Bedford embankment

Family fun

History and heritage

Bedford to St Albans City

Bedford – St Albans City

Starting from beautiful Bedford, this line passes through 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.

History & heritage

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 and Bedford St Johns railway stations.

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.

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.

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. A short walk from 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.

Family fun

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.

Explore further

From Bedford station, you can connect with another scenic rail journey, along the Marston Vale Line.

From St Albans Abbey, after a short walk through the historic city, you can connect with another scenic rail journey along the Abbey Line.

About this line

Route

Bedford – St Albans City

Journey time

40 mins

Cost

Off-peak day return from £12.30

Distance

37 miles | 60 km

Stations on this line:

  • Bedford
  • Flitwick
  • Harlington
  • Leagrave
  • Luton
  • Luton Parkway
  • Harpenden
  • St Albans City

Nearby lines

Abbey Line train in the sunset

Watford Junction – St Albans Abbey

Located less than 20 minutes away from London Euston, the Abbey Line is ideal for a day out away from the capital.

Greater Anglia train travelling along the Bittern Line with the sea in the background

Norwich – Sheringham

Running from Norwich, the Bittern Line connects the city with the coast as it passes through the Broads National Park and the scenic beauty of North Norfolk.

RSPB Wallasea Island accessible along the Crouch Valley Line. East UK

Wickford – Southminster

Picturesque riverside walks, sailing along the River Crouch and wildlife watching all await you along the Crouch Valley Line.

Train on the Mayflower Line

Witham – Braintree

Have an adventure in the great outdoors, explore historic places or simply enjoy browsing the shops, you’ll find it all along the Flitch Line.

Evening train travelling across the Chappel Viaduct along the Gainsborough Line. East UK

Marks Tey – Sudbury

It may only take 20 minutes to travel the full length of the Gainsborough Line but what a journey it is.

Ely Cathedral from King's Walk in the sunshine

Peterborough – Ely

Enjoy rolling countryside, wildlife havens and historic market towns.

The seaside at Felixstowe

Ipswich – Felixstowe

One half of the East Suffolk Lines. Enjoy colourful seaside resorts and panoramic views of the Suffolk coastline.

Colourful Lowestoft Beach Huts near the East Suffolk railway line. East UK.

Ipswich – Lowestoft

One half of the East Suffolk Lines. Connecting the coastal town of Lowestoft with the bustling County Town of Ipswich.

Marston Vale Line with green tree in the background

Bletchley – Bedford

Combine wonderful countryside with plenty of history along the Marston Vale Line.

You may also like

Family days out by rail

Experience new adventures when you enjoy greener days out by rail this autumn. Take a look at our suggestions here.

Station sign with rolling hills in the background

We're getting on board for Catch the Bus Month and bring you some suggestions on how you can explore further when you combine your adventure with trains and buses.

Train travelling along the Bentham Line through lush countryside

Leeds – Morecambe / Heysham Port via Skipton, Bentham & Lancaster

Explore the history of the Bentham Line, nestled in scenic Yorkshire & Lancashire countryside.