What is the Abbey Flyer?
The Abbey Flyer is a train service that runs
every 45 minutes between St Albans Abbey
and Watford Junction stations on Mondays
to Saturdays. On Sundays, the service is
hourly.
Where does it stop?
All trains stop at Watford Junction, Watford
North, Garston, Bricket Wood, How Wood, Park
Street and St Albans Abbey.
See our
Route Guide page for further information about each
station, its location and facilities available.
How do I buy a ticket?
The Abbey Flyer is a 'pay-train'.
This means you can board the train at any
station and buy a ticket from the onboard
conductor. If you have not been able to purchase
a ticket by the time you get to Watford Junction,
you can buy one at the excess fare window.
Can I buy a season ticket?
Yes, you can buy a weekly season ticket from
the onboard conductor. However, season tickets
for longer periods must be bought from the
Watford Junction booking office.
Can I use credit or debit cards on the train?
Yes, conductors will accept cash, credit
or debit cards.
How long does the journey take?
The journey takes 16 minutes from end to
end. Visit our
Timetable page for further information.
What modes of transport can I use to get
to the station?
Abbey Line stations are well located within
the areas they serve and are easily reachable
on foot or by bike. There is limited parking
available at St Albans Abbey, Park Street
and Bricket Wood and a large car park at
Watford Junction.
St Albans Abbey, Watford Junction, Watford
North and Garston stations are all served
by Intalink bus services, which means a PlusBus
ticket will cover the bus and train.
Is the Abbey Line accessible to those with
mobility problems?
Some of the Abbey Line stations have a large
stepping distance down from the train, but
a call will allow us to make sure that a
member of staff is available, with a portable
access ramp if necessary.
If you need such assistance, you are normally
requested to give 24 hours notice where possible.
Please visit the London Midland assisted
travel pages on their website at
http://www.londonmidland.com/p/accessibility/ where you can find the relevant contact
details.
Note: in 2009 a raised area of platform
known as an Easier Access Area was installed
at St Albans Abbey station. This reduces
the gap between the platform and one of the
train doors making it easier for passengers
to get on and off the train.
How much does it cost?
Are there walks near the stations?
Yes, there are four specially-created walks
that centre on Abbey Line stations. Visit
our
Walks page for further information.
How many people use the Abbey Line?
About 475,000 journeys are made on the Abbey
Line each year. And these numbers are growing.
Yet you can nearly always find a seat on
this train. Join us!
Is it safe?
Yes. Every train has a driver, a guard and
a conductor. There is a help point at every
station. Stations are well lit and mostly
adjacent to housing.
Is it reliable?
Yes! As well as offering the quickest journey
between St Albans and Watford by public transport
at just 16 mins, the Abbey Line consistently
has one of the highest reliability rates
in the country, nearly always being above
the national average in terms of its Public
Performance Measure (PPM), the industry standard
measure for reliability.
Where else can I go once I get to Watford
Junction?
The destinations from Watford Junction include
London Euston, Milton Keynes, Northampton,
Birmingham, Liverpool, Gatwick, Brighton,
Clapham Junction and even the Highlands of
Scotland! See our
Rail Connections page for further details of operators serving
Watford Junction.
What is ABFLY?
ABFLY- The Abbey Flyer Users Group, is a
voluntary organisation that represents users
of the line. It is also an important constituent
of the Community Rail Partnership. See our
ABFLY page for further details.
What is the CRP?
The Community Rail Partnership is comprised
of local government, businesses, community
groups and the Train Operating Company. Its
goal is to promote and therefore increase
the number of passengers using the line.
For further information about who we are
and what we do, please visit the
About Us page.
Do Penalty Fares apply on the Abbey Line?
Penalty Fares DO NOT apply on the Abbey Line.
However, if you try to proceed beyond Watford
Junction on to the mainline without purchasing
the correct ticket, you may risk a fine.
Can I take a bike on the train?
Generally yes, but please refer to the London
Midland Bicycle Policy at
http://www.londonmidland.com/your-journey/bicycle-policy/ for information about peak hours. The
Abbey Line also offers covered bicycle parking
facilities at Watford Junction, Watford North,
Bricket Wood, Park Street and St Albans Abbey
stations.
How far is it from St Albans City Station
from St Albans Abbey station?
It is about a 20 minute walk between the
two stations, or 7-10 minutes by bike. For
a map of the walking / cycling route (avoiding
Holywell Hill), see below.
