 3 hours, but I can see how an HP enthusiast could spend longer, particularly if you stop for a snack or meal there. The studio is huge. I went through fairly quickly. I was there in the evening and it was quite crowded. It might be better to go earlier in the day.

You can check the journey planner on https://tfl.gov.uk/ to see how long it will take you from Victoria to Watford Junction, as well as the cost at the time you plan to go (it will depend on whether you travel at peak or off-peak times. The train I took from Euston to Watford Junction only took about 20 minutes.

I can’t see any advantage to using Golden Tours.

Posted by
5576 posts

The only advantage I can see to take the bus package is that they will likely still have tickets if the (direct) tickets are sold out for your day at the studio. If you have HP enthusiasts, I'd try for early tickets, bearing in mind the necessary travel time to get there. THE PP has mentioned how to do this on the Transport For London site. We arrived before 10 and were there for nearly 6 hours. But we are both big fans, and as noted, the studio is HUGE.

Posted by
575 posts

I have done this twice with my kids and done the subway/train option to Euston as described above. The big lesson I learned is that I mistakenly budgeted one hour per section (three sections = three hours) going into the visit. However, both my kids spent more time in the first section with all the props and sets and things to look at. The second two sections don't have nearly as much to explore so allow yourself to spend most of your time in the first section and don't worry about running out of time.

Posted by
4 posts

My family just returned from England, the Harry Potter bus tour leaving from Victoria Station that my wife and daughter signed up for sounded great on paper but it was late by 30 mins on the beginning and the end of the day. The bus had no restrooms and they did not allow for food. Anything you can control would lead to a better experience since the studio is very large. This is at least a 3hr site with 1-2hours of shopping and food. It may be worth it to cab in the morning to arrive early and train out later in the day. A cab to Heathrow was $80-90 pounds.

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