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East Croydon to St Albans City train times and prices
Plan your journey from East Croydon to St Albans City with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Price*
From £11.87
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
49m
Distance
28 miles (45km)
First/last train
00:25 / 09:21
Frequency
11
Train operators
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
Travelling from East Croydon to St Albans City by train? Find fares from as low as £11.87. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest
£11.87
On Sun 8
Live timetable and departures
Travelling from East Croydon to St Albans City, the fastest train takes 49m with an average travel time of 1h 43m. 11 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 00:25 and the last at 09:21. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:30 East Croydon | 2h 37m, 2 change | 08:07 St Albans City | Thameslink | Find tickets |
06:54 East Croydon | 1h 43m, 2 change | 08:37 St Albans City | Thameslink | Find tickets |
07:23 East Croydon | 1h 44m, 2 change | 09:07 St Albans City | Thameslink | Find tickets |
07:39 East Croydon | 1h 36m, 2 change | 09:15 St Albans City | Thameslink | Find tickets |
07:54 East Croydon | 1h 43m, 2 change | 09:37 St Albans City | Thameslink | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Compare train operators from East Croydon to St Albans City
- Thameslink
- Southern
Thameslink is the go-to national rail company for travel across the Capital, connecting counties like Cambridge with southern destinations like Brighton via central London. Whatever time of the day you’re travelling, its 24-hour service can take you to airports like Gatwick and Luton or on short hops across central London.
Standard
‘Ironing board’ seats with limited seat-back tables
Tight legroom, especially at window seats
No seat reservations
Equipped with air conditioning
Luggage
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Accessibility
First Class
Ideal for business travellers, remote workers, comfort seekers
Larger seats with tables
More space, quieter carriage and a guaranteed table
No seat reservations
Sockets in most carriages
Equipped with air conditioning
Luggage
Seat Types
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"The rear carriage on Thameslink trains are declassified First Class carriages, so anyone can sit in the larger, more spacious seats there. On some local routes you might also find that both First Class carriages are declassified. You can check on the screen in the carriage itself as it will usually indicate whether Standard Class ticket holders may sit there."
"Thameslink trains can suffer from delays that can easily compound due to the complex network and high-density of its departures. Check the status of your service on a live tracker before setting out."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from East Croydon
Address:
Station Approach, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1LF, United Kingdom
Public Transport Links:
London Underground: There is no Tube station at East Croydon or nearby. Take a 29-minute tram ride to Wimbledon station for the Underground (District line).
Bus: Many local bus routes operate from the front of the station and along Dingwall Road or Cherry Orchard Road, serving nearby destinations including Bromley and Penge.
Tram: East Croydon is on three tram routes: Wimbledon to Elmers End, Wimbledon to Beckenham Junction and New Addington to West Croydon.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: A taxi rank is on the eastern side of the main entrance; waiting isn’t allowed at the pick-up/drop-off point.
Platforms:
Nine platforms in total: six National Rail platforms and three London Trams platforms. Fast trains to London Victoria usually depart from platform 1, while services to London Bridge use platform 4. Fast services to Brighton, Eastbourne and Southampton tend to use platform 3, and trains towards Uckfield, Oxted and East Grinstead stop at platform 6.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Instead of deciphering the main departure board, you can quickly find your platform by checking the dedicated fastest train displays. During busy periods, covered platform waiting spaces keep you comfortable. If you need to switch platforms, taking the side footbridge gives you a noticeably quieter, smoother walk through the station."
FAQs about East Croydon Station
What zone is East Croydon station in?
East Croydon is in fare zone 5.
How many exits are there at East Croydon station?
East Croydon station has two exits. The main exit on the western side is by BOXPARK Croydon, the tram platforms and the bus station. An additional exit leads to Dingwall Road.
Is there a taxi rank at East Croydon station?
Yes, the taxi rank is to the east of the main entrance to East Croydon station.
What facilities are available at East Croydon rail station?
East Croydon station offers step-free access to all platforms, accessible toilets, heated waiting rooms, shops and kiosks on the platform.
When does East Croydon station close?
East Croydon is open and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Arriving at St Albans City
Address:
Station Way, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 5HE
Onward Transit Options:
Bus: Local bus services stop directly outside on Station Way, with connections to St Albans city centre, Hatfield and surrounding Hertfordshire towns. A St Albans PLUSBUS ticket can be added to your train ticket on the TrainPal app for discounted unlimited bus travel around the city.
Taxi: A licensed taxi rank is located directly outside the main station entrance on Station Way.
Car: A multi-storey car park is available on Station Way directly outside the main entrance, with additional surface parking off Ridgmont Road at the western exit.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
St Albans Cathedral (15-minute walk)
Verulamium Park and Roman Museum (20-minute walk)
St Albans Market (10-minute walk)
Clarence Park (10-minute walk)
The Alban Arena (10-minute walk)
Airport Transfers:
Thameslink operates direct services to Gatwick Airport in approximately 60-80 minutes and to Luton Airport Parkway in approximately 12 minutes, from where a shuttle bus connects to the terminal.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"For a drink near the station, The Horn on Victoria Street is one of St Albans’ most beloved pubs – just a short walk from the station and a proper local with a great selection of ales.
For food, the Codfather on London Road is well worth seeking out – one of the best fish and chip shops around and only a short walk from the station. If you fancy stretching your legs between trains, Clarence Park is just a 10-minute walk from the station – a beautiful Victorian park with a bandstand, tennis courts and a cafe.
"
FAQs: St Albans City Station
Are there two railway stations in St Albans?
Yes, St Albans has two railway stations. St Albans City station on Station Way is the larger of the two, serving Thameslink services on the Midland Main Line to London St Pancras, Gatwick and Bedford. St Albans Abbey is a smaller station on the western side of the city, served by London Northwestern Railway branch services from Watford Junction.
Can I take a train from London to St Albans City?
Yes, Thameslink operates frequent services direct to St Albans City from London St Pancras International, with journey times of approximately 20 minutes. Services also run from London Blackfriars and other Thameslink stations through central London.
How far is it to walk from St Albans City train station to town?
St Albans City station sits about half a mile east of the city centre – a pleasant 10-minute walk down Victoria Street brings you to the high street, shops, restaurants and market. The Cathedral and Verulamium Park are around 20 minutes on foot.
Is St Albans City in the Oyster zone?
No, St Albans City station is outside the TfL Oyster and contactless payment zone, and you will need to buy a separate National Rail ticket for your journey. PLUSBUS tickets can also be added at a discount on the TrainPal app for unlimited bus travel around the city.
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from East Croydon to St Albans City
Apply for Thameslink Delay Repay
If your Thameslink train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 25% of the affected portion of a return ticket or 25% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 50% of the affected portion of a return ticket or 50% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
120+ minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 100% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket return journey (a full day’s travel). (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for Southern Delay Repay
Southern operates Delay Repay 15, meaning eligible passengers can claim compensation when they arrive at their destination at least 15 minutes later than scheduled.
15 to 29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket price or 25% of the affected portion of a return ticket price
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket price or 50% of the affected portion of a return ticket price
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket price or 50% of a return ticket price
120 minutes or more: 100% of a single ticket price or 100% of a return ticket price
FAQ
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How much is a train from East Croydon to St Albans City?
Tickets from East Croydon to St Albans City typically cost £17.18, but can be as cheap as £11.87 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from East Croydon to St Albans City?
The journey should take, on average, 1h 43m, though it can be as quick as 49m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from East Croydon to St Albans City?
There is no direct service between East Croydon and St Albans City. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for changeover stations that are the most convenient and time-efficient.
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How far in advance can I book my train from East Croydon to St Albans City?
You can typically book tickets from East Croydon to St Albans City up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do East Croydon to St Albans City trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from East Croydon to St Albans City are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is East Croydon from St Albans City?
The distance between East Croydon and St Albans City is approximately 28 miles (45km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from East Croydon to St Albans City?
There is 11 train running from East Croydon to St Albans City per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from East Croydon to St Albans City?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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