Is Hemel Hempstead a city?

No, it is a large town in Hertfordshire.

How far is the drive?

Approximately 50 miles via the M25.

It can be congested during morning and evening rush hours.

What is the best rail operator?

London Northwestern Railway serves Hemel Hempstead station.

Orpington

Hemel Hempstead

Train Driving

Orpington to Hemel Hempstead

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Orpington to Hemel Hempstead involves navigating the western side of the M25 motorway. By train, you will travel via London Victoria or Euston, taking approximately 2 hours. Driving is the most direct method, utilizing the M25 and M1 motorways. Hemel Hempstead is a major town in Hertfordshire known for its New Town architecture. This route is popular for commuters moving between Kent and the northern Home Counties.

Total Distance: 85 km driving distance and 70 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving during off-peak hours is significantly faster than public transport.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper for groups of two or more people.

Compare Orpington to Hemel Hempstead Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	2 hours 10 mins	1 hour 30 mins
Avg Price	22-30 GBP	20-25 GBP fuel
Operator	Southeastern and London Northwestern	N/A
Route	Orpington to London Victoria, then tube to Euston, then train to Hemel.	M25 motorway to Junction 20, then A41.
Tip	Allow 30 minutes for the transfer across London.	The A41 is a fast dual carriageway leading directly into town.

Travel Tips

M25 Traffic
Use a live traffic app to check for accidents near the M1 interchange.
Train Tickets
Book in advance to secure cheaper Advance tickets.
Parking
The Water Gardens car park is central and convenient.
Tube Transfers
The Victoria line is the fastest way to get from Victoria to Euston.
Off-Peak Travel
Travel after 9:30 AM to avoid the most expensive rail fares.