Abstract: The process of this invention prepares a hydrogen and carbon monoxide rich gas stream by passing a hydrocarbon feedstock mixed with steam to a tubular reaction with a thin layer of film of a steam reforming catalyst supported on the inner walls thereof; passing the effluent from the tubular reaction to a fixed bed steam reforming catalyst; and withdrawing from the fixed bed a hydrogen and carbon dioxide rich product gas, said tubular reactors being heated burning of fuel. Optionally, the feed to the tubular reactor herein designated the second tubular reactor, may be the effluent from a similar tubular reactor, herein designated the first tubular reactor in heat conducting relationship with hot flue gas from the second reactor.