- 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.
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Hemel Hempstead among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, while a train costs an average of £28.
Distance: 69 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£28 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest | £16 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 35m Average total duration 2h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Hemel Hempstead:
A coach is £6 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Gatwick Airport to Hemel Hempstead costing on average £28.
Other travel options to Hemel Hempstead take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 5m.
You'll arrive about 1m sooner (1h 18m by train vs 1h 19m by car). Tickets start at around £28 compared to roughly £16 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 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 London Gatwick Airport to Hemel Hempstead run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 06:54, the last at 10:02. The fastest train covers the 69 km distance in 1h 7m.
Distance 69 km |
Average train duration 1h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 7m |
First train 6:54 |
Last train 10:02 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Hemel Hempstead — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hemel Hempstead trip today.
The town’s main museum tells the story of Hemel Hempstead and the wider borough through local history displays, objects and changing exhibitions.
A working paper museum nearby at Apsley, exploring the former paper mills with machinery, archives and demonstrations on selected open days.
A specialist museum at nearby Leavesden presenting original Harry Potter sets, props and costumes in a large behind-the-scenes studio tour.
The historic high street area with period buildings, independent shops, pubs and regular events; ideal for a walk and a feel for old Hemel.
A large central park with lawns, play areas, sports facilities and the remains of Gadebridge House, popular for relaxed walks.
A scenic canal-side stretch with locks, bridges and waterside paths, well suited to walking, cycling and watching narrowboats pass.
A suet pastry pudding filled with steak and kidneys, long linked with English pub cooking and still a classic comfort dish in Hertfordshire.
Battered white fish with chips is a staple British takeaway and pub meal, widely eaten locally and strongly tied to everyday food culture.
Roast beef with roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy and Yorkshire pudding is a traditional Sunday meal commonly served in local pubs and homes.
Smart Indian restaurant serving refined curries and grilled dishes in an elegant, established setting.
Popular Turkish restaurant for charcoal grills, meze and generous portions in a lively modern room.
Traditional pub near the Old Town, known for cask ales, British mains and a relaxed historic atmosphere.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Hemel Hempstead Station -> Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport 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.

Most London Gatwick Airport to Hemel Hempstead trains use the London Euston to Hemel Hempstead station pair, with some services arriving at Apsley. Use this guide to compare London Gatwick Airport and Hemel Hempstead train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Hemel Hempstead is 1 km from Hemel Hempstead city centre. Public transport options include:
Hemel Hempstead has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food options include: Fishery Wharf Cafe
ATMs are available at Hemel Hempstead.
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.
Available at Hemel Hempstead: Parking, WC.
Available at Hemel Hempstead: Bike Parking.
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.
Apsley is 2 km from Hemel Hempstead city centre. Public transport options include:
Apsley has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Apsley.
Ticket office support is available at Apsley. 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.
Available at Apsley: Parking, WC.
Available at Apsley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Apsley: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, 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: A Ticket Vending Machine is accessible outside the Booking Hall, for card payment only, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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