Is there a direct train?

No, there is no direct train; you must change at London.

How far is the drive?

The drive is approximately 65 km via the M11 and M25.

Is St Albans worth visiting?

Yes, it is famous for its Roman history and medieval cathedral.

What is the best time to drive?

Mid-morning or mid-afternoon to avoid commuter traffic.

Local buses exist but are not practical for the full journey from Saffron Walden.

Saffron Walden

St Albans

Train Driving

Saffron Walden to St Albans

Updated: 30 May 2026

The journey from Saffron Walden to St Albans covers approximately 65 km. Driving is the most efficient method, utilizing the M11 and M25 motorways. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to Audley End station and board a Greater Anglia train to London Liverpool Street, then transfer to Thameslink. The route crosses the scenic Hertfordshire countryside. Expect heavy traffic near the M25 junction during peak hours. This trip connects the historic market town of Saffron Walden with the Roman city of St Albans.

Total Distance: 65 km driving distance; 52 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via the M11 and M25 is the fastest, typically taking 75 minutes outside of peak traffic.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest option if traveling with more than one person, costing roughly 15 GBP in fuel.

Compare Saffron Walden to St Albans Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	2 hours 10 mins	1 hour 15 mins
Avg Price	25-40 GBP	12-18 GBP
Operator	Greater Anglia and Thameslink	Personal Vehicle
Route	Audley End to London Liverpool Street, then Tube to St Pancras, then Thameslink to St Albans City.	B184 to M11, then M25 towards Watford, exiting at J21A.
Tip	Purchase an Anytime Day Return ticket for flexibility on your return journey.	Avoid the M25 during rush hour between 07:00 and 09:00 to save 30 minutes.

Travel Tips

Parking
Use the Drovers Way multi-story car park for central access to the city shops.
Train Tickets
Use a railcard to save one-third on your train fare if you are eligible.
Traffic
Check live traffic updates for the M25 before departing to avoid major congestion.
Walking
St Albans is highly walkable; wear comfortable shoes to explore the historic alleyways.
Booking
Book train tickets in advance via the app to secure the lowest possible fare.

Safety Tips

Road Safety
Be cautious of heavy goods vehicles on the M25 motorway sections.
Personal Belongings
Keep your bag closed and in front of you when navigating busy train stations.
Night Travel
Stick to well-lit main streets if walking back to your accommodation after dark.
Emergency
Dial 999 for emergency services if you encounter a serious incident.