- Recommended
Harpenden Local History Museum
Local history museum with displays on Harpenden life, schools, transport and notable residents. A strong introduction to the town.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Loughborough to Harpenden among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £34 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £34, while a train costs an average of £65.
Distance: 120 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£65 Average Price | £34 Average Price Cheapest | £24 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 45m Average total duration 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Loughborough to Harpenden:
A coach is £31 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Loughborough to Harpenden costing on average £65.
Other travel options to Harpenden take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 15m.
You'll arrive about 13m sooner (1h 20m by train vs 1h 33m by car). Tickets start at around £65 compared to roughly £24 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 Loughborough to Harpenden run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £31 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:24, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 120 km distance in 1h 35m.
Distance 120 km |
Average train duration 1h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 35m |
First train 4:24 |
Last train 23:34 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 Loughborough 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 Loughborough to Harpenden trains use the Loughborough to Harpenden station pair. Use this guide to compare Loughborough and Harpenden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Loughborough is 1 km from Loughborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Loughborough has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Basin, The Orange Tree
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Loughborough. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Loughborough. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Loughborough: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Loughborough: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Loughborough: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Premier Inn Loughborough, Travelodge Loughborough Central, Ramada Loughborough 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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