Many of the ordinary train stations we pass through every day as commuters, tourists, and business travellers have had their time on the silver screen. Some are chosen because they make for a convincing, historically accurate background, while others, with their modern façades, can take us into the future.
Grab some popcorn and join CrossCountry as we explore some of the biggest movies that feature UK train stations. You might find that your new favourite flick is a train station movie!
Edinburgh Waverley
Avengers: Infinity War
Parts of Edinburgh can be observed in the background of the 2018 blockbuster Avengers: Infinity War, including the Royal Mile and St Giles’ Cathedral. These famous landmarks and streets set the scene for one of the most pivotal points of the film: Wanda and Vision versus the Black Order.
Edinburgh Waverley creates an atmospheric background for the scene’s climax. The empty platforms, low-lit walkways, and mundane information boards make for an interesting contrast to the thrilling clash of superpowers. It’s both an everyday transport hub and an arena for supernatural battles.
The Flying Scotsman
The Flying Scotsman (1929) follows a vengeful villain and a young couple determined to stop him; their fates intertwine aboard one of Britain’s most iconic trains as it races from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley. All the stunts performed in this thriller were actually filmed on a moving train, making them even more nail-biting.
Back in the Roaring Twenties, Edinburgh Waverley would have felt very different from the station we know today. While still a major railway hub, the platforms would have been occupied by colourful steam locomotives, not the quieter electric and diesel trains we have today. You would have also received an Edmondson ticket and tracked your train's departure on a manually updated board.
Bristol Temple Meads
The Titfield Thunderbolt
The Titfield Thunderbolt (1952) is a classic British comedy that follows a band of spirited villagers fighting to keep their rural branch line in operation. It features sweeping shots of the English countryside, some beautiful steam trains, and briefly, Bristol Temple Meads railway station. In this movie, the largest railway station in Bristol doubles as the fictional Mallingford station, doing a fantastic job in its supporting role.
London Kings Cross Station, London
Harry Potter
The most iconic railway location to feature in the Harry Potter movies is Platform 9¾ at London Kings Cross station, where the Hogwarts Express departs for the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, scenes associated with Platform 9¾ were actually filmed near Platforms 4 and 5, since Platforms 9 and 10 at King’s Cross are separated by a train track. However, that filming area sits within the ticketed part of the station, meaning fans would need a valid train ticket to cross the barriers.
Luckily, you can find the perfect photo opportunity at the famous Harry Potter train station in the main concourse. As such, an unassuming wall has become one of the most beloved tourist spots in the UK, with Muggles from around the world posing with the magical disappearing trolley – who knows, someday one of us might get through to the other side!
The Imitation Game
The Imitation Game (2014) features London King’s Cross as part of its wartime setting, helping to create a convincing backdrop for the upheaval of World War II. The smoke and steam filling the train sheds and the hundreds of people in period dress do a fantastic job at transporting the audience back in time.
The film follows the life of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who was instrumental in the development of theoretical computer science but vilified for his sexuality. You can actually visit Alan Turing’s memorial in Manchester, the sculpture sits between the former Sackville Street Building of the University of Manchester and the gay village – a poignant position for one of Manchester’s most famous landmarks.
Manchester Piccadilly
Captain America: The First Avenger
While Captain America: The First Avenger wasn’t filmed inside Manchester Piccadilly itself, you only have to take a few steps outside onto Dale Street to be right where the action happened. The street makes for a perfect recreation of 1940s New York; they just had to add a few classic cars and vintage advertising!
During the scene, Manchester becomes the backdrop for a thrilling chase between Steve Rogers (just discovering his new powers) and the evil Kruger, who is trying to make away with the powerful super-soldier formula. Walking down the street today, you would never guess that it had played host to such a spectacle.
Birmingham New Street
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
In 2023, our very own Birmingham New Street and Grand Central transformed into Abu Dhabi International Airport for Mission: Impossible. Filming took place across the station’s concourse and surrounding shopping complex, with signage, set dressing, and precise camera angles used to convincingly recreate the look of a major international airport.
In true Mission: Impossible fashion, the scene successfully has us on the edge of our seats; it’s a great example of how an ordinary UK location can be completely reimagined on screen.
London Paddington
Paddington
Another station to make the list is London Paddington. While the character first appeared in literature in 1958, the station features prominently in the much-loved 2014 film version. In the movie, we see the Brown family discovering the bear at Paddington station, which is the inspiration for his name. Today, fans can visit this renowned station to see the gold statue of Paddington Bear, as well as purchase souvenirs and movie-related merchandise.
London Waterloo
The Bourne Ultimatum
London Waterloo, another one of London’s most iconic train stations, features in the action-packed blockbuster movie, The Bourne Ultimatum. Jason Bourne, played by Hollywood legend Matt Damon, tries to protect a journalist from unseen gunmen. As he tries to obtain information from him, Bourne uses the hustle and bustle of this central London train station to conceal himself. Supposedly, this scene is so tense because the station was never shut down while filming.
If you’re planning to visit these film locations in the UK, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Info
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
