The mainline railway station was opened in 1852. The station underwent restoration between 2007 and 2013. The original arched roof was re-glazed, an open-air plaza created; a new semi-circular concourse was opened, covered by a 1,700 tonne steel and glass dome.

King's Cross mixes simple, pared-back industrial Victorian architecture with modern and contemporary styles. Features include platforms, concourses, departure boards, retail, high-level walkways and balconies.

The station roof was supposedly modelled on the riding school of the Russian Czars. The train shed comprises two vaults of clear arch construction with steel ribs. The roof spans are 105ft wide by 800ft long. The central clock tower is 112ft high.

Trains depart to York, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, to Potters Bar, Peterborough and King's Lynn. Over 40 million people pass through the station each year.