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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Harpenden
Showing times and prices for 10 Nov
Cheapest price
£36
Average price
£36
Fastest journey
3 h 24 m
Average duration
3 h 24 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
198 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Harpenden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Harpenden will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Cardiff for Harpenden every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 24 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 24 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.
04:073h24
Cardiff07:31Harpenden
£361One-way
0 changes
04:073h24
Cardiff07:31Harpenden
£361One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Harpenden
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Harpenden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £25, and a train costs an average of £36.
Distance: 198 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£36 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 3m Average total duration 6h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Harpenden train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Harpenden trains for today, Sunday 9 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 01:26
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:17 Cardiff | 4h14 | 13:31 Harpenden | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:20 Cardiff | 4h15 | 14:35 Harpenden | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff 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.
Mon
10 Nov
10 Nov
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11 Nov
11 Nov
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16 Nov
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Harpenden
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Harpenden run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:49, the last at 21:42. The fastest train covers the 198 km distance in 3h 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 £25
Distance 198 km |
Average train duration 2h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 3h 24m |
First train 02:49 |
Last train 21:42 |
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 £25
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Cardiff to Harpenden trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Harpenden from £25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 13m
Cheapest Price
£36
Great Western Rail frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 36m
Cheapest Price
£163
first_great_western frequency
25 a day
FAQs: Cardiff to Harpenden train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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.
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.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Harpenden in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Harpenden can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £36, while the average price tends to be around £36.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Harpenden is by coach, costing approximately £25.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Harpenden is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Harpenden station (HPD).
The train distance from Cardiff to Harpenden is 198 km.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Harpenden.
The train journey from Cardiff to Harpenden covers a distance of 198 km and takes approximately 3h 24m. Trains run 2 per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Harpenden.
The first train from Cardiff to Harpenden leaves at 2:49.
The last train from Cardiff to Harpenden departs at 21:42.
Trains from Cardiff to Harpenden run approximately 2 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Harpenden.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Harpenden.
To get from Cardiff to Harpenden, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Harpenden
Cardiff
Harpenden
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Bay. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Bay for your trip from Cardiff to Harpenden.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
Taxis
Accessibility
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Bay
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop outside the station.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stop close to the station entrance on Bute Street
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDining
ATMTaxisAccessibility
WCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Ninian Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
The major train station for arrivals in Harpenden is Harpenden. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Harpenden for your journey to Harpenden from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:15 Saturday 06:15 - 19:15 Sunday 07:15 - 20:15
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Coffee shop
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: YES
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Platform 4
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting areas are available on platform 1, 2 and 3
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1 and 4 and station car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Harpenden
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Harpenden and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Harpenden
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