Starting from beautiful Bedford, passing through the large town of Luton before reaching historic St Albans.
Start your journey in Bedford with its peaceful riverside walks and historic town centre. Enjoy a calming stroll along the tree-lined Embankment, hire a rowboat or pedal boat and enjoy a bite to eat along the riverside before heading to the station.
Further down the line you'll reach Luton, most known for its international airport, the town itself has lots to offer. Explore award-winning display of Mossman carriages at Stockwood Discovery Centre and the home of Luton's last tram.
Back on the train you'll soon arrive in St Albans, once considered to be one of the largest Roman cities in Britain.
Traces of the Roman life can still be explored today with the Verulamium Museum containing ancient treasures and artefacts. Visit the nearby Roman Theatre before a visit to the majestic St Albans Cathedral.
Do something different with the family and go Symbol Spotting! Simply buy child train ticket from a station along the Bedford to St Albans City route, pick up your Symbol Spot activity booklet and head off on an adventure.
Extend your trip and explore the Bedford to St Albans railway as part of our Romans to Code-Breakers itinerary.
This route is supported by Beds & Herts Community Rail Partnership. Like many scenic rail routes on this site, this group is part of community rail, a growing grassroots movement made up of community rail partnerships and groups across Britain. They engage communities and help people get the most from their railways, promoting social inclusion and sustainable travel and work alongside train operators to bring about improvements. Learn more and how you can get involved through the Community Rail Network website.
Highlights
Discover the fascinating life of John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim's Progress, which remained the best-selling book in the world for centuries, at the John Bunyan Museum, 15 to 20 minutes from Bedford [BDM] & Bedford St Johns [BSJ] railway stations
Step back in time as you explore a wealthy Victorian family home at the Grade II listed Wardown House, Museum & Gallery, around a 25-minute walk from Luton Station or see their website for bus connections
A short walk from platform 4 exit of St Albans City railway station, you can step inside the Grade II listed St Albans South Signal Box, see the website for occasional and special event opening times
Find out more
Getting there
Bedfordshire & Herfordshire County Council Concessionary Travel Scheme - Holders of Concessionary Bus Permits issued by any local authority in Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire or by Luton Borough Council may receive 50% discount on rail fares for journeys on Thameslink and Great Northern rail services, after 10:00am Monday to Fridays and all day on Saturdaays, Sundays and Public Holidays. Up to 4 children can travel witht the ticket holder for £2 each. For more details please visit National Rail Enquiries.
Route
Cost
Opening times

Plan your trip
Extend your visit with a trip along the Marston Vale Line to Bletchley, home of the WWII Code Breakers with a direct train from Bedford station.
Explore the Bedford to St Albans railway as part of our Romans to Code-Breakers itinerary.
If you're looking to explore the outdoors, get some fresh air with a scenic station to station walk. The Abbey Line Trail starts from St Albans Abbey railway station and covers a 6.5-mile route finishing at Watford Junction railway station. Catch the train from Watford Junction back to St Albans, or walk the return route, and continue your day out.
More lines to explore nearby
Abbey Line
Rhee Valley Line
Cotswold Line
Leighton Buzzard Railway
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Nene Valley Railway
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Northampton and Lamport Railway
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