- Recommended
Harpenden Local History Museum
Local history museum with displays on Harpenden life, schools, transport and notable residents. A strong introduction to the town.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bedford to Harpenden
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£8
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£8
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
34 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
34 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
36 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bedford to Harpenden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bedford to Harpenden will cost around £8 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Bedford to Harpenden, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 36 km distance in an average of 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 34 m .
The slowest trains will take 34 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
18:320h34Bedford19:06Harpenden£81One-way0 changes
- 18:320h34Bedford19:06Harpenden£81One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bedford to Harpenden
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Harpenden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £7 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 4m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £7, while a train costs an average of £24.
Distance: 36 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£24 Average Price | £7 Average Price Cheapest | £7 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 4m Average total duration Fastest 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bedford to Harpenden is a coach with an average price of £7.
This is compared to other travel options from Bedford to Harpenden:
A coach is £17 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bedford to Harpenden costing on average £24.
The fastest way to travel from Bedford to Harpenden is by train with an average journey time of 34m.
Other travel options to Harpenden take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bedford and Harpenden including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 11m sooner (34m by train vs 45m by car). Tickets start at around £24 compared to roughly £7 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Thameslink.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Harpenden by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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18 Sept
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Why should you book Bedford to Harpenden trains with Omio?
Thameslink as well as east_midlands_trains offer trains services from Bedford to Harpenden.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford to Harpenden.
Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Thameslink, but also compare tickets for the likes of east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Harpenden.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Thameslink with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bedford to Harpenden.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bedford to Harpenden.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bedford to Harpenden
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bedford to Harpenden run on average 8 times per day, taking around 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £16 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 36 km distance in 24m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £5
Distance 36 km |
Average train duration 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 24m |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 23:54 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £5
Train companies: Thameslink, east_midlands_trains from Bedford to Harpenden trainsThameslink, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Bedford and Harpenden from £5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
28m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£24
Thameslink frequency
23 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Family area
east_midlands_trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average east_midlands_trains Duration
24m
Cheapest east_midlands_trains Price
£16
east_midlands_trains frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Harpenden
Things to do in Harpenden
Discover the best of Harpenden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Harpenden trip today.
- Recommended
St Albans Museum + Gallery
Museum in nearby St Albans with Roman finds, local archaeology and changing displays. A rewarding cultural visit close to Harpenden.
- Recommended
Verulamium Museum
Hands-on natural history museum with animal specimens, fossils and family-friendly interpretation, located a short trip from Harpenden.
- Must visit
Harpenden Common
Large central common with open grass, sports pitches and walking paths. It is Harpenden’s best-known green space and community hub.
- Recommended
High Street
Compact town centre street for shops and everyday local life, useful for a walk between historic churches, cafés and public spaces.
- Recommended
The Nickey Line
Linear green corridor with streams, wildlife and footpaths, ideal for gentle walks close to the town centre and railway station.
Hertfordshire Sausage
A Hertfordshire sausage flavoured with sage and pepper. It is a traditional county favourite and often served in pubs with mash or in a full breakfast.
Sunday Roast
A local version of roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy. It is a classic Sunday pub meal widely enjoyed in Harpenden.
Chicken St Albans
Free-range chicken with rich cream sauce, mushrooms and herbs. The dish is linked to nearby St Albans and remains a regional comfort-food classic.
Lussmanns
Independent modern British restaurant known for seasonal dishes, good wine and a smart but relaxed atmosphere in central Harpenden.
The Silver Cup
Popular pub and dining room with British classics, Sunday roasts and local ales in a polished traditional setting.
Naaz
Established Indian restaurant with refined curries, tandoori dishes and attentive service in an elegant town-centre space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the South East. Accommodation and dining are pricier than many UK towns, but below central London. Rail travel to London can add notable daily costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-14 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants often add 10-12.5% service; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or 10%. Cafes do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Bedford to Harpenden train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Harpenden by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Harpenden, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Bedford to Harpenden can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £16, while the average price tends to be around £24.
The train journey from Bedford to Harpenden covers a distance of 36 km and takes approximately 24m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Bedford to Harpenden is 36 km.
The first train from Bedford to Harpenden leaves at 0:03.
The last train from Bedford to Harpenden departs at 23:54.
Trains from Bedford to Harpenden run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bedford to Harpenden.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bedford and Harpenden. The service operates 8 times per day, provided by Thameslink.
To get from Bedford to Harpenden, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bedford to Harpenden.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Harpenden is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at Harpenden station (HPD).
The cheapest way to get from Bedford to Harpenden is by coach, costing approximately £5.
Booking trains from Bedford to Harpenden in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Bedford to Harpenden offers a pleasant view of the English countryside, featuring rolling hills, open fields, and glimpses of charming villages along the way.
Yes, a day trip from Bedford to Harpenden is feasible. The journey takes 24m, covering a distance of 36 km, with trains running 5 times per day.
A visit to Harpenden can typically be enjoyed in 1 to 2 days, allowing time to explore the local parks, shops, and dining options in this charming town.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Harpenden.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Harpenden
Most Bedford to Harpenden trains use the Bedford to Harpenden station pair. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Harpenden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bedford
Arrival train stations in Harpenden
Which Bedford station do trains to Harpenden leave from?
Trains from Bedford to Harpenden leave from Bedford. The station is 1 km from Bedford city centre at Bedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DS.
BedfordBedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DS
Bedford train station facilities and services
Bedford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bedford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bedford. ATMs are available at Bedford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bedford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bedford: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bedford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bedford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is adjacent to the taxi rank at the front of the station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Harpenden station do trains from Bedford arrive at?
Trains from Bedford to Harpenden arrive at Harpenden. Harpenden is from Harpenden city centre.
HarpendenHarpenden station, Station Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 4SP
City-centre transport
Getting to Harpenden from Harpenden city centre
Bus610 · 3m · £2 · every ~5 min
Harpenden train station facilities and services
Harpenden has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Harpenden.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Harpenden.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Harpenden.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Harpenden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Harpenden: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Harpenden: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the front of the station Ticket Office entrance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Bedford to Harpenden
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Harpenden and Bedford
Most popular train connections to Harpenden
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