- Must visit
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich’s main museum with natural history, archaeology and local collections, including Egyptian objects and displays on Suffolk’s past.
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Bedford to Ipswich
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£55
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£58
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
6 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
7 h
Buses on 18 Sept
2
Distance
111 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bedford to Ipswich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bedford to Ipswich will cost around £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £55.
Fast coaches
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 buses from Bedford to Ipswich, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 111 km distance in an average of 7 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 55 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
18:157h05Bedford1:20Ipswich£551One-way0 changes- 18:556h55Bedford1:50Ipswich£611One-way0 changes
- 18:556h55Bedford1:50Ipswich£611One-way0 changes
- 18:157h05Bedford1:20Ipswich£551One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bedford to Ipswich
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £43 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £43, while a coach costs an average of £58.
Distance: 111 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£58 Average Price | £43 Average Price Cheapest | £23 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 17m Average total duration 6h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration Fastest 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bedford to Ipswich is a train with an average price of £43.
This is compared to other travel options from Bedford to Ipswich:
A train is £15 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Bedford to Ipswich costing on average £58.
The fastest way to travel from Bedford to Ipswich is by train with an average journey time of 2h 29m.
Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 47m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bedford and Ipswich including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around £58 compared to roughly £23 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-34.70. The journey takes 6h 47m versus 1h 47m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Live departures
Bedford to Ipswich bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Ipswich coaches for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18:55 Bedford | 6h55 | 1:50 Ipswich | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Ipswich by train or coach
Compare train and 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bedford to Ipswich
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Bedford to Ipswich run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £46 but you can travel from only £23 by train.
The earliest coach runs at 04:05, the last at 21:40. The fastest coach covers the 111 km distance in 6h 15m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £23
Distance 111 km |
Average bus duration 6h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £46 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 6h 15m |
First bus 4:05 |
Last bus 21:40 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from £23
Complete guide to Ipswich
Things to do in Ipswich
Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.
- Must visit
Christchurch Mansion
Gallery in Christchurch Mansion showing works by Constable and Gainsborough, plus changing exhibitions in a historic setting.
- Recommended
The Hold: Ipswich Waterfront
Museum on the redeveloped docks telling the story of Ipswich’s maritime trade, industry and local life through interactive displays.
- Must visit
Ipswich Waterfront
Lively regenerated marina with quayside walks, historic warehouses and wide views; ideal for a relaxed stroll by the water.
- Must visit
Christchurch Park
Large public park with formal gardens, ponds and open lawns around Christchurch Mansion; a favourite green escape near the centre.
- Recommended
Cornhill
Historic square at the civic heart of Ipswich, framed by notable buildings and often used for markets, events and seasonal displays.
Suffolk Sausage
A hearty Suffolk pork sausage, traditionally seasoned with sage and pepper. It is a long-standing county speciality often served with mash or in a sandwich.
- Gluten-free
Suffolk Ham
Cured ham from Suffolk, usually dry-cured and sliced thin. It reflects the county’s strong pork-curing tradition and is a popular local deli staple.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Herring
Smoked herring from the nearby Suffolk coast, especially linked with Lowestoft. Traditionally eaten for breakfast or in fish dishes with a deep smoky flavour.
Melekzade
Well-known Turkish restaurant with grilled meats, meze and warm service in a lively yet comfortable dining room.
Indian Knight
Established Indian restaurant known for refined curries and attentive service in an elegant setting.
The Last Anchor
Stylish marina restaurant serving modern British food, steaks and seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a basic lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10% for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Ipswich Buses App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.30
- Day pass
- £4.40
To the city centre
Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema), Ipswich -> Tower Ramparts Bus Station, Ipswich
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless payment is accepted on board Ipswich Buses for single, transfer, return, day and family tickets.
- Town fares apply within the Ipswich town zone; adult Town Single is £2.30 and Town Day is £4.40.
FAQs: Bedford to Ipswich coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Ipswich by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Bedford to Ipswich can start from as little as £46 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Bedford to Ipswich is £58; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Bedford to Ipswich is 6h 15m to travel the 111 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Bedford to Ipswich leaves at 4:05. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Bedford to Ipswich leaves at 21:40.
A trip to Ipswich from Bedford is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Bedford to Ipswich is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bedford and Ipswich including taking a train and coach.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the coach from Bedford to Ipswich.
No, the coach from Bedford to Ipswich has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the coach from Bedford to Ipswich.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the coach from Bedford to Ipswich.
No, luggage for the coach from Bedford to Ipswich needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the coach from Bedford to Ipswich.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Bedford to Ipswich.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the coach from Bedford to Ipswich.
No, there is no WiFi on board the coach from Bedford to Ipswich.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Ipswich
Most Bedford to Ipswich buses use the Bedford, Bus Station to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) station pair. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Ipswich bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Bedford
Arrival bus stations in Ipswich
Bedford, Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Bedford, Bus Station from Bedford city centre
Bus4 · 4m · £2 · every ~7 min
Which Ipswich station do buses from Bedford arrive at?
Buses from Bedford to Ipswich most often arrive at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). Some services arrive at Capel St Mary, Ipswich Road, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Ipswich arrival station.
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)Cardinal Park Cinema, Ipswich IP1 1AX, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) from Ipswich city centre
TRUE
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) bus station facilities and services
Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants available near Cardinal Park Cinema.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema). ATMs are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema): Bus stop accessible for wheelchairs.
More options for your journey from Bedford to Ipswich
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ipswich and Bedford
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