- Recommended
Harpenden Local History Museum
Local history museum with displays on Harpenden life, schools, transport and notable residents. A strong introduction to the town.
Cheapest price
£103
Average price
£103
Fastest journey
5 h 31 m
Average duration
5 h 31 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
496 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Harpenden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Harpenden will cost around £103 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £103.
Of the 1 trains that leave Edinburgh 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 496 km distance in an average of 5 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 31 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 31 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Harpenden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £63. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 2m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £63, and a train costs an average of £218.
Distance: 496 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£218 Average Price | £68 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 32m Average total duration Fastest 5h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 13m Average total duration 11h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Harpenden trains for today, Thursday 27 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 19:20 Edinburgh | 7h04 | 2:24 Harpenden | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Edinburgh to Harpenden run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £218 but you can travel from only £63 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:49, the last at 22:22. The fastest train covers the 496 km distance in 4h 35m.
Distance 496 km |
Average train duration 5h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price £218 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 35m |
First train 2:49 |
Last train 22:22 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Harpenden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Harpenden trip today.
Local history museum with displays on Harpenden life, schools, transport and notable residents. A strong introduction to the town.
Museum in nearby St Albans with Roman finds, local archaeology and changing displays. A rewarding cultural visit close to Harpenden.
Hands-on natural history museum with animal specimens, fossils and family-friendly interpretation, located a short trip from Harpenden.
Large central common with open grass, sports pitches and walking paths. It is Harpenden’s best-known green space and community hub.
Compact town centre street for shops and everyday local life, useful for a walk between historic churches, cafés and public spaces.
Linear green corridor with streams, wildlife and footpaths, ideal for gentle walks close to the town centre and railway station.
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.
A local version of roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy. It is a classic Sunday pub meal widely enjoyed in Harpenden.
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.
Independent modern British restaurant known for seasonal dishes, good wine and a smart but relaxed atmosphere in central Harpenden.
Popular pub and dining room with British classics, Sunday roasts and local ales in a polished traditional setting.
Established Indian restaurant with refined curries, tandoori dishes and attentive service in an elegant town-centre space.
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.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

Most Edinburgh to Harpenden trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Harpenden station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Harpenden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
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 options are available at Harpenden.
Wi-Fi is available at Harpenden.
Ticket office support is available at Harpenden.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Harpenden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Harpenden: Bike Parking.
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.
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