Do we have to expect a queue for the shuttle from Watford Junction to Harry Potter Studio?
We have tickets for the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio for 10 AM on a Thursday (April, 18 2019 to be precise).
I've read that shuttles leave every 20 minutes from Watford Junction but I can't find any official info or reviews about how well-used this service is. Can we expect to get the first shuttle upon our arrival to Watford Junction or should we calculate some extra time to queue for one?
Best Answer
Summary: One should be prepared to wait for the second bus if they are visiting during school holidays, Easter being one of them. There are other options to get to the Warner Bros Studio from Watford Junction though.
Why might one need the second bus - a capacity calculation
According to the official booking website the allocated time slots come in half-hour intervals, and according to this tour review, each slot takes in around 150 people:
The tour works like this – once your allocated time-slot arrives, you join the queue to go into a presentation room, about 150 people at a time.
... which matches my personal experience on how many people that room can fit.
The shuttle bus operates every 20 mins from Watford Junction:
Buses run every 20 minutes from 9.20am (with additional services available from 8.15am when the first tour is at 9am).
The coach operator uses the two-axle variant of Enviro400s, which has a capacity of 70-90 people judging from the neighbouring London buses of the same model. While such arrangement means the capacity of the shuttle bus would roughly match the demand per hour, the unaligned timetable means there will be more people queueing at certain minutes past the hour.
The situation is more pronounced during school holidays (when the OP planned to visit) and one should be prepared that they might need to take the second shuttle bus.
Other Options
There are other options to get to the Warner Bros Studio from Watford Junction station, in case of unforeseen situations:
- Buses 8 and 10, operated by Arriva bus, departs from Watford Junction and passes near the Warner Bros Studio.
- Taxis between Watford Junction and the Warner Bros Studio cost around £12-13 one-way based on personal experience travelling to nearby places, and minicab hires cost less (which is a viable option if you have a e.g. group of four).
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How long does it take from Watford Junction to Harry Potter?
Regular shuttle buses operate from Watford Junction to the Studio Tour with a journey time of around 15 minutes. Buses run at least every 30 minutes from 9.20am (with additional services available from 8.15am when the first tour is at 9am).Where does the Harry Potter bus leave from?
The main departure bus terminus is at the Golden Tours Office on Buckingham Palace Road, in a building just down the road from Victoria Train Station. Victoria is a major hub in central London and easy to get to.What should I wear to Harry Potter studio tour?
What should I wear on a Harry Potter Studio tour? A. Many fans choose to dress up as their favorite characters from the series. Don't be afraid to get creative and wear your fandom on your sleeve.How long does Harry Potter tour take?
How long is my visit expected to last? The average visit to the Studio Tour lasts approximately three and a half hours, although there is no limit imposed on your time at the attraction.On The Bus To Warner Brothers Studios London Tour, The Making of Harry Potter Watford
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