- 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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Compare prices and tickets Reading to Harpenden by train
Compare 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 Reading to Harpenden trains with Omio?
Thameslink as well as Elizabeth line, Elizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Reading to Harpenden.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Harpenden.
Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Thameslink, but also compare tickets for the likes of Elizabeth line, Elizabeth Line (TfL) or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Harpenden.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Harpenden
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Harpenden run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £59 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:39, the last at 23:17. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 1h 9m.
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 |
Average train duration 1h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £59 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 1h 9m |
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
Train companies: Thameslink, Elizabeth line, Elizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR) from Reading to Harpenden trainsThameslink, Elizabeth line, Elizabeth Line (TfL), Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Reading and Harpenden from £59. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 29m
Cheapest Price
£29
Thameslink frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Family area
Elizabeth line
About
Tfl Rail is a railway service operated by Transport for London in the United Kingdom. It operates on the Great Western Main Line and the Heathrow branch of the London Underground. The service runs from Paddington in London to Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, and Heathrow Airport. It also serves the towns of Taplow, Burnham, Twyford, and Hayes & Harlington. All trains are air-conditioned and feature onboard Wi-Fi, power sockets, and digital information screens. Tfl Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and Oyster cards. Oyster cards are the most popular ticket type, allowing passengers to pay for their journey with a single card. The most popular routes for Tfl Rail are Paddington to Reading, Paddington to Maidenhead, and Paddington to Heathrow Airport. These routes offer frequent services and provide passengers with a convenient way to travel between London and the surrounding areas.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 12m
Cheapest Price
£43
Elizabeth line frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included with ticket
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available through TfL website or customer service
Refund
Full refund available for service cancellations
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
No dedicated dining car. Passengers can bring their own food and drinks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Step-free access at most stations, wheelchair spaces on trains, priority seating
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be leashed. Guide dogs welcome
Quiet zone
Family area
Elizabeth Line (TfL)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 33m
Cheapest Price
£60
Elizabeth Line (TfL) frequency
2 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 9m
Cheapest Price
£59
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 cost of a train ticket from Reading to Harpenden can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £59, while the average price tends to be around £64.
The train journey from Reading to Harpenden covers a distance of 58 km and takes approximately 1h 9m. Trains run 7 per day.
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.
Trains from Reading to Harpenden run approximately 7 times per day.
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.
To travel from Reading to Harpenden, you can take a train.
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).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Harpenden is by train, costing approximately £59.
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.
A day trip from Reading to Harpenden is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 9m. However, there are 5 trains per day for this route. The distance is 58 km.
A visit to Harpenden can typically be enjoyed in 1 to 2 days, allowing time to explore the local parks, shops, and dining options in this charming town.
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.
Reading Green ParkReading RG2 6AU, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading Green Park from Reading city centre
Reading Green Park is 3 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainReading - Basingstoke · 6m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus9 · 39m · £2 · every ~3 min
Reading Green Park train station facilities and services
Reading Green Park has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading Green Park.
Which Harpenden station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Harpenden most often arrive at Harpenden. Some services arrive at Luton DART Parkway, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Harpenden arrival station.
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.
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
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