The Harry Potter Universe is full of magical conveniences. For instance, when Harry breaks his glasses, they can be repaired with a Reparo charm, and Molly Weasley can use magic to do the washing up and other housework. However, perhaps one of the best conveniences magic can provide is transport based.
As Muggles, we all need to make our way from point A to point B in a dull, and often slow manner, whether it be by car, bus, or several hours on an airplane. On the other hand, wizards can instantly transport from one city to another, or even fly magical creatures or machines. This article will list the 10 best magical means of transport.
Floo Powder
Traveling via the Floo Network is one of the first instances of magical transportation seen in the Harry Potter Universe. In the Chamber of Secrets, Harry and the Weasleys attempt to travel to Diagon Alley via the Floo Network. Traveling via Floo Network works by standing in a fireplace, clearly shouting the name of your target location, and then dropping some Floo Powder.
However, during the Chamber of Secrets, Harry does not pronounce 'Diagon Alley' clearly enough and ends up in Borgin and Burkes in Knockturn Alley instead. While Floo Powder is an interesting way to travel it isn't the most graceful, certainly not when quicker and cleaner methods exist, such as apparition.
Portkey
A portkey is an enchanted object that will bring anyone who touches it to a pre-arranged location. The first portkey seen in Harry Potter is in the Goblet of Fire, when Harry and the gang take the 'manky old boot' to the Quidditch World Cup. Portkeys are useful for wizards who cannot apparate or for traveling to those locations that do not have a fireplace.
While portkeys are an interesting way to travel, they are not as easy or convenient as apparition and so it cannot be ranked too high on this list.
Knight Bus
This one may be a controversial addition to this list, but it is certainly an arguable addition. While the Knight Bus will not provide the most comfortable means of transport, it is certainly a fun and fast way to travel. Additionally, the Knight Bus is also economically sound as riding the bus costs eleven sickles, regardless of how far you are traveling.
Think of the Knight Bus as a theme park ride and you will have fun while riding it. Sure, it might be slower and less convenient than apparating or taking the Floo Network, but it will certainly be more memorable.
Broomstick
The broomstick is a classic way of travel for wizards. Not only does it allow wizards to travel quickly between two points, but it is also a huge part of wizard culture due to its involvement in Quidditch. Without the broom, everyone's favorite fictional sport wouldn't exist.
That being said, the reason why this is so low on the list is due to the comfort of broomstick riding. Honestly, sitting on a wooden stick would be incredibly uncomfortable, especially if you're traveling a significant distance.
Flying Car
What's better than a car? A flying car that can turn invisible! Fortunately, this vehicle exists in the Harry Potter Universe with its flying Ford Anglia.
While the main downside to the broomstick is its lack of comfort, the flying car does not have this issue. Furthermore, there is also a roof over your head to prevent any potential weather concerns and space for a car radio to provide entertainment for any long journey. The inclusion of the Ford Anglia in the Chamber of Secrets even managed to make the price of this model skyrocket in the muggle world.
Apparition
Apparation is probably the most efficient method of transport on this list. Essentially, apparition is magical teleportation. Whenever a wizard apparates, they are instantly transported to their intended location.
If you master the skill you will no longer have to take public transport to work or pay for your car’s fuel. You will simply appear at your target location and you’re good to go. However, there are some drawbacks to apparition. For instance, apparition does not work over exceptionally long distances and there are some risks if the apparition is not carried out successfully, such as splinching. That being said, the only reason why this isn’t first placed is that there are methods of transport that are more stylish.
Hippogriff
Is there a moment in Harry Potter that conveys more unbridled joy than the scene in the Prisoner of Azkaban in which Harry rides Buckbeak?
Everything about this scene makes riding a hippogriff look amazing. The background music, the expression on Harry's face, and even Buckbeak's regal expression and the way he skims the surface of the Black Lake. Hippogriff transport, then, would be amazing. Not only do you have a way to fly from point A to point B, but you also have a loyal pet as well.
Thestral
While thestrals were first seen in the Order of the Phoenix, they had appeared in earlier movies. The carriages that take students to Hogwarts, while appearing to look like they pull themselves, are actually pulled by thestrals. Thestrals are only visible to those who have seen death, which is why they are not seen by most students.
Many of the thrills you would get from riding a hippogriff would also apply to riding a thestral. The only differences being that, to those who cannot see the thestral, you will appear to be flying in a seated position and to those who can see the thestral, you will look gothic and edgy.
Hogwarts Express
Is there a more iconic vehicle in Harry Potter than the Hogwarts Express? It not only takes Harry, Ron, and Hermione to Hogwarts for the first time but it also takes us to Hogwarts for the first time.
While it might appear to be nothing more than a train, we ought to also consider the destination. If you're taking the Hogwarts Express it means that you're heading to Hogwarts (unless you're catching it back to King's Cross, but then you've already been to Hogwarts anyway)! Everything from the face of the train, to the carriages, to the sweet trolley is iconic and it would be a dream come true for millions to ride this train.
Phoenix
While this event was only seen once in canon, it was certainly memorable. In the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore is set to be arrested by a group from the Ministry of Magic including Percy Weasley, Dolores Umbridge, and Kingsley Shacklebolt. However, just when you think the headmaster is cornered with nowhere to go, Dumbledore claims he 'will not go quietly' then raises his hands and claps as Fawkes the phoenix appears and with a huge, fiery explosion Dumbledore and Fawkes had disappeared.
Essentially, this was a phoenix's form of apparition. While, basically, it does the same thing as apparition, it does it with magnificent style. If normal apparition is like driving a Ford, phoenix apparition is like driving an Aston Martin.