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St Albans City to Gatwick Airport train times and prices
Plan your journey from St Albans City to Gatwick Airport 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 €14.56
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
1h 7m
Distance
42 miles (67km)
First/last train
04:52 / 21:27
Frequency
20
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 St Albans City to Gatwick Airport by train? Find fares from as low as €14.56. 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
€14.56
On Thu 12
Live timetable and departures
The journey from St Albans City to Gatwick Airport on the fastest train in 1h 7m, usually 1h 13m. Each day, 20 trains leave from St Albans City, starting at 04:52 and ending at 21:27. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
04:52 St Albans City | 1h 12m, Direct | 06:04 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
05:22 St Albans City | 1h 12m, Direct | 06:34 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
05:30 St Albans City | 3h 19m, 4 change | 08:49 Gatwick Airport | Southern | Find tickets |
05:57 St Albans City | 1h 7m, Direct | 07:04 Gatwick Airport | Thameslink | Find tickets |
06:18 St Albans City | 2h 38m, 3 change | 08:56 Gatwick Airport | Southern | Find tickets |
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Travelling with Thameslink from St Albans City to Gatwick Airport
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 St Albans City
Address:
Station Way, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 5HE
Public Transport Links:
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.
Platforms:
Four platforms on the Midland Main Line, managed by Thameslink, with two fast and two slow platforms in each direction. Ticket barriers are in place at both the Station Way and Ridgmont Road entrances. A staff-operated ramp is required for step-free access between train and platform, station staff are available 24 hours.
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 about 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.
Arriving at Gatwick Airport
Address:
South Terminal, Gatwick Airport, West Sussex, RH6 0RD, United Kingdom
Onward Transit Options:
Bus: Local Metrobus routes operate to/from towns and villages around Gatwick Airport, such as Crawley, Redhill and Horsham. Buses stop on either side of the A23 (connected by a pedestrian walkway) and by the Lower Forecourt.
Coach: There are coach stops (numbered 1-5) by the Lower Forecourt, offering access to National Express services to numerous cities and airports.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: A taxi rank is available outside the station by the Upper Forecourt.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
Riverside Garden Park (14-min walk)
Picketts Wood (21-min walk)
Gatwick Aviation Museum (34-min bus journey)
National Cycle Route 21 (1.5-hour bike ride)
Airport Transfers:
Free shuttle transfers between North and South terminals. Frequent Gatwick Express and Southern (slower, stopping) trains between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria (31-57 minutes) / Brighton (26-38 minutes). More trains are operated by Thameslink (Bedford via London Bridge, Brighton, Cambridge) and Great Western Railway (GWR) (Reading, Guildford).
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Gatwick Airport station is directly connected to the South Terminal, making transfers with luggage smooth and easy. If you’re using the North Terminal, the free 24-hour monorail shuttle takes just two minutes to reach the station. To avoid peak-hour crowds on the main concourse, follow the signs to the upper-level walkways for a quicker route to platform lifts and ticket barriers."
FAQs: Gatwick Airport Station
Can you use contactless at Gatwick Airport station?
Yes, contactless pay-as-you-go is accepted on Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink services between London and Gatwick Airport station.
Does Gatwick Airport station have a ticket office?
Yes, the ticket office at Gatwick Airport station is open 24 hours.
Is Gatwick Airport station in the North or South terminal?
Gatwick Airport station is in the South Terminal. A free 24-hour shuttle runs between the North and South terminals, taking only two minutes.
What shops are at Gatwick Airport train station?
There is a Hi Coffee Express between platforms 1 and 2. Passengers can also grab drinks and a bite from M&S or Black Sheep Coffee close to the station entrance.
Are there toilets at Gatwick Airport station?
Yes, male, female and accessible toilets are located on platforms 1 and 2.
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from St Albans City to Gatwick Airport
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).
FAQ
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How much is a train from St Albans City to Gatwick Airport?
Tickets from St Albans City to Gatwick Airport typically cost €30.77, but can be as cheap as €14.56 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 St Albans City to Gatwick Airport?
The journey should take, on average, 1h 13m, though it can be as quick as 1h 7m 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 St Albans City to Gatwick Airport?
Yes, there is a direct train between St Albans City and Gatwick Airport. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from St Albans City to Gatwick Airport?
You can typically book tickets from St Albans City to Gatwick Airport up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do St Albans City to Gatwick Airport trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from St Albans City to Gatwick Airport 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 St Albans City from Gatwick Airport?
The distance between St Albans City and Gatwick Airport is approximately 42 miles (67km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from St Albans City to Gatwick Airport?
There is 20 train running from St Albans City to Gatwick Airport per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from St Albans City to Gatwick Airport?
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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