Brighton to St Albans train with Thameslink

Thu 08 Oct
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Thameslink
Gatwick Express
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Thameslink
Gatwick Express
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Brighton to St Albans

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Oct

Cheapest price on 08 Oct

£17

Average ticket price on 08 Oct

£29

Fastest journey on 08 Oct

1 h 40 m

Average journey duration on 08 Oct

1 h 41 m

Trains on 08 Oct

2

Distance

103 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brighton to St Albans is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Brighton to St Albans will cost around £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £17.

Fast trains

On Thu 08 Oct, we found 2 trains from Brighton to St Albans, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 103 km distance in an average of 1 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 42 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Thameslink
    8:141h40
    Brighton
    9:54St Albans
    £171One-way
    0 changes
  • Thameslink
    16:581h42
    Brighton
    18:40St Albans
    £411One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Brighton to St Albans

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Brighton to St Albans run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 103 km distance in 1h 31m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
103 km
Average train duration
1h 36m
Cheapest ticket price
£18
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
1h 31m
First train
0:02
Last train
23:57
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
21 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Live departures

Brighton to St Albans train times

The table below shows live departures for Brighton to St Albans trains for today, Wednesday 7 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Thameslink8:14 Brighton
1h40
9:54 St Albans0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Brighton to St Albans trains with Omio?

Thameslink as well as Gatwick Express offer trains services from Brighton to St Albans.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Brighton to St Albans.

Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Thameslink, but also compare tickets for the likes of Gatwick Express to find the best option for your trip from Brighton to St Albans.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Gatwick Express to find the best option for your trip from Brighton to St Albans.

Train companies: Thameslink, Gatwick Express from Brighton to St Albans trainsThameslink, Gatwick Express trains will get you between Brighton and St Albans from £18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
1h 35m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£18
Thameslink frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Family area

Gatwick Express

About
Gatwick Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, with trains running every 15 minutes throughout the day. The trains are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. There are two types of trains: the Gatwick Express and the Southern service. The Gatwick Express is the fastest service, taking just 30 minutes to reach the airport. The Southern service takes a few minutes longer but offers more stops along the way.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Gatwick Express Duration
1h 31m
Cheapest Gatwick Express Price
£43
Gatwick Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack trolley service available on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, staff assistance for boarding and alighting
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead.

Complete guide to St Albans

Things to do in St Albans

Discover the best of St Albans — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St Albans trip today.

  • Must visit

Verulamium Museum

Museum beside the Roman ruins with mosaics, wall plaster and everyday objects. It gives an excellent introduction to Roman Verulamium.

  • Recommended

St Albans Museum + Gallery

City museum in the old Town Hall covering local history, art and changing exhibitions. A strong starting point for understanding St Albans.

  • Recommended

de Havilland Aircraft Museum

Collections of aircraft, vehicles and military objects at London Colney. A specialist museum that appeals to visitors interested in transport and aviation.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for southern England: lodging and dining cost more than smaller towns, but local buses and many casual eateries keep day-to-day visitor costs manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated.

Best day trips from St Albans by train

The most popular day trips by train from St Albans are London, Luton, Bedford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from St Albans on Omio.

A view of London

Day trip from St Albans to London by train

Why visit London for the day?

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.

How to get from St Albans to London by train?

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 30 km distance in 21m.

A view of Luton

Day trip from St Albans to Luton by train

Why visit Luton for the day?

Luton is a large Bedfordshire town known for London Luton Airport and a diverse, practical urban character. Its past in hat making and car manufacturing still shapes the town, alongside parks, museums and a strong multicultural identity.

How to get from St Albans to Luton by train?

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 16 km distance in 12m.

A view of Bedford

Day trip from St Albans to Bedford by train

Why visit Bedford for the day?

Bedford is a riverside market town best known for its embankment, Italian community and connection to John Bunyan. Parks, museums and Victorian streets give the centre a relaxed, local character.

How to get from St Albans to Bedford by train?

There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:11, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 44 km distance in 30m.

A view of Milton Keynes

Day trip from St Albans to Milton Keynes by train

Why visit Milton Keynes for the day?

Milton Keynes is a modern Buckinghamshire city known for its grid layout, green spaces and major shopping centre. It is closely linked with Bletchley Park and has a spacious, practical character shaped by post-war planning.

How to get from St Albans to Milton Keynes by train?

The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 44 km distance in 37m.

A view of Cambridge

Day trip from St Albans to Cambridge by train

Why visit Cambridge for the day?

Cambridge is a historic university city on the River Cam, known for its colleges and punting. Its compact centre, museums and green spaces give it an academic yet lively feel.

How to get from St Albans to Cambridge by train?

The earliest train runs at 00:34, the last at 23:23. The fastest train covers the 59 km distance in 1h 8m.

FAQs: Brighton to St Albans train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brighton to St Albans by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at St Albans, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Brighton to St Albans can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £26.
The train journey from Brighton to St Albans covers a distance of 103 km and takes approximately 1h 31m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Brighton to St Albans is 103 km.
The first train from Brighton to St Albans leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Brighton to St Albans departs at 23:57.
Trains from Brighton to St Albans run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Brighton to St Albans.
Yes, there is a direct train between Brighton and St Albans. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Thameslink.
There is no night train service from Brighton to St Albans.
The train station in Brighton that goes to St Albans is Brighton station (BTN), and it arrives at St Albans City (SAC).
Booking trains from Brighton to St Albans in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Brighton to St Albans offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with scenic highlights including the rolling landscapes of the South Downs and glimpses of rural Hertfordshire.
Yes, you can take the train from Brighton to St Albans.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Brighton and St Albans

Most Brighton to St Albans trains use the Brighton to St Albans City station pair. Use this guide to compare Brighton and St Albans train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Brighton
Arrival train stations in St Albans

Which Brighton station do trains to St Albans leave from?

Trains from Brighton to St Albans leave from Brighton. The station is from Brighton city centre at Brighton Station, Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3XP, United Kingdom.
BrightonBrighton Station, Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3XP, United Kingdom+44 345 127 2920WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Brighton from Brighton city centre

Bus37, 52 · 4m · £0.89 · every ~6 min

Brighton train station facilities and services

Brighton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Grand Central, The Cyclist

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Brighton. Information desks are located in the main concourse.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Brighton. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Brighton: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Brighton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Jurys Inn Brighton, Ibis Brighton City Centre, My Brighton Hotel.

More options for your journey from Brighton to St Albans

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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