- Recommended
Dacorum Heritage Trust Museum Store
The town’s main museum tells the story of Hemel Hempstead and the wider borough through local history displays, objects and changing exhibitions.
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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £67 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 10m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £67, while a train costs an average of £67.
Distance: 189 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£67 Average Price Cheapest | £39 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead is a train with an average price of £67.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead is by train with an average journey time of 2h 40m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Hemel Hempstead including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 9m sooner (2h 40m by train vs 2h 49m by car). Tickets start at around £67 compared to roughly £39 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.
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 Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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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Why should you book Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £54 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:03, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 189 km distance in 2h 32m.
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
Distance 189 km |
Average train duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £54 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 32m |
First train 4:03 |
Last train 21:30 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 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
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead trainsGreat Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Hemel Hempstead from £54. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
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 Great Western Railway Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£57
Great Western Railway frequency
7 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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
4h 26m
Cross Country frequency
2 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 41m
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
22 a day
Transport for Wales
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
4h 36m
Transport for Wales frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Hemel Hempstead
Things to do in Hemel Hempstead
Discover the best of Hemel Hempstead — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hemel Hempstead trip today.
- Recommended
Frogmore Paper Mill
A working paper museum nearby at Apsley, exploring the former paper mills with machinery, archives and demonstrations on selected open days.
- Recommended
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
A specialist museum at nearby Leavesden presenting original Harry Potter sets, props and costumes in a large behind-the-scenes studio tour.
- Recommended
Hemel Old Town
The historic high street area with period buildings, independent shops, pubs and regular events; ideal for a walk and a feel for old Hemel.
- Recommended
Gadebridge Park
A large central park with lawns, play areas, sports facilities and the remains of Gadebridge House, popular for relaxed walks.
- Recommended
Grand Union Canal
A scenic canal-side stretch with locks, bridges and waterside paths, well suited to walking, cycling and watching narrowboats pass.
Steak and Kidney Pudding
A suet pastry pudding filled with steak and kidneys, long linked with English pub cooking and still a classic comfort dish in Hertfordshire.
Fish and Chips
Battered white fish with chips is a staple British takeaway and pub meal, widely eaten locally and strongly tied to everyday food culture.
Sunday Roast
Roast beef with roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy and Yorkshire pudding is a traditional Sunday meal commonly served in local pubs and homes.
Meghna
Smart Indian restaurant serving refined curries and grilled dishes in an elegant, established setting.
Kervan Kitchen
Popular Turkish restaurant for charcoal grills, meze and generous portions in a lively modern room.
The Olde Kings Arms
Traditional pub near the Old Town, known for cask ales, British mains and a relaxed historic atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate by UK standards. Dining and hotels cost less than central London, but more than many smaller UK towns. Rail travel to London can add noticeably to daily spend.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- 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
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
Intalink
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £5
To the city centre
Hemel Hempstead Station -> Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local buses in Hemel Hempstead are within Hertfordshire’s Intalink network. The current capped single bus fare is £3 on participating operators until March 2027.
- For multiple trips, an Intalink Connect 1-day 1-zone ticket costs £5. Check operator acceptance before travel and use the Intalink app for mobile tickets.
FAQs: Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead 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 Hemel Hempstead, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £54, while the average price tends to be around £67.
The train journey from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead covers a distance of 189 km and takes approximately 2h 32m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead is 189 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead leaves at 4:03.
The last train from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead departs at 21:30.
Trains from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead.
To get from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Hemel Hempstead is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Hemel Hempstead station (HML).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead is by train, costing approximately £54.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the rolling countryside and picturesque towns in the Welsh and English regions, providing a pleasant and moderately scenic experience.
A day trip from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead is not feasible, as the journey takes 2h 32m. The service frequency is 3 per day for trains, and the distance is 189 km.
Hemel Hempstead can be explored comfortably in one to two days, allowing time to enjoy its key attractions such as the Old Town, Gadebridge Park, and the Marlowes Shopping Centre.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Hemel Hempstead
Most Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead trains use the Cardiff Central to Hemel Hempstead station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Hemel Hempstead train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Hemel Hempstead
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Which Hemel Hempstead station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead arrive at Hemel Hempstead. Hemel Hempstead is 2 km from Hemel Hempstead city centre.
Hemel HempsteadHemel Hempstead station, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 9BQ+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Hemel Hempstead from Hemel Hempstead city centre
Hemel Hempstead is 1 km from Hemel Hempstead city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus20 · 13m · £2 · every ~8 min
Ml1 · 14m
20 · 16m · £2 · every ~8 min
Hemel Hempstead train station facilities and services
Hemel Hempstead has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Fishery Wharf Cafe
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Hemel Hempstead.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hemel Hempstead. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hemel Hempstead: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hemel Hempstead: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hemel Hempstead: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Card payment only, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Hemel Hempstead
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Hemel Hempstead and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Hemel Hempstead
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