- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
Travel Information
Compare coach for Reading to Hemel Hempstead
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Hemel Hempstead among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £24 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 38m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £24, while a coach costs an average of £42.
Distance: 48 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£24 Average Price Cheapest | £42 Average Price | £10 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 38m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 12m Average total duration 1h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Hemel Hempstead is a train with an average price of £24.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Hemel Hempstead:
A train is £18 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Reading to Hemel Hempstead costing on average £42.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Hemel Hempstead is by train with an average journey time of 1h 8m.
Other travel options to Hemel Hempstead take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 42m.
Yes, you can take a coach between Reading and Hemel Hempstead.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £24 compared to roughly £10 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-14.00. The journey takes 1h 8m versus 58m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Reading to Hemel Hempstead train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Hemel Hempstead trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 14:00 Reading | 1h41 | 15:41 Hemel Hempstead | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Hemel Hempstead by coach
Compare 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.
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Reading to Hemel Hempstead trains with Omio?
Tube as well as West Midlands Trains or Great Western Railway offer trains services from Reading to Hemel Hempstead.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Hemel Hempstead.
Why book with Omio vs Tube?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Tube, but also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Hemel Hempstead.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Why book with Omio over Trainline or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Reading to Hemel Hempstead.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Hemel Hempstead
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Hemel Hempstead run on average 54 times per day, taking around 1h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:14, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 48 km distance in 1h 2m.
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 48 km |
Average train duration 1h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £22 |
Trains per day 54 |
Fastest train 1h 2m |
First train 0:14 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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: West Midlands Trains, Great Western Railway, Tube from Reading to Hemel Hempstead trainsWest Midlands Trains, Great Western Railway, Tube trains will get you between Reading and Hemel Hempstead from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
1h 42m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£22
West Midlands Trains frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
1h 39m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£15
Great Western Railway frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Tube
About
The \Tube\" refers to the London Underground, a rapid transit system serving Greater London and parts of the adjacent home counties. It is operated by London Underground Limited (LUL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transport for London (TfL). Opened in 1863, it was the world's first underground passenger railway. The network, nicknamed \"the Tube\" due to its circular, deep-level tunnels, has 11 lines and 270 stations, covering approximately 250 miles. It carries over a billion passengers annually and is known for its iconic roundel symbol and schematic map."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Tube frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
You can take as much luggage as you can comfortably carry, as long as it's under two meters long and fits within the space beneath your feet or between your legs while seated.
Luggage storage
There are no luggage racks on the Tube, so you'll technically be taking up the space of an actual person with your luggage.
Cancellation Policy
If your Tube journey was delayed by 15 minutes or more for reasons within TfL's control, you can claim a refund for the single pay as you go fare for the delayed journey.
Refund
If your Tube journey is delayed by 15 minutes or more due to reasons within TfL's control, you are entitled to a refund of the single fare for the affected journey.
Amenities on board the train
Food sold onboard
Food is allowed on the Tube, but alcoholic drinks are banned on all TfL services.
USB plugs
Accessibility
Currently 93 Tube stations (more than a third of them) have step-free access, and all DLR stations and tram stops are step-free.
Pets
Dogs and other domestic animals are allowed on the London Underground as long as they are under control, on a leash or in a carrier, and not on the seats.
Complete guide to Hemel Hempstead
Things to do in Hemel Hempstead
Discover the best of Hemel Hempstead — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hemel Hempstead trip today.
- Recommended
Frogmore Paper Mill
A working paper museum nearby at Apsley, exploring the former paper mills with machinery, archives and demonstrations on selected open days.
- Recommended
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
A specialist museum at nearby Leavesden presenting original Harry Potter sets, props and costumes in a large behind-the-scenes studio tour.
- Recommended
Hemel Old Town
The historic high street area with period buildings, independent shops, pubs and regular events; ideal for a walk and a feel for old Hemel.
- Recommended
Gadebridge Park
A large central park with lawns, play areas, sports facilities and the remains of Gadebridge House, popular for relaxed walks.
- Recommended
Grand Union Canal
A scenic canal-side stretch with locks, bridges and waterside paths, well suited to walking, cycling and watching narrowboats pass.
Steak and Kidney Pudding
A suet pastry pudding filled with steak and kidneys, long linked with English pub cooking and still a classic comfort dish in Hertfordshire.
Fish and Chips
Battered white fish with chips is a staple British takeaway and pub meal, widely eaten locally and strongly tied to everyday food culture.
Sunday Roast
Roast beef with roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy and Yorkshire pudding is a traditional Sunday meal commonly served in local pubs and homes.
Meghna
Smart Indian restaurant serving refined curries and grilled dishes in an elegant, established setting.
Kervan Kitchen
Popular Turkish restaurant for charcoal grills, meze and generous portions in a lively modern room.
The Olde Kings Arms
Traditional pub near the Old Town, known for cask ales, British mains and a relaxed historic atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- 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
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.
Intalink
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £5
To the city centre
Hemel Hempstead Station -> Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local buses in Hemel Hempstead are within Hertfordshire’s Intalink network. The current capped single bus fare is £3 on participating operators until March 2027.
- For multiple trips, an Intalink Connect 1-day 1-zone ticket costs £5. Check operator acceptance before travel and use the Intalink app for mobile tickets.
FAQs: Reading to Hemel Hempstead train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Hemel Hempstead can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £24.
The train journey from Reading to Hemel Hempstead covers a distance of 48 km and takes approximately 1h 2m. Trains run 54 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Hemel Hempstead is 48 km.
The first train from Reading to Hemel Hempstead leaves at 0:14.
The last train from Reading to Hemel Hempstead departs at 23:55.
Trains from Reading to Hemel Hempstead run approximately 54 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Hemel Hempstead.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Hemel Hempstead.
To travel from Reading to Hemel Hempstead, you can take a coach.
There is no night train service from Reading to Hemel Hempstead.
The train station in Reading that goes to Hemel Hempstead is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Hemel Hempstead station (HML).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Hemel Hempstead is by train, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from Reading to Hemel Hempstead 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 Hemel Hempstead primarily passes through urban and suburban areas, with views of the countryside in between, offering a moderately scenic experience.
Yes, you can do a day trip from Reading to Hemel Hempstead. The journey takes 1h 2m and covers a distance of 48 km. There are 5 trains per day for this route.
Hemel Hempstead can be explored comfortably in one to two days, allowing time to enjoy its key attractions such as the Old Town, Gadebridge Park, and the Marlowes Shopping Centre.
Yes, you can take the train from Reading to Hemel Hempstead.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Hemel Hempstead
Most Reading to Hemel Hempstead trains use the Reading to Hemel Hempstead station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Hemel Hempstead 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 Hemel Hempstead
Which Reading station do trains to Hemel Hempstead leave from?
Trains from Reading to Hemel Hempstead 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 Hemel Hempstead station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Hemel Hempstead arrive at Hemel Hempstead. Hemel Hempstead is 2 km from Hemel Hempstead city centre.
Hemel HempsteadHemel Hempstead station, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 9BQ+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Hemel Hempstead from Hemel Hempstead city centre
Hemel Hempstead is 1 km from Hemel Hempstead city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus20 · 13m · £2 · every ~8 min
Ml1 · 14m
20 · 16m · £2 · every ~8 min
Hemel Hempstead train station facilities and services
Hemel Hempstead has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Fishery Wharf Cafe
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Hemel Hempstead.
Tickets and information
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.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hemel Hempstead: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hemel Hempstead: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Hemel Hempstead
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Hemel Hempstead and Reading
Most popular train connections to Hemel Hempstead
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
