- 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 train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Hemel Hempstead among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 53m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £30, while a coach costs an average of £36.
Distance: 114 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£30 Average Price Cheapest | £36 Average Price | £23 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 18m Average total duration 2h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Hemel Hempstead:
A train is £7 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Southampton to Hemel Hempstead costing on average £36.
Other travel options to Hemel Hempstead take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 48m.
Tickets start at around £30 compared to roughly £23 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-6.69. The journey takes 2h 23m versus 1h 40m 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.
Compare coach and 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.
Trains from Southampton to Hemel Hempstead run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:14, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 114 km distance in 3h 11m.
Distance 114 km |
Average train duration 2h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 0:14 |
Last train 22:00 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
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 Southampton 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 Southampton to Hemel Hempstead trains use the Southampton Central to Hemel Hempstead station pair. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Hemel Hempstead train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
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