London King’s Cross Station

This station has two faces!
Above, the rail station is huge and shiny and pretty and, considering its size, quite nicely laid out. There are lots of shiny shops (literally, everything is encased in glass and shiiiiinyyyyy) and cafés and all, it’s really nice, even when crowded.
However, below is the tube station and here’s where it shows its ugly side.
Congestion relief measures mean you’re sent all over the place before you get to where you want to go. If you don’t know the shortcuts, it’s just confusing and annoying and not well laid out at all. If you’re new to the tube station here, try reading up on all the shortcut options before going.

I have not really used this station since its refurbishments, but recently had to see relatives off or meet relatives so had occasion to spend some time there. They have made a huge improvement to the old station, widening the station sideways to give it more passenger space and a second level for restaurants and cafes above the shops on the ground level.
The space feels very open now, and always feel cold, especially during the winter time, if you are waiting for your train to depart, it is freezing. It is a very busy station and the forecourt is always filled with people watching the digital display to see which platform their train is departing from and as soon as it appears, there is a mad rush to get there, because it has happened, if the trains are full you are left standing all the way (that could be 2 hours!) even though you have reserved your seat, if you do not board quick enough. I noticed this at most mainline stations, they never seem to give the passengers much time to get to the forecourt to the platform without rushing. Pity those who cannot walk fast or are carrying heavy luggage.

This is not my favourite station but it is always impressive to come to London through its gates. Trains are always late coming into the station and lines are always long so make sure you give yourself plenty of time.