To get the train to Whipsnade Zoo, you'll need to head for Luton or Hemel Hempstead, both about 10 miles from the zoo. Luton is on the Midland Main Line, with regular services from London St Pancras International, Brighton, Gatwick Airport and Bedford. Hemel Hempstead is on the West Coast Main Line with routes to London Euston, South Croydon, Milton Keynes Central and Northampton. The Centrebus X31 service links both stations with the zoo and runs from Monday to Saturday.
A day at Whipsnade Zoo is a great day out for all the family. Learn all about the animal kingdom and get up close to hundreds of animals from around the world. There are plenty of fun activities, talks and events that everyone will enjoy.
Visit the Whipsnade Zoo official website for opening information.
Station details & facilities
Ticket office
Luggage
Facilities
Toilets
WiFi
Staffing and customer service
Parking
Bicycle Facilities
Accessibility
First Class Lounge
About Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade, or ZSL Whipsnade Zoo to give it its proper title, is the UK's biggest zoo. The ZSL stands for Zoological Society of London, a conservation charity established in 1826 - it runs Whipsnade, along with London Zoo in Regent's Park. Set in 600 acres of parkland in the Chiltern Hills in Bedfordshire, Whipsnade first opened in 1931. Its iconic White Lion figure, which is marked out on the hill below the white rhino enclosure and can be seen from miles around, was created in 1933. Now the zoo is home to over 2,500 animals, many of which are endangered in their native wild habitats.
On a visit to Whipsnade you can get up close and personal with a mind-boggling array of creatures, from big stars such as lions, tigers, rhinos and elephants to the smaller species such as penguins, lemurs and red pandas. Meet tropical insects and reptiles in the Discovery Centre and Butterfly House, or take a trip to spot some of your favourite mammals on the Jumbo Express steam train. And for a totally unique sleepover experience you can book to stay overnight at the zoo in a Lookout Lodge.
Departures and arrivals from Luton
Departures
Arrivals
| Departing to | Train | Time | Platform | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| to Bedford | Thameslink | 05:34 | 3 | On time |
| to Sutton (London) | Thameslink | 05:36 | 2 | On time |
| to Brighton | Thameslink | 05:40 | 1 | On time |
| to Orpington | Thameslink | 05:56 | 2 | On time |
| to Bedford | Thameslink | 05:57 | 3 | On time |
| Arriving from | Train | Time | Platform | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| from Three Bridges | Thameslink | 05:33 | 3 | On time |
| from Bedford | Thameslink | 05:39 | 1 | On time |
| from Three Bridges | Thameslink | 05:56 | 3 | On time |
| from Bedford | Thameslink | 06:01 | 4 | On time |
| from London St Pancras International | East Midlands Railway | 06:10 | 5 | On time |