- Recommended
Harpenden Local History Museum
Local history museum with displays on Harpenden life, schools, transport and notable residents. A strong introduction to the town.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Harpenden
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Oct
Cheapest price on 12 Oct
£58
Average ticket price on 12 Oct
£63
Fastest journey on 12 Oct
1 h 9 m
Average journey duration on 12 Oct
1 h 10 m
Trains on 12 Oct
50
Distance
58 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Harpenden is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Harpenden will cost around £63 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £58.
Fast trains
To travel from Reading to Harpenden you need to make at least 2 changes.
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15:421h48Reading17:30Harpenden£581One-way3 changes- 17:111h49Reading19:00Harpenden£581One-way3 changes
- 17:411h54Reading19:35Harpenden£581One-way3 changes
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6:141h33Reading7:47Harpenden£601One-way3 changes- 8:131h34Reading9:47Harpenden£601One-way3 changes
- 17:051h09Reading18:14Harpenden£631One-way2 changes
- 13:201h10Reading14:30Harpenden£631One-way2 changes
- 7:201h11Reading8:31Harpenden£631One-way2 changes
- 10:191h11Reading11:30Harpenden£631One-way2 changes
- 14:361h11Reading15:47Harpenden£631One-way2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Harpenden
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from Reading to Harpenden and enjoy the approximately 58 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 00:39, the last at 23:17.
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 58 km |
First train 0:39 |
Last train 23:17 |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Live departures
Reading to Harpenden train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Harpenden trains for tomorrow, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:35 Reading | 2h06 | 6:41 Harpenden | 2 changes | |
| 5:10 Reading | 1h41 | 6:51 Harpenden | 2 changes | |
| 6:00 Reading | 1h17 | 7:17 Harpenden | 2 changes | |
| 6:14 Reading | 1h33 | 7:47 Harpenden | 3 changes | |
| 6:43 Reading | 1h19 | 8:02 Harpenden | 2 changes | |
| 6:50 Reading | 1h30 | 8:20 Harpenden | 3 changes | |
| 7:20 Reading | 1h11 | 8:31 Harpenden | 2 changes | |
| 7:24 Reading | 1h27 | 8:51 Harpenden | 3 changes | |
| 7:42 Reading | 1h18 | 9:00 Harpenden | 2 changes | |
| 7:57 Reading | 1h24 | 9:21 Harpenden | 3 changes | |
| 8:13 Reading | 1h34 | 9:47 Harpenden | 3 changes | |
| 8:18 Reading | 1h12 | 9:30 Harpenden | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: Elizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR) from Reading to Harpenden trainsElizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Reading and Harpenden. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Elizabeth Line (TfL)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Elizabeth Line (TfL) Duration
1h 33m
Cheapest Elizabeth Line (TfL) Price
£60
Elizabeth Line (TfL) frequency
2 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
1h 9m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£58
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
48 a day
Complete guide to Harpenden
Things to do in Harpenden
Discover the best of Harpenden — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Harpenden trip today.
- Recommended
St Albans Museum + Gallery
Museum in nearby St Albans with Roman finds, local archaeology and changing displays. A rewarding cultural visit close to Harpenden.
- Recommended
Verulamium Museum
Hands-on natural history museum with animal specimens, fossils and family-friendly interpretation, located a short trip from Harpenden.
- Must visit
Harpenden Common
Large central common with open grass, sports pitches and walking paths. It is Harpenden’s best-known green space and community hub.
- Recommended
High Street
Compact town centre street for shops and everyday local life, useful for a walk between historic churches, cafés and public spaces.
- Recommended
The Nickey Line
Linear green corridor with streams, wildlife and footpaths, ideal for gentle walks close to the town centre and railway station.
Hertfordshire Sausage
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.
Sunday Roast
A local version of roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy. It is a classic Sunday pub meal widely enjoyed in Harpenden.
Chicken St Albans
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.
Lussmanns
Independent modern British restaurant known for seasonal dishes, good wine and a smart but relaxed atmosphere in central Harpenden.
The Silver Cup
Popular pub and dining room with British classics, Sunday roasts and local ales in a polished traditional setting.
Naaz
Established Indian restaurant with refined curries, tandoori dishes and attentive service in an elegant town-centre space.
Pound sterling (£)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-14 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- 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
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.
FAQs: Reading to Harpenden train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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.
The train distance from Reading to Harpenden is 58 km.
The first train from Reading to Harpenden leaves at 0:39.
The last train from Reading to Harpenden departs at 23:17.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Harpenden.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Harpenden.
There is no night train service from Reading to Harpenden.
The train station in Reading that goes to Harpenden is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Harpenden station (HPD).
Booking trains from Reading to Harpenden in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Reading to Harpenden offers pleasant views of the English countryside, with stretches of rural landscapes and glimpses of charming villages, enhancing the travel experience for passengers looking for scenic beauty.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Harpenden.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Harpenden
Most Reading to Harpenden trains use the Reading to Harpenden station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Harpenden train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Harpenden
Which Reading station do trains to Harpenden leave from?
Trains from Reading to Harpenden leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Harpenden station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Harpenden arrive at Harpenden. Harpenden is from Harpenden city centre.
HarpendenHarpenden station, Station Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 4SP
City-centre transport
Getting to Harpenden from Harpenden city centre
Bus610 · 3m · £2 · every ~5 min
Harpenden train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Harpenden.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Harpenden.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Harpenden.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Harpenden: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Harpenden: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Harpenden
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Harpenden and Reading
Most popular train connections to Harpenden
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